Katyn-Tau Mountain
Caucasus mountain peak on the Russia–Georgia border
A high peak in the central Caucasus, Katyn‑Tau attracts climbers for technical routes, glaciated terrain and alpine views within the Greater Caucasus.
Katyn-Tau at a Glance#
How to Get to Katyn-Tau#
Katyn‑Tau is accessible from the Greater Caucasus range; common staging points include Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) in Georgia and mountain towns in Russia’s North Ossetia-Alania. Road access varies by route; climbers typically travel by road to a local village then continue on foot or with pack horses. Hiring local guides from established alpine clubs is strongly advised.
Tips for Visiting Katyn-Tau#
- Acclimatize before attempting steep routes; Katyn‑Tau approaches include technical sections that require crampons and ropes in winter conditions.
- Consult regional mountaineering clubs in Vladikavkaz or Tbilisi for up-to-date route conditions and permit requirements.
- Respect local Ossetian customs when camping in villages - ask before pitching near homesteads.
Best Time to Visit Katyn-Tau#
Best visited in summer for climbing and trekking; spring and autumn are possible with appropriate alpine experience.
Weather & Climate near Katyn-Tau#
Katyn-Tau's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -22°C to 3°C. Abundant rainfall (1145 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -21° - -15° | -30° | 67 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -22° - -16° | -29° | 71 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -21° - -14° | -28° | 84 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -14° - -9° | -20° | 112 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Poor | -10° - -5° | -15° | 130 mm | overcast | 79% | 5.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.5h |
| June | Poor | -7° - -1° | -10° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 5.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Poor | -4° - 3° | -5° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 4.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Poor | -3° - 3° | -5° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 5.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Poor | -6° - -1° | -9° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -10° - -6° | -15° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | -15° - -11° | -22° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -19° - -14° | -28° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 7.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.8h |
