Mount Kazbek is a dormant volcano located on the border of Georgia’s Kazbegi District and Russia’s Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. It is the seventh highest summit in the Caucasus mountains, and the third highest peak in Georgia. It lies just west of the town Stepantsminda.
The name “Kazbek” is a Russian name. It was given to the mountain by Russians who inhabited the northern side. It’s original, native name is Georgian: Mkinvartsveri, which means “mountain with a frozen peak”.
The first to ascend Mount Kazbek were D. W. Freshfield, A. W. Moore, and C. Tucker of the London Alpine Club in 1868. A Georgian scientist, G. Nikoladze, made a significant mark in Georgian mountaineering when he ascended to the peak of Kazbek in 1923.
In Legend and Mythology
The legend of Prometheus being tied to a rock by Zeus is believed by some to have been on Mount Kazbek. In this myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods, and showed it to mankind. Zeus was furious about this, and decided to tie Prometheus to the side of Mount Kazbek and send a bird to eat his liver. Several mountains are believed to be possible locations of this legend: Mount Elbrus in Southern Russia, or perhaps some other mountain in the Caucasus.
According to Georgian legend, the story takes place on Kazbek for sure, or Mkinvartsveri as they call it. There is a Georgian version of this myth, not identical, but very similar. In this version, a heroic figure named Amirani challenges God, and is imprisoned on Mkinvartsveri as a result. Amirani is considered to be the Georgian representation of Prometheus.
Historical Landmarks
About 4000 meters above sea level, there lies a cave on the mountain, called Betlemi (Georgian for “Bethlehem”). This cave is often believed to have been the resting place of Jesus’ manger and Abraham’s tent. Later, a monastery was built in this cave, and was used by orthodox monks. There is a legend about Betlemi. When Mongols invaded Georgia, Georgian warriors fled to this cave to hide their country’s most valuable things. Once they hid them in the cave, they vowed to keep the location secret. In fact, their vow was so strong that they killed themselves to insure its secrecy. Betlemi then became a sacred place that held church treasury, and served as a monastery for orthodox monks. It was closed off by an iron gate, and the only way to get in was by a long iron chain.
Not on the mountain, but nearby, stands the old monastery of Saint Trinity Sameba. It was built in the 14th century, and lies on a hill above the Kazbegi village. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino’s Cross were brought here for safekeeping.
The Geography and Geology of Kazbek
Kazbek is a dormant stratovolcano. It is considered potentially active, but for sure it is dormant these days. It is part of the Khokh Mountain Range, running North of the Greater Caucasus Range. The region is highly active tectonically, as it lies on a fault called the Borjomi-Kazbeki fault. Small earthquakes happen semi-frequently in the area. The environment right around the mountain has hot springs. In 1979, the Soviet Government declared the area around Kazbek as a nature reserve, including beech forests, subalpine forests, alpine meadows, and various plants and animal species.
Climbing Kazbek
Climbing Mount Kazbek is a bit of a challenge. Not the most challenging of all mountains, but enough to need preparation and physical endurance. It is difficult because of its high altitude, and the possible rough weather conditions. However, it is doable enough to be your first experience ascending a mountain that rises more than 5000 meters above sea level. Therefore, previous high mountaineering experience is needed. However, you will need to be physically in shape and prepared to know what to do in rough weather and emergency situations. Acclimatization is necessary before making the rush to the summit, as is true for anyone climbing a high mountain, especially newcomers. One other things is very important, and that is that you have the proper gear and clothing. You need mountain boots, specially made for mountain climbs. You need warm layers, as it the weather can be unpredictable. And, regular mountain climbing equipment, such as an ice axe, rope, and harness, are necessary.
So, there are many good reasons to go to Mount Kazbek. It’s not just a high mountain to climb, but its prominence and majesty has earned it legends, stories, and different names. It is a significant Georgian landmark, as well as a significant sight for the many who can see it from a distance. Take a trek up Kazbek and try to imagine yourself as one of the warriors heading to the cave, or a monk reaching his monastery. Look at the eagles, hawks and falcons, and remember Prometheus’ punishment. Have your own unique experience on this magnificent mountain.
Photos by Tigran Shahbazyan
Video by Gagik Sargsyan
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