Kuluar opens the "big" mountains to the strong and brave. Our climbing team will be a guide to the highest mountain peaks in the world, making the climbs safe and interesting. We want to make climbing affordable, comfortable and safe because we understand the risks involved.
With Kuluar guides you can take your first steps in the world of mountaineering, climbing a relatively easy 5,000 m peak, or go to the highest and most technically difficult peaks on the planet, up to Everest!
Table of contents
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54
climbs
24
team leaders involved
336
climbed mountains with us
3
hikes didn't meet expectations
333
are satisfied and want more
8 reasons to climb mountains with us:
WE RESPECT AND LOVE MOUNTAINS
There is no place for conveyors in our work, each climbing we approach individually, with great care and attention. Only coordinated work of all climbing organizers and guides helps to make the participants happy:)
THE BEST TEAM LEADERS
Our climbing guides have enormous experience, as well as a lot of achievements and awards. The head guide is Nikita Balabanov, climber on Everest and Annapurna III, holder of the "Golden Ice-axe", the most prestigious award in the world of mountaineering.
MEMBERS’ SAFETY IS THE MAIN PRIORITY
We do our best to make our members achieve their goals and climb the summit. But the safety of each of you comes first, and that is the main concern of our guides. In our high mountain trips, great attention is paid to acclimatization and the state of health of the participants.
CLIMBING GUARANTEE
We always go to the mountains, even if the number of participants is minimal. As for the ascent to the summit itself, much depends on weather conditions.
ONLY INTERESTING PROGRAMMES
For our climbing we choose either iconic mountains (e.g. the highest mountains on the continents – Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua), or simply interesting and beautiful peaks (such as Island Peak in Nepal). All the time we try to go higher and further and invite you to come with us!
DISCOUNTS AND BONUSES
Of course, climbing high mountains is a very expensive activity. In order to reduce your expenses, we constantly offer different discounts and loyalty programs for experienced travelers. In addition, we take care of your equipment and help you with the selection. On top of that, we have discounts for members of our hikes in stores in Ukraine.
PREPARATION ASSISTANCE
At the preliminary stage, you can count on our full assistance: from choosing equipment to help in buying airline tickets.
REVIEWS OF MEMBERS
We recommend you reading the reviews of those who have already hiked with us in the mountains. And there are a lot of these people.
Kuluar – your life changing mountain experience!
Climbs in the Caucasus
Climbing Kazbek
Kazbek is the legendary five-thousandth peak on the border of Russia and Georgia. Our climbing takes place from the Georgian side. Physically the trek is a little easier than climbing Mount Elbrus, but here you will have to go in a rope team: for a successful climb to the mountain you will have to make sufficient physical and mental effort. In addition to Kazbek on this trip you can meet with the culture of hospitable Georgia and explore its beautiful capital Tbilisi. And after the end of the program, you can have a good rest at the Black Sea. More information about the route you can find on the page of climbing Kazbek.
The main climbing season in Kazbek falls in summer and early autumn, but for experienced climbers we have a winter program.
And for those who want to increase their chances for a successful climb and forget about all the organizational issues, we offer VIP climbing to Kazbek. We've got the most comfortable conditions for the members of the programme: from individual hotel rooms in Tbilisi to the best climbing guides with the highest success rate on the mountain.
Height: 5 033 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 4/10
Cost: from 490 $
Climbing Laila and Tetnuldi
Tetnuldi (4,869 m) – is one of the most beautiful peaks and a real calling card of Svaneti, shaped as a regular pyramid. Technical difficulty of the climb on Tetnuldi is somewhat higher than on Kazbek and Elbrus. That is why climbers will need basic skills of working with mountaineering equipment, which they will be able to get at the beginning of the route.
Laila (4,008 m) is another four-thousand meter peak, the highest mountain in the Svaneti Range. Its summit is considered one of the best viewpoints in the area, and the climb will be an excellent acclimatization before summiting Tetnuldi. For beginners who are just getting to know the world of high mountains, it is possible to participate with the climbing only on Laila.
We recommend climbing Laila and Tetnuldi to everyone, who wants to get to the beautiful and interesting four-thousanders, to improve or get skills of mountaineering, as well as to visit the distinctive Svaneti, famous for its stone towers.
Altitude: 4 869 m
High altitude difficulty: 4/10
Technical difficulty: 5/10
Climbing in the Alps
Climbing Mont Blanc (classical route)
Mont Blanc (4,810 m) is the birthplace of mountaineering and one of the most famous mountains in the world. Along with Elbrus, it is included in the list of "Seven Peaks" – the highest points of the continents. In addition, Mont Blanc is located in a very picturesque area of the Alps with a very developed infrastructure. You can get to its foot very quickly and easily from several major cities in France, Italy and Switzerland. The climb to the top itself has a moderate difficulty (compared to our other programs). All this makes the peak very popular with travelers of all categories: from lovers of passive rest, who limit themselves to climbing on one of the cable cars, to experienced climbers who choose difficult and non-trivial routes to the peak.
We will climb to the top of Mont Blanc along the classic route from France through the famous Gouter Refuge. We start in the capital of world mountaineering – the town of Chamonix. Acclimatization and training sessions will be held in the neighborhood of the Albert I hut on the Le Tour glacier. Then we return to Chamonix and climb to the summit via the Tete Rousse and Gouter huts. The entire program, with a reserve day included, takes 8 days.
Altitude: 4 810 m
High altitude difficulty: 4/10
Technical difficulty: 5/10
Cost: from 1290 €
Climbing Mont Blanc – Italian ridge
Climbing Mont Blanc – Italian ridge The route of the climbing to Mont Blanc from Italy is considered a little more difficult, but also more interesting and safer than the classic one. There are also significantly fewer climbers here. You'll have to do a lot of cramponing over a variety of terrain, as well as use other climbing equipment.
We start, as in the classic version, in Chamonix, France, in the surrounding area where we'll do some training and acclimatization climbing. Then we drive through the Italian town Courmayeur to the village Val Veni. There we start the hiking part of the climb to Mont Blanc. We will climb through the shelter Gonella, which will be reached by glacier and via ferrata. In the area of the Vallot refuge, the route converges with the French and the number of climbers on the trail increases significantly. We descend from the summit along the ascent route.
The duration of the program is 9 days. If you are not confident in your abilities or if you want to improve your skills of moving on snow-ice slopes, we recommend attending training at our Carpathian Mountaineering School.
Altitude: 4 810 m
High altitude difficulty: 4/10
Technical difficulty: 5/10
Cost: from 1050 €
Ascent of the Gran Paradiso and traverse of Mont Blanc
This program gives you the opportunity to climb two alpine peaks – the Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) and Mont Blanc (4,810 m). The first of them is the highest mountain located entirely in Italy and the only Italian four thousand meter peak. Gran Paradiso is located in a very beautiful national park, which will be one of the decorations of the route. The mountain also boasts the unusual rock relief of the summit and the statue of the Madonna mounted on it.
For the second part of the trip, we will climb Mont Blanc from Chamonix, having previously moved to France. The highlight will be the climb up the legendary cable car Aiguille du Midi, which until recently was considered the highest in the world. Then we will traverse the 3 peaks of Mont Blanc, each exceeding 4,000 meters in height.
If you want to improve your mountaineering skills, visit two countries and climb two famous peaks, you should choose the climbing of the Gran Paradiso and the traverse of Mont Blanc. And beginners have the opportunity to take part only in the first part of the program, which includes the Gran Paradiso.
Altitude: 4 810 m
High altitude difficulty: 4/10
Technical difficulty: 4/10
Cost: from 1350 €
Climbing the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn (4,478 m) is a famous four-thousand meter peak located on the border of Italy and Switzerland and is a regular four-sided pyramid. It is one of the most recognizable mountains on the planet. The peak is as beautiful as it is difficult: only experienced climbers should consider climbing it. Despite its relatively low altitude, the Matterhorn has a high technical difficulty: climbers will have to overcome various forms of rocky terrain, move on a rope, use crampons and belaying systems.
We climb the Matterhorn from the Italian side along the Lyon ridge. We start in Cervinia and after training and acclimatization we start climbing the Matterhorn through the Abruzzi and Carrel huts. Due to the high difficulty, there are not more than two participants per team leader. Also, 1.5 reserve days are provided in case the weather gets worse. Both high-altitude and technical experience are required to participate in the program. If you do not have the latter experience, we suggest that you take snow-ice and rock climbing lessons.
Altitude: 4 478 m
High altitude difficulty: 4/10
Technical difficulty: 7/10
Cost: from 1550 €
Climbing the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc
A program for those who want to climb the two most iconic peaks of the Alps – Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn – in a single trip. The first is the highest mountain in Europe (not including the Caucasus), the second is one of the most beautiful and recognizable peaks in the world. The climbs will be held on less popular routes from Italy, which will add vivid impressions to the program.
On Mont Blanc, we will climb by the Italian route through the Gonella hut. On the Matterhorn – on the ridge of Lyon through the Carrel hut. In general, there will be a very rich and interesting program: we will visit two countries, the world capital of mountaineering (Chamonix), we will enjoy the beauty of the green Italian side of Mont Blanc, and we will gain unforgettable experience with special equipment on technically difficult routes. For safety reasons, there is a maximum of two participants per team leader on the Matterhorn, and a maximum of three on Mont Blanc. We take into groups only participants with enough technical and high-altitude mountain experience.
Altitude: 4 810 m
High altitude difficulty: 4/10
Technical difficulty: 7/10
Cost: from 1630 €
Climbing in Turkey and the Middle East
Climbing Ararat
Ararat (5,165 m) is the highest peak in Turkey and one of the most accessible 5,000 m high mountains. Climbing does not require any special skills or equipment: a good physical form is enough. You should remember about the religious status of the mountain: Ararat is not only a sacred peak and a symbol of Armenia, but is also mentioned in the Bible as the place where Noah's Ark landed.
The main feature of climbing Ararat – is full service and maximum comfort. Your personal and group belongings will be taken up the mountain by horses, the cooking will be done by a team of cooks and the camping will be set up by a local guide team. The tour begins with a leisurely hike up the slopes of the dormant volcano and views of the surrounding valleys.
In addition to climbing, we will learn about the life and culture of eastern Turkey and the people who live here. We will also visit the famous palace of Itskhaka Pasha, and the largest lake of soda in the world, Lake Van.
Altitude: 5 165 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 2/10
Cost: 790 €
For those who want to climb the winter five-thousander for the first time, we offer the Ararat Winter Climbing Program. It is more complicated and has additional requirements regarding climbing experience and equipment. If you feel brave, join us!
Climbing Erciyas
Erciyas (3,864 m) is another dormant volcano in Turkey attracting climbers from around the world. It is relatively low, but very beautiful and also located in one of the most popular tourist regions of the country – Cappadocia. This place is famous for its unique rock formations and monasteries, multi-level underground cities, picturesque valleys and, of course, balloon flights! Erciyas climb – is therefore a great opportunity to combine relatively easy but interesting ascent with excursions to one of the most interesting regions of Turkey.
As for the ascent itself, we will climb along not the most trivial route from the north. To do this we will have to overcome the high plateau Sutdonduran and the glacier. Beginners will gain important experience in crampons in varied terrain and basic mountaineering skills.
Altitude: 3 864 m
High altitude difficulty: 3/10
Technical difficulty: 1/10
Cost: from 510 €
Climbing Demavend
Demavend (5,610 m) is the highest mountain in Iran and also the highest volcano in Asia! Climbing it is technically easy and does not require any special skills or equipment. Moreover, Demavend is considered one of the most accessible five-thousanders along with Ararat. Do not forget that the peak is located in Iran – an incredibly interesting and original country with a friendly population and many attractions. With all this, the program of climbing Demavend – is a real must do for all travelers and mountain lovers.
Our route is fully serviced: the price includes all transfers, accommodation in hotels, three meals a day during climbing, mules to take personal and group equipment, permissions, and airport pickup. Lovers of climbing in comfort will be satisfied! Participants will also have the opportunity to experience life in Tehran and ride the cable car. And after the end of the program, we advise to visit the cities of Isfahan or Yazd and enjoy their architectural masterpieces by all means.
Altitude: 5 610 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 2/10
Cost: from 800 €
Climbing in Dahab
Most travelers associate Egypt with all-inclusive hotels and beach holidays. Few people know that close to the popular resort of Sharm El Sheikh in the vicinity of the town of Dahab there is a wonderful area for climbing and mountaineering. The granite peaks of Dahab have been explored by climbers from Europe and other parts of the world for decades. There are rock routes for every taste: both beginners and experienced climbers who decided to discover a new region will be satisfied.
In addition to climbing in Dahab, you can explore the rich cultural heritage and rich history of the area. The area is home to the oldest monastery of St. Catherine, as well as Mount Moses. Legend says it was here that Moses received the tablets with the Ten Commandments.
After climbing in Dahab you can continue your rest at the sea: windsurfing, diving, kitesurfing or just lying on the beach.
High altitude difficulty: 1/10
Technical difficulty: 6/10
Climbing in Africa
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is a legendary mountain. It is the highest point in Africa, one of the Seven Summits, the highest separately standing peak and one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world! Despite all these impressive regalia, climbing Kilimanjaro is relatively easy: you do not need special skills and equipment. The main difficulty is the height, because you have to climb nearly six-thousand meter. But don't worry about it: we have an excellent acclimatization program which allows minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. If you have good physical shape, you may climb Kili even without any previous experience.
The service on the mountain is worth mentioning because it's almost the best in the world. Local guides will cook food, carry your bags and make accommodations for overnight stays, leaving you to enjoy the views.
In addition to climbing Kilimanjaro our program includes a safari in the national parks of Tanzania, which can be just as impressive as the mountain part of the tour. And after all these adventures, the participants will rest on the white beaches of Zanzibar.
Altitude: 5895 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 2/10
Cost: from 2850 $
Climbing Toubkal
Toubkal (4,167 m) is the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains and all of northern Africa. At a relatively high altitude, this mountain is not particularly difficult for climbers. It can be climbed without prior experience and long training. However, the air at this altitude is already relatively thin, which makes climbing Toubkal a great opportunity to test yourself in high altitude conditions and decide if you are interested in even more challenging and higher peaks. Toubkal can also be seen as a very good option as your first four-thousanders.
Our program includes far more than just the mountain part. A full journey through the amazing Morocco awaits you! A swim in the Atlantic Ocean, the beautiful port of Essaouira, the mysterious Marrakech, the Berber city of Ouarzazate, a ride on a camel and an overnight stay in the Sahara, are only some of what awaits you in this colorful country. A great opportunity to combine an interesting educational trip with an easy climb.
Altitude: 4 167 m
High altitude difficulty: 3/10
Technical difficulty: 2/10
Climbing in the Pamirs
Climbing Lenin Peak
Pamirs is located in the heart of the highest mountainous region of the Earth. The highest mountain systems of the planet, such as the Himalayas, the Karokoram, the Kunlun, the Hindu Kush and the Tianshan, spread out from it in different directions.
Lenin Peak (7,134 m) is the third-highest peak of the Pamirs and one of the most accessible seventhousanders on the planet. The peak is located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Despite the relative accessibility, the climbing of Lenin Peak is very difficult and is possible only for those of strong body and spirit. The wind and cold are the hardest, and every step on the way to the summit will be a real self-transcendence.
We will climb via the classical northern route from Kyrgyzstan, which starts in the town of Osh. The program includes several reserve days in case of bad weather, which greatly increases the chances of a successful climb. In the first part of the program, training sessions will be held, where you will be able to improve your climbing skills and work with the special equipment. Nevertheless, to participate, you need to have experience in climbing and mountain hiking at altitudes of five thousand meters and higher. We also recommend climbing Kazbek as preliminary acclimatization.
Altitude: 7134 m
High altitude difficulty: 7/10
Technical difficulty: 5/10
Cost: from 2000 $
Climbing Lenin Peak and Khan-Tengry
This program for experienced climbers includes two famous Central Asian peaks. Lenin Peak (7,134 m) is one of the most accessible peaks above 7,000 m and third-highest peak of the Pamirs. Khan Tengri (7,010 m) is a famous pyramidal mountain, the northernmost peak and the second-highest peak of the Tan-Shan.
Our program will first include climbing the less difficult Peak Lenin, getting acclimatized before the more difficult Khan-Tengry. This peak is comparable to Matterhorn in its technical complexity, but at the same time it is 2.5 thousand meters higher! So, we take only experienced climbers, who are confident in their abilities and have experience in mountains higher than 5000 m and in technical climbing.
There are two main routes on Khan-Tengry – northern and southern. The first one is more physically demanding but less dangerous. The southern one is easier, but it implies the possibility of avalanches, from which there is no place to hide. So we will climb from the north over the shoulder of Peak Chapaev. Lenin Peak and Khan-Tengry climbing program is long (36 days) and requires thorough preparation and planning.
Altitude: 7134 m
High altitude difficulty: 8/10
Technical difficulty: 7/10
Cost: 3500 $
Climbing in Nepal
Climbing in South America and Mexico
Climbing Aconcagua
Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the entire Southern Hemisphere, located on the border of Argentina and Chile. Without it, the famous Seven Summits program would not be possible. The mountain barely reaches 7,000 meters (6,962 m), and climbing to such a height is a risky task. Although technically the climb is quite easy, there are strong winds on Aconcagua, which can disrupt participants' plans.
We climb the classic route, which starts in the town of Mendoza. From there, participants move to Punte del Inca, where the entrance to Aconcagua National Park is and the hiking part of the climb begins. We then follow the chain of camps Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas – Canada – Nido de Condores, and then climb to the summit through one of the two high altitude camps. The program includes 3 back-up days in case weather conditions deteriorate.
A nice addition to the climbing of Aconcagua will be an introduction to Argentine culture, tasting of famous steaks and wines, and great views of the Andes on the approach to the mountain.
Altitude: 6 962 m
High altitude difficulty: 6/10
Technical difficulty: 3/10
Cost: from 2580 $
Climbing Orizaba and La Malinche
Orizaba (5,636 m) is the highest peak in Mexico and the highest volcano in North America. For this reason, it is part of the "7 Volcanoes" program, the highest volcanoes on each continent. Technically, climbing it is not particularly difficult, but on a summit day you will have to overcome 1,400 meters vertically, which is not easy even at a lower altitude. The reward for such efforts will be beautiful views and a grandiose crater that will impress even experienced climbers.
To get the necessary acclimatization in the first part of the program we will make one more climb, the goal of which will be the volcano La Malinche (4,450 m), located in the beautiful national park of the same name.
Our climbing to Orisaba and La Malinche means full service: hotels, transfers, delicious meals and equipment pickup by jeep are included in the price. You will not have to overpay!
And, of course, we shouldn't forget that all this will take place in colorful and exotic Mexico. As part of our short trip, participants will see the famous pyramids, walk the streets of Mexico City, and enjoy the local culture and cuisine. And when done, you can continue relaxing on the ocean or continue exploring the country on your own.
Altitude: 5 636 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 4/10
Cost: from 1700 $
Climbing Chimborazo and Cotopaxi
Chimborazo and Cotopaxi are two iconic volcanoes – the first and second peaks of Ecuador. In addition, the summit of Chimborazo (6,310 m) is the farthest point from the center of the Earth, and Cotopaxi (5,897 m) is one of the highest active volcanoes on the planet (the last eruption began in 2015).
Ecuador is an amazing country for climbers and all mountain lovers. There is an excellent mountain infrastructure, and you can drive up to the base camps of most popular peaks, even if they are located above four thousand meters. Volcanoes, which are the targets of this program, are no exception in this regard.
At the start you will make an acclimatization ascent to Ruka Pichincha volcano (4696 m). It will not be difficult, because we will climb to a height of almost 4000 meters by cable car, and the further way will take no more than 5 hours.
The next destination is Cotopaxi. We will climb in crampons and rope teams, having conducted snow-ice training the day before. Summit climb will be about 900 meters. Next day we move to the base camp Chimborazo. The climbing is a bit more difficult, both from the point of view of technique and altitude.
In addition to climbing Chimborazo and Cotopaxi participants will explore hospitable Ecuador, tours to Quito, bathing in thermal springs, walking around the Pululaua crater and much more!
Altitude: 6 310 m
High altitude difficulty: 6/10
Technical difficulty: 5/10
Cost: from 2370 $
Climbing Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) is the highest peak in Chile and the highest volcano in the world. It is located in the Atacama Desert. It is part of the "7 Volcanoes" program. Due to the dry and windy climate, the mountain has almost no snow retention, and the climb itself is technically quite easy. The base camp is at an altitude of 5,200 meters, making Ochos one of the most accessible six-thousanders on the planet. However, you should not underestimate the altitude difficulty of this peak, which is just a little short of the 7,000 m status.
Our program includes several acclimatization climbs to smaller peaks, visits to picturesque lagoons and lakes, bathing in thermal springs and learning about the culture and life of Chile. The route to Ojós del Salado also includes two days of extra time in case of bad weather.
Altitude: 6 893 m
High altitude difficulty: 7/10
Technical difficulty: 4/10
Cost: from 2370 $
Climbing El Misti and Chachani Volcanoes
This program in Peru is a great opportunity to climb El Misti, an active volcano (5,822 m), admiring the smoking fumaroles craters and the ancient dormant volcano Chachani (6,075 m).
Ascents to El Misti and Chachani are not technically difficult, requiring from the participants only good physical shape and acclimatization, which should not be a problem. Chachani is generally considered one of the most accessible 6,000 m high mountains in the world in terms of logistics and ease of climbing. It is worth to note the high level of comfort in this tour: we will stay in tents only twice (in the volcano base camps), and the rest of the time – in good hotels. On climbs, we will have a local crew with us, which is responsible for catering and carrying group equipment.
We will acclimatize on the other side of the country – near the legendary lost Inca city of Machu Picchu and on Lake Titicaca. The program is very rich: besides the already mentioned attractions we will visit the beautiful cities of Lima, Cuzco, and Arequipa, we will appreciate the attractions of the Sacred Valley and climb the Rainbow Mountains, which have become available to tourists recently. All this in just 2 weeks! And if you think that's not enough, we invite you to extend your trip and admire the mysterious lines of the Nazca Desert and the Oasis of Ouacachina.
Altitude: 6 075 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 3/10
Cost: from 990 $
Climbing Nevado del Tolima
Nevado del Tolima (5,276 m) is an active volcano in Colombia and one of the highest peaks in the country. The climb is a very interesting and scenic experience. Participants will walk through several natural areas and enjoy the unique flora and fauna. And on the volcano itself will have to go in rope teams, use crampons and ice axe.
In addition to climbing Nevado del Tolima itself, the program includes an introduction to the nature and culture of Colombia. The Valley of the Giant Palms, the legendary Lake Guatavita, associated with the legend of Eldorado, the picturesque desert of Tatacoa, excursions to the capital Bogota and at the end of the tour you can relax on the beaches of the Caribbean national park Tayrona.
Altitude: 5 276 m
High altitude difficulty: 5/10
Technical difficulty: 4/10
Duration: 15 days
Cost: from 3000 $
Friends, whatever peak you choose, go to the mountains only with experienced guides who will take care of your safety and increase the chance of a successful ascent.
Kuluar – your life changing mountain experience!