Kazbegi, officially known as "Stepantsminda", is a small town surrounded by mountains, located in Mtskheta-Mtianyeti, Georgia. Northeastern region, close to the Russian border. It is about 150 kilometers away from the capital Tbilisi and takes about 2 and a half hours by car. With beautiful scenery and convenient transportation, it has attracted more and more tourists in recent years with its colorful natural scenery and stunning hiking routes, making it one of the must-see destinations in Georgia. Its mountain range of the same name, Mount Kazbek, is the third highest peak in Georgia. It enjoys the reputation of "Soul of the Caucasus" and is called "the place closest to God" by Lonely Planet. Local attractions include the town's Stepantsminda Historic Museum and the surrounding Gergeti Trinity Church, Kazbek Mountain and Kazbek Nature Reserve.

After reading the introduction of the town, do you want to come and play? Do you know how to get enough of Kazbek? Come with me and we will take you to Kazbek, Georgia in one route!

Beep beep~ The car has started. Are you ready to get in?

First, we started from Tbilisi and went all the way north to Mtskheta and turned onto the Military Avenue. Let’s start our Georgia-Kazbek 4-day tour now!

Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Bazaleti Lake

After breakfast, drive Set off. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery of the Kula River and take a nap while squinting. After 30 minutes, get off the bus and visit Jvari Monastery. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, continue driving to Mtskheta. Visit the city, have lunch, and continue on the road 2 hours later to reach the Pillar of Life Cathedral (Svetitskhoveli Cathedral). The visit lasts about 30-40 minutes, then drive to Bazaleti Lake, walk around the lake and watch the sunset. Afterwards, arrange dinner by yourself and stay overnight at Bazaleti Lake Hotel. (Note: Advance reservation required)

Jvari Monastery, also known as the Cross Monastery, is a sixth-century Orthodox monastery located near Mtskheta in eastern Georgia. . The church survives to this day, making it a rare example of an early medieval church in Georgia. The ancient church stands on the top of Jvari Mount, 656 meters above sea level. It is one of the examples of the harmonious integration of Georgian architectural features and the natural environment.

It is said that in the early 4th century AD, the missionary San Nino, famous for converting the Kingdom of Iberia to Christianity, erected a wooden cross on the mountain. This wooden cross could perform "miracles" and attracted pilgrims from all over the world, so a small church was built here. Dhivari Monastery is an early "four arches and four niches" church. Churches with this structure can only be seen in Georgia and Armenia. Over the centuries, the building has been damaged by rain and wind erosion, coupled with insufficient manual maintenance, and has been included in the 2004 World Monuments Watch by the World History Foundation.

Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and its former capital. It is located in Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region, Georgia, about 20 kilometers away from Tbilisi. The town is the birthplace of Georgia and one of the most active Christian centers and is considered a "holy city" by Georgians. Due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments, UNESCO included Mtskheta as a World Heritage Site in 1994.

In 2016, its historical sites were placed under enhanced protection, including the magnificent medieval church Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

The Pillar of Life Cathedral (Svetitskhoveli Cathedral) was built in the 4th century AD and is one of the oldest churches in Georgia. It is also the second largest cathedral in Georgia, second only to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. The name "Sveti" means "pillar" and "tskhoveli" means "giving life" or "living". The 11th century church is located in the middle of the old town.

According to legend, Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem in the 1st century AD. The holy robe he wore during his crucifixion was bought by Elias, a Georgian Jew from Mtskheta, from a Roman soldier in Golgotha ??and brought back to Georgia. His sister Sidonia put on the robe out of curiosity and died before she could take it off. Elias was heartbroken and buried his sister's body with the holy robe of Jesus, and a towering cedar tree grew from the tomb. 300 years later, San Nino came to Mtskheta to build a church on the tomb. Seven large pillars made of cedar had supernatural properties and lifted into the sky on their own. Saint Nino knelt and prayed all night before the pillar fell back to the earth. This is where the church got its name.

Bazaleti Lake, located on the Bazaleti Lake Plateau, 40 kilometers away from Tbilisi, is the birthplace of the volcano. It not only has beautiful lakes and natural scenery, but also is a famous resort, especially famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Here, you can also admire the colonnade of white columns, a symbol of 2,500 years of friendship and love between Georgians and Jews. Lake Bazaretti is 900 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. The air is fresh and the lake water has recuperative properties that can cure skin diseases, gynecological diseases, rheumatism and bone and joint diseases. Therefore, if you want to spend a healthy vacation, enjoy the beautiful scenery and recuperate your body and mind, this will be a good place to go.

Bazaleti Lake Hotel opened here in 2007. This is one of the most popular hotels among young people, with an open-air pool, alleys and sports fields. When you come here, you can play guitar in nature, swim, tan, and enjoy happy times in midsummer.

Bazaleti Lake-Dusheti-Ananuri Fortress-Gudauri-Kvemo Okrokana Village -Kazbegi

Get up early to watch the sunrise and feel full of energy. Stretch yourself, have breakfast, and start your next day’s itinerary. Depart from Lake Bazaretti and arrive in the town of Tusheti in 15-20 minutes. Visit the 9th-10th century St. George's Church and the 18th-century Chilashvili family palace in sequence. If you are interested, you can taste the local khinkali. After an hour and a half, return to Lake Bazaretti and turn onto Military Avenue to Ananuri. The fort, arrived in 20-30 minutes. After staying here for 30 minutes, continue heading north, pass through the small town of Pasanauri and continue straight ahead for about an hour before reaching Gudauri. This section of the journey is suitable for catching up on sleep. After lunch, proceed to Gudauri Ski Resort. Afterwards, go to the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument and stay here for 30 minutes. Start the car again and drive to the village of Kvemo Okrokana. After getting off the car, you will go on a 4-hour hike along the Truso Gorge to get close to nature. Afterwards, drive to the small town of Kazbek, and stay at the Kazbek Rooms boutique hotel after dinner.

Dusheti is a small town in Mtskheta-Mtianeti Oblast, Georgia, located 54 kilometers northeast of Tbilisi. Tusheti is a gathering area known as the "Shangri-La of Georgia".

Ancient pagodas, churches, and villages are scattered all over the place, colorful wild flowers, and golden jungles set off the beautiful mountains and rivers. There are many historical buildings and leisure places in and around the town, such as the 9th-10th century St. George's Church and the 18th-century Chilashvili family palace. Bazaleti Lake and Ananuri Castle are also very close.

The spectacular medieval villages of the Tusheti district are still inhabited by groups who adhere to ancient pagan traditions. The trails in the mountains are winding and winding, like a fairyland on earth. The ruins of the fortress and the Shatili gathering area are like the fantasy and exotic land described in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings". The local mountain people are also very generous and hospitable, and will entertain visitors from afar with the most authentic khinkali (a kind of meat-filled dumplings, boiled buns in Chinese eyes). The town of Tusheti has buses to Tbilisi, and there is also an asphalt road that leads to the highway connecting Tbilisi to Kazbek (Stepaminda).

The Georgian Military Highway is the main road connecting the mountainous provinces of the Caucasus Mountains between Georgia and Russia, with a total length of 212 kilometers. In 1801, Tsar Alexander I of the Russian Empire ordered the construction of the road to facilitate the passage of troops between Georgia and Russia. Later, it gradually developed into a business travel route for trade between the two countries.

The pleasant scenery along Military Avenue has attracted many world-famous poets and writers to come here to find inspiration. The Russian writer Chekov once wrote: "I have become addicted to the Military Avenue. This is not a highway, but poetry." In 1914, the famous Russian travel magazine "Verlag Karl Baedeker" described the Georgian Military Avenue as "the most beautiful road in the world." One of the beautiful mountain roads”.

Ananuri Fortress was built in the 13th century as the main stronghold of the region's rulers, the Aragwa eristavs, and remained an important military fortress until the 19th century. The fortress consists of two fortifications, the upper one with a large square tower called Sheupovari, which is still well preserved, and the lower one with a round tower that is now in ruins. Next to it is an atmospheric Georgian Orthodox church, with ancient Georgian scripts carved on the walls and gilded icons and flickering candles inside.

Ananuri Fortress is 70 kilometers away from Tbilisi, located on the middle of a mountain, overlooking the surrounding large lake. The emerald-colored lake sets off the elegant castle. The scenery is very pleasant and it is one of the most attractive attractions on Military Avenue. Lonely Planet selected it as the cover picture of the Caucasus volume. The Georgian government applied to list it as a World Cultural Heritage.

Gudauri, located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is a popular resort for Georgians and foreigners. The resort is located in the Stepaminda district, along the Georgian Military Avenue near the Jvari Pass, 120 kilometers from Tbilisi. At an altitude of 2000-2200m, it is already a high mountain area with many beautiful mountain views. The unique geological topography and climatic conditions give people the opportunity to enjoy the sun all day long. White winter landscapes can heal the soul. There seems to be no end to the beautifully decorated pistes.

Gudauri Ski Resort is Georgia's most famous speed skating and paragliding resort. The ski season lasts from December to April, and the ski resort is open to the public free of charge. Only renting ski equipment requires a fee. Tracks vary in length and difficulty, catering to both professionals and amateurs. There are 20 kilometers of groomed pistes offering a variety of skiing possibilities. There are 5 different ski lifts in operation. Each cable car offers several running options. The highest point of the track is 3250 meters and the lowest is 2050 meters. The total length of the prepared track is more than 57 kilometers. The ski lift is open from 10 am to 16 pm.

Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument (Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument) was built in 1983 to commemorate the bicentenary of the signing of the Treaty of Georgievsk between Russia and Georgia and to commemorate the Soviet Union The growing friendship between Georgia and Soviet Russia. The monument is located on the Georgian Military Avenue between the ski resorts of Gudauri and Jvari Pass, 120 kilometers from Tbilisi. Shown as Gudauri View Point on Google Maps.

Inside the monument is a large tile mural depicting historical scenes of the life of the Georgian and Russian people. The reason why this monument attracts tourists is not only the monument itself, but also its location. It is 2384 meters above sea level and has an excellent view. In the distance are rolling mountains in the clouds and mist, and below is a valley with a blue pool of water in the valley, like a huge sapphire inlaid in the emerald green valley. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy stunning views of the canyon and small artificial lake. It is reported that the height of the monument is about 10 meters. Tourists can try paragliding here. Many instructors provide services near the attraction, including even Russian pilots. The cost is about 260 lari/person.

The entrance to Truso Gorge is the source of the Tergi river. It is located on the Georgian Military Highway, about 20 kilometers south of Kobi village. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, there are many historical and cultural attractions in the valley, including abandoned villages, ancient towers, Zakagori fortress ruins, carbonated mineral water, glaciers and rivers, and large tracts of birch forests. The village of Kvemo Okrokana is located 4 kilometers deep into the valley and our hike will start from here. Walk along the riverside path - you will pass several abandoned houses and eventually enter the beautiful Kasari Gorge. After a few kilometers, cross a bridge to reach the right bank of the river. Shortly after crossing the bridge, the trail turned west and the entire valley opened up before us.

Further along the road is the village of Ketrisi, mostly in ruins and almost deserted. At the end of the village, cross the bridge to the left bank of the river. You will see several monasteries here. First, a pink church, then a very beautiful new convent of nuns. It is just a few steps away from the ruins of Zakagori fortress. Climb to the top of the fort and look down at everything. Below the fortress is a Georgian border post, which leads to the border with South Ossetia. Tourists generally stop here and retrace their steps - they cannot venture deeper into the valley unless they have obtained a crossing permit.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is located at the foot of Kazbegi Mountain in the small town of Kazbegi (Stepaminda), about 7 kilometers from the Holy Trinity Church. Kazbek Bus Station with lines to Tbilisi is a 10-minute walk away, and Tbilisi Airport is 185 km away. Shuttle service from the airport to the hotel is available for a fee.

Rooms boutique hotel has excellent design and excellent view. It has a lobby bar with library and free Wi-Fi. Guests can read a book and have a drink in the lobby bar, or dine on the mountain-view terrace. The stylish restaurant is decorated with wooden furniture and serves international cuisine. Excursions about local culture and cooking master classes can be arranged for an additional fee.

All hotel rooms feature modern décor and flat-screen TVs. The bathroom is equipped with a shower. Remember to book in advance. If you don’t plan to stay, you can also consider coming here for lunch.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi - Gergeti Village - Kazbegi (Kazbegi) - Tsdo Village - Larsi Border Point - Darial Gorge (Kazbegi)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gergeti village. You can reach it in 20 minutes and go directly to the famous architectural complex of the 14th and 15th centuries, including the Gergeti Trinity Church and Bell Tower built in the 14th century and the 15th-century clergy houses. Clergy Houses). After 2-3 hours of sightseeing, drive back to the small town of Kazbegi. After lunch, drive to Tsdo village. After exploring and taking photos in the village, head to Larsi Border Point. On the way back, we passed through Darial Gorge, got off the car and started hiking. Along the way we passed Kazbegi National Park and reached Gveleti waterfall. In the evening, return to Kazbegi town. Dinner and accommodation are recommended at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi.

Gergeti Trinity Church, also known as Tsmida Sameba. Founded in the 14th century, it is unique and independent on the top of the mountain at an altitude of 2170 meters. It is known as "the church closest to heaven". It has experienced several wars and still stands under the sky, witnessing the historical changes of Georgia. The history of its bell tower dates back to the same period when the church was built. Surrounded by steep peaks, it has become a symbol of Georgia and a business card landscape of Georgia.

Due to its dangerous geographical location, some precious cultural relics in Mtskheta were brought here for protection during the war years, including Saint Nino's Cross, so it is very popular in Georgia. People admire it. During the Soviet period, when all religious activities were banned, the church became a popular tourist attraction. The sky is blue, and you can see the Kazbegi Mountains next to the church. Today Holy Trinity Church is not only a lively place for Georgian Orthodox Christians, but also a popular spot for hikers in the area. It can be reached by climbing the mountain in 3 hours, or by taking a jeep for about 30 minutes along the rugged mountain road.

Tsdo Village is located in the Dariali Gorge. You can reach this colorful and charming village by traveling 6 kilometers north along the Military Avenue from Kazbek. This is a great tourist spot near Kazbek to take great photos and admire the area's countryside. The view of Mount Kuro and Mount Shino can be enjoyed from the sacred shrine on the hill.

Tsdo Village has a beautiful environment and the people are very friendly. Many tourists hitchhike to the foot of the mountain and then walk to the village. Most villagers grow vegetables on their own land, and some residents also keep bees. The house the beekeeper lives in is very simple, but one fact is undeniable: he is the owner of the second car in the village. When you come to a village like this, everything is unknown, which adds a lot of fun to the trip.

Larsi Border Point is the border point between Georgia and Russia. A Russian visa is required to pass. The crossing opened on March 1, 2010. Opening hours are 24 hours. Customs are multilateral for all citizens of the world. The cross-border road is in a mountain tunnel and you cannot cross the border on foot. When the Jvari Pass in Georgia is closed, this border point is also closed, which means that the Larsi border point is usually not open in January or February.

Darial Gorge is a river gorge on the border between Russia and Georgia, starting at the confluence of the Chkheri River (near Kazbek) and ending near Upper Ras . The canyon itself is 11 kilometers long. The confluence of the Kabakhi and Khda rivers is the narrowest part of the canyon. Dariali Pass is historically important because it is one of only two crossings in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the other being the Derbent Pass.

In Russian poetry, gorges have always been immortal. Especially the poem "Demon" by Lermontov makes it one of the most romantic places in the Caucasus. The locals proudly call themselves Mokheve (canyon dwellers). Wandering in the gorge, close to the international border regularly patrolled by border soldiers, we can encounter Gveleti Lake - a heart-shaped lake surrounded by thick reeds. A few more steps and we come across the Gveleti Waterfalls again, a must-see attraction. The water flows from the solid rock, falls in a gauzy waterfall, and flows into the pool below.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi-Stepantsminda Historic Museum-Kazbegi Mountain-Juta Village-Tbilisi

After breakfast, go to the Stepantsminda Historic Museum for a visit. Two hours later, rent a mountain bike in the city center and head to Kazbek Mountain. Then return to the city center and return the off-road vehicle. Head south along the Military Avenue, heading to the village of Juta for an afternoon of hiking and picnicking. Return to Tbilisi in the evening.

The Stepantsminda Historic Museum is located in the memorial hall of the Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi (1848-1890). Together with the writer's library and personal belongings, the museum houses ethnographic artifacts from the Hervey region, archaeological exhibitions, religious artifacts, books and works by local artists, among others.

Kazbegi Mountain is a dormant volcano on the border of the Kazbek District of Georgia and the Russian Federation of North Ossetia and Alanya. It is one of the main mountain ranges in the Caucasus. At an altitude of 5033 meters, it is the third highest peak in Georgia and the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. It is called "the place closest to God" by Lonely Planet and also enjoys the reputation of "the soul of the Caucasus".

In Greek mythology, the god Prometheus stole divine fire and spread it to the world. Zeus punished him by imprisoning him in a cave on Mount Kazbek. In Georgian folklore, the god Amirani, the Georgian version of Prometheus, was punished for stealing divine fire and giving it to mortals. He was imprisoned in a cave in Bethlehem (Betlemi) located about 4,000 meters above sea level. The cave is said to contain many sacred artifacts, including Abraham's tent and Jesus' manger.

Juta Village is one of the highest settlements in Kazbek, with an altitude of 2,200 meters and 24 kilometers away from the town of Kazbek (8 kilometers of which are roads and the rest are dirt roads). The village of Juta is located on the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains in the Chaukhi valley, at the source of the Bakurkhevi River. There are only 18 permanent residents here and it is surrounded by high mountain terrain. It is a good place to escape civilization and experience nature.

Juta Canyon is known as a photography paradise. Therefore, whether in winter or summer, Juta village gathers a large number of hiking enthusiasts.

They either rode horses, stayed with local families or simply camped in Juta, enjoying the four seasons and the beautiful mountains and rivers - listening to the rivers in the mountains and taking pictures with the Chiukhi Mountains in the background. The main attraction of this place is not the village itself, but Zeta Camping, a campsite located on a hill 100 meters above the settlement. It is a unique peaceful place with stunning views of the Chaukhi hills. There is an easy hiking trail next to Zeta Camping that leads directly to the base of Chaukhi Mountain (one and a half hours one way). From there you can continue to the spectacular Lake Abudelauri (2500 meters above sea level, 6 hours one way).

The distance between Tbilisi and Kazbek is about 150 kilometers, and the drive takes about two and a half hours. Therefore, it also attracts some people to carry out one-day tours to Kazbek. We have organized the traffic information and posted it here. Remember to save it if you need it!

1.Marshrutka (minibus)

From Tbilisi to Kazbegi: Take the metro or taxi to Tbilisi Didube Station (located next to the metro station of the same name ). Take the minibus heading towards Kazbek; on the return journey, take the minibus to the minibus station in the center of Kazbek town. Take a minibus heading towards Tbilisi. The one-way journey takes about 3 hours, and the one-way fare is 10 lari/person, which is about 4 US dollars.

Advantages: The fare is cheap and it is the cheapest way to travel from Tbilisi to Kazbek.

Disadvantages: The minibus will not stop at the Friendship Monument, Ananuri Fortress and other attractions on the way.

Notes: There is only one stopover during the 3-hour drive, so it is recommended to drink less water; the mountain roads are winding and winding, and those who suffer from motion sickness need to prepare motion sickness medicine; personal space is small, because the driver will try to fill up the car as much as possible Passengers only leave; in winter, if there is snow, the road will be impassable, if an avalanche occurs, the road will be blocked, and the Marshrutka driving plan will be cancelled.

2. Taxi (taxi)

If you don’t like the atmosphere of the minibus, you can go with others and book a taxi for 2-4 people to Kazbek. However, this won't be as cheap as Marshrutka. A taxi costs around 150-200 lari (US$60-80) round trip. You can also take a minibus on the return trip, which can relatively save travel costs. The combination of Taxi+Marshrutka is the most cost-effective way to travel from Tbilisi to Kazbek.

Advantages: fast speed; you can stop on the way to visit scenic spots along the way, such as Mtskheta, Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, Ananuri Fortress, etc.; it is convenient to call a taxi, you can go through " Maxim", "My Taxi", "Yandex" and other apps to get car rental services.

Disadvantages: The cost is relatively high.

Note: Prices will depend on conditions, whether it is high season and your bargaining skills. (It is best to have a Georgian friend to help you negotiate the price, which may save you a small amount of money.)

3. Group travel

You can sign up for the "Kazbek Tour" One-day tour", almost every travel agency in Georgia has such activities. Depart from Tbilisi in the morning and return to Tbilisi in the evening. The whole journey takes about 10-12 hours and costs about 50 lari/person, including the cost of a four-wheel drive from Kazbek to the Holy Trinity Church.

Advantages: Stops at all scenic spots along the way, accompanied by English/Russian tour guides. (If you need a Chinese tour guide, our company can provide it for you); participants in the one-day tour come from all over the world, so they can make friends as they like and improve their foreign language skills during the tour.

Disadvantages: High cost. Take care of food and water by yourself.

Note: Participants on the day trip come from all over the world, and they must respect each other during the trip. Foreigners speak very directly. When communicating with them, you need to understand the national conditions and national character to avoid unnecessary conflicts and ruin the travel mood.

4. Self-driving tour

Of course, if you have good driving skills and consider yourself an "experienced driver", you can also rent a car and drive yourself. However, some sections of the Military Avenue are steep and winding and need to pass through narrow canyons between mountains. It was once listed as one of the 40 most dangerous roads in the world. So we do not recommend anyone to drive to Kazbek.

Advantages: You can freely arrange your time and activities. You can explore inaccessible places according to your own wishes, arrange your time at your own pace, and choose the attractions you want to visit.

Disadvantages: Easy to get lost.

Note: The prerequisite for a self-driving tour from Tbilisi to Kazbek is that you must have excellent driving skills and be familiar with the road conditions. Otherwise, it is easy to encounter danger and get lost. Also, everyone must remember to buy insurance when traveling!