How high is Kazbegi Mountain?
In the summer of 2018, the first European-style mountain hut in Georgia and in Caucasus, “Altihut 3014” was constructed and started operation. Situated at an altitude of 3,014 meters above sea level, it has since welcomed numerous international and local visitors. During their stay, almost all guests had the same question: What is the actual height of Mount Kazbek?
Unfortunately, we have not been able to provide a definitive answer, as existing resources report two official measurements. Even consultations with relevant specialists have failed to yield a consistent or substantiated response. During our further exploration of this matter, we uncovered the history of measuring the peak’s altitude. The first measurement dates back to the 1960s, followed by an unofficial re-measurement in the 1980s. However, these two measurements differ: 5,033.8 meters and 5,047 meters above sea level, respectively.
Thus, the idea emerged to accurately determine and measure the true height of Georgia’s most popular peak. Once and for all! The concept was initiated by David Chichinadze, a founding partner of Altihut 3014, and under his leadership, consultations regarding the idea began in April of 2018. In the early stages, the newly established “Caucasus Ski Touring Network” joined the discussions, immediately endorsing the initiative. Shortly thereafter, plans for a measurement expedition were finalized.
Mount Kazbek holds significant touristic importance in Georgia, ranking as the fifth-highest peak in the Caucasus and Europe. Determining its precise altitude is undoubtedly a matter of great importance.
The expedition was scheduled for May 26, 2019, symbolically aligning with Georgia’s Independence Day, to mark the precise measurement of the peak’s height on this significant date. The team consisted of professional and experienced mountaineers, as well as specialists in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The members of the expedition were: David Chichinadze, George Gotsiridze, Giorgi Shengelia, Nino Kiviladze, Giorgi Tsiskaridze and Nika Lebanidze; accompanying the expedition were two invited journalists Andrew North from The Guardian and Rati Amaglobeli from National Geographic Georgia.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the ascent to Mount Kazbek and data collection were only completed on May 27. Subsequently, the data was processed and compared with the elevation model of the National Public Registry. Following the refinement and official confirmation of the exact measurements, the new altitude – 5,054 meters above sea level – was officially registered in the relevant registry in July 2019.
Every participant in the expedition played a vital role, with responsibilities distributed equally. However, it must be emphasized, that without MagtiCom and their reliable signal, the height measurement would not have been possible. This success is largely credited to two individuals, Mr. Giorgi Shengelia and Mr. Giorgi Tsiskaridze. Notably, these individuals were also instrumental in ensuring high-quality mobile connectivity at this altitude, enabling seamless communication from Altihut 3014, Since 2018, thanks to this network, Altihut has facilitated ten successful rescue operations in 2018 and since then, this place has become more safe and secure for the tourists and visitors.
After refining the concept, the expedition gained numerous key supporters without whom this project could not have achieved such high standards. We are particularly pleased that several successful Georgian companies made significant contributions, both directly and through sponsorship.
- National Agency of Public Registry
- Georgian National Tourism Administration
- National Geographic Magazine – Georgia
- Altitude – Altihut 3014
- Geographic
- Terragraphics
- Geoland
- Kazbegi Helicopters
- Bethlehem Hut
- MagtiCom
- JSC Georgian Beer Company (Zedazeni)
- JSC Sakcable and Schneider Electric
- LLC Caparol
- Mogzauri, Mogzauri+ and MPlus
We are proud to have collaborated with such accomplished professionals, whose direct involvement made this important project a reality. Now, the focus shifts to other high-altitude points, of which Georgia has an abundance. This process will significantly enhance the visibility of our country’s tourism potential, particularly in the development of cultural and adventure tourism.