Kazbek from the north: Genaldon hot springs to Bivouac 3700: hiking in Caucasus
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Kazbek from the north: Genaldon hot springs to Bivouac 3700

Distance
5.2 km
Time
3 h 56 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
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Route description

Above the hot springs in the upper Genaldon valley, a different Caucasus begins: Mayli Glacier, stony slopes and narrow passages of Kazbek’s northern approach gradually replace the comfort of the lower campsite. This stage reaches the upper bivouacs, where glacier surroundings and distance from inhabited places become the defining impressions. A memorial cross along the way invites a pause and a reminder that mountains demand attention to personal limits as well as curiosity. The continuation to the upper site suits prepared mountain travellers with an experienced leader. Glacier and rock passages change, so weather, group preparation and inspection of specific sections govern the plan. This stage does not reach Kazbek’s summit.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Explore Kazbek’s northern approach between the Genaldon hot springs and upper bivouacs. Mayli Glacier and the memorial cross give the stage its character, alongside the need for preparation and a plan agreed with your leader.
Length
5.2 km
Elevation gain
1452 m
Surface
Нет данных
Kazbek from the north: Genaldon hot springs to Bivouac 3700: route photo 3 in Caucasus

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - No By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data A preliminary walking approach is required to reach the springs; vehicles do not deliver you there. Glacier, rock and snow sections make the complete stage unsuitable for an ordinary family outing, pets, bicycles or strollers. Specific legal dog-admission rules have not been established; No describes the full route’s unsuitability. Do not rely on continuous mobile reception without an independent check.

Nearby

The Genaldon hot springs are this stage’s lower departure area, but their approach and a stay beside them need separate time. Continuing to the Kazbek plateau or summit is another mountaineering undertaking with a different workload and plan. Leave historical sites in the Karmadon valley for before the mountain journey or after the complete descent.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Regular service directly to the springs is not part of the confirmed access plan. The mountaineering federation identifies vehicle access to Tmenikau followed by a walking approach to the springs. Arrange delivery to that lower approach and collection independently; a public-transport timetable to Tmenikau has not been confirmed.
By car
The mountaineering federation places the vehicle approach in the Tmenikau area, followed by a footpath to the springs. Establish the exact available drop-off location, road conditions and required permissions before travelling. The upper bivouacs are not vehicle-access locations.
Parking
Dedicated parking for this stage has not been confirmed. Arrange any vehicle space at the lower approach with your local hosts beforehand; do not obstruct passages, bridges or traffic.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Mayli Glacier The glacier associated with Kazbek’s northern approach. Travel beside or across its ice requires condition checks and appropriate protection.
Memorial Cross on Kazbek’s Northern Approach A cross with memorial plaques to people who died in the mountains stands beside traditional bivouacs. Pause here respectfully.
Bivouac 3700 A small upper site on the northern approach, described as a possible bivouac. Neither available space nor water is guaranteed.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1452 м.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Expect a glacier crossing, steep rock and scree, snow sections and old fixed cables. Their presence in a published description does not confirm present condition or passage without your own protection. Travel with a leader able to assess snow, ice and rockfall-prone slopes; select equipment and protection for actual conditions. Check border requirements before travelling, register the plan and arrange safe retreat. Reaching the upper site requires prior acclimatisation.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 3 h 56 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
For a prepared, acclimatised group, allow a complete walking day, approximately 7–10 hours from the springs to the upper bivouacs, with substantial weather reserve. This is an editorial estimate for a separate stage; full-ascent organisers usually spread the lower approach and altitude gain over several days. Return to the springs, the walk to Tmenikau and onward travel are excluded. Agree the upper overnight plan and water supply with your leader: neither free tent space nor available water is guaranteed.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Consider this approach within a summer mountain plan, in settled weather and with checked glacier conditions. The original material dates from August, but an earlier visit does not establish today’s admission or snow conditions. Spring snow, early autumn and winter require different preparation; do not transfer a summer plan automatically. After snowfall or heavy rain, assess hazardous sections before deciding to leave.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain boots and clothing for cold, wind and rain.
A helmet, harness and protection equipment selected with your leader.
Crampons, an ice axe and rope equipment for expected snow and ice sections.
Water, food and reserves for delays.
A map, headlamp, group communications, first-aid supplies and required documents.
A tent and overnight equipment if the stage ends at an upper camp.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Regular service directly to the springs is not part of the confirmed access plan. The mountaineering federation identifies vehicle access to Tmenikau followed by a walking approach to the springs. Arrange delivery to that lower approach and collection independently; a public-transport timetable to Tmenikau has not been confirmed

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 5.2 km, hard.

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