S H K H A R A
S o u t h P e a k 4320 m.
DURATION > 8 Days
PRICE > From 1100 €
GROUP SIZE > Max 2 Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL > Moderate
Shkhara (5,203) located in Svaneti region. Highest mountain in Georgia and one of the most difficult to reach mountains in the Caucasus. It ranks second in Europe after Elbrus, along with Dykh-Tau. In Svan language, it means nine-headed mountain.
The southern peak is the little brother of the central range of Shkhara. It is on the southern slope of the mountain at 4,320 m.
The expedition allows you to get to know the diverse, historical region of Upper Svaneti and the most grandiose slopes of the Caucasus, to see and touch them up close. There are three routes up the South Ridge, of which the classic route is the South Ridge, difficulty 3a Uiaa III.
Skhara South, the first winter ascent via south-southwest ridge did “CAUCASUS HIGHLIGHTS” founders and guides in 2015.
https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201214186
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The first winter ascent to the southern summit, as well as the first winter ascent of the grandiose South Wall of Shkhara, belong directly to the founders and guides of our company.
https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201214186
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Fitness
The route requires good, intensive physical preparation in advance. Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition.
Technical
It is necessary to know the technique of working with a rope and the organization of protection, a basic level of rock and ice climbing.
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Day 1 : Arrive Kutaisi \ Tbilisi. You will be meet at the airport by a Caucasus Adventures representative and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2 : Travel to Ushguli. In the morning, we will check all equipment. We sort and organize our gear and supplies, departure.
Accommodation in a hotel.
Day 3 : Base Camp (3300 m). We transfer to 4WD vehicles for the last 6km (about 25 minute) Then we make the 4 - hour hike to the Base Camp.
Overnight in tents.
Day 4 : Summit Day. Climb moderately difficult pitches of rock, follows thru the summit. Descent same route to the Base Camp. Overnight in tent.
Day 5 : Descend to Ushguli. Transfer to the village. Accommodation in a hotel.
Day 6 : Reserve Day.
Day 7 : Drive to Kutaisi \ Tbilisi. We travel by 4WD vehicles back to the town. Accommodation in a hotel.
Day 8 : Departure.
Transfer to the airport (Kutaisi-Tbilisi).
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Available : July - August
Guide Ratio 1:2
| Group size: max. 2 person |
Group of 1 – 1940 €
Group of 2 – 1430 €
Group of 3 and more –1100 €
Costs Include:
Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel
All accommodations and transportation during the program on a regular itinerary
Tents, ropes, and other group climbing equipment
All expedition logistics including climbing permits
All expedition staff including mountain guide and local support staff
All breakfast and dinners while climbing (snacks not included)
Costs Do Not Include:
Food or dining outside of the climbing period
Personal clothing and equipment
Personal travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and medical or security evacuation insurance
Personal climbing equipment
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Mountaineering Gear
Expedition Backpack: Approximately 45 L +. Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
Trekking Poles: With Snow Baskets
Ice Axe: For technical mountaineering and ice climbing
Crampons: General mountaineering crampons
Climbing Helmet: Must be able to fit over your warm hat
Alpine Climbing Harness: Mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops.
Carabineers: 2 regular and 4 locking
Belay/Rappel Device
Headlamp : With extra sets of new batteries
Duffel Bag with Lock: For transporting gear and storing street clothes, etc. at hotel/car
Footwear
Mountaineering Boots: For alpine and ice climbing.
Mountaineering wool Socks
Sleeping Bag
Rated to at least -15
Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: Full length is preferred
Clothing- Essentials
Hard Shell Jacket with Hood: Waterproof and breathable shell jacket
Hard Shell Pants: Waterproof and breathable shell pants
Insulation Layers
Insulated Down or Synthetic Jacket with hood
Insulated Pants
Headwear: Warm Hat, synthetic or wool hat
Balaclava: To protect your neck and face in high winds
Cap: To shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day.
Buff: To protect your neck/face from the sun
Eyewear: Glacier Glasses, full protection with side covers or wrap-around, protection for 3-4th category.
Gloves: Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves, for wearing on warm days
Soft Shell Gloves: To wear for moderate cold/wind
Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: To wear for severe cold/strong wind
Thermos (optional): 1-liter
Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
Lip Screen: SPF 40
Thermos (optional): 1-liter
Sunscreen: SPF 40 or better
Lip Screen: SPF 30 or better
Small Personal First-aid Kit: Includes athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, etc.
Medications and Prescriptions: Bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.
