Welcome to Stepantsminda
This is most people’s destination on the Georgian Military Hwy: a valley town with the famous hilltop silhouette of Tsminda Sameba Church and the towering snowy cone of Mt Kazbek looking down from the west. Now officially named Stepantsminda, but still commonly known as Kazbegi, it's a base for some wonderful walking and mountain-biking.
Top experiences in Stepantsminda
Stepantsminda activities
Private Tour to Kazbegi from Tbilisi
In the morning the guide and driver will pick you up from your place of stay in Tbilisi and you’ll start your journey to Caucasus Mountains. Your first stop is Ananuri complex, a 16th-17th c fortress and church, which used to be the residence of the “Eristavis” (Dukes) of Aragvi. The complex comprises fortification, churches and other cult and civic buildings. Explore the fortress and enjoy beautiful views of Jinvali reservoir from the complex. Continue the drive north via Jvari (Cross) Pass at the elevation of 2395 meters above sea level and arrive at the town of Stepantsminda, the administrative center of Khevi province. Here we’ll change the transport to a local 4x4 vehicle and start an off-road drive to the top of Gergeti Mountain, where a lone church, Gergeti Holy Trinity, stands. Ancient wall carvings are well-preserved on the facade of the church. If we are lucky with weather you will see Mount Kazbegi peak. At 5,033 meters above sea level it's the third highest peak in Georgia. Drive back to Stepantsminda and take a lunch break in a restaurant with local specialty dish, Khinkali. After lunch get back in your vehicle and drive to Dariali gorge. Take an easy hike (20-30 minutes) along the river to Gveleti waterfalls, and enjoy the calmness of untouched nature. Drive back to Tbilisi and arrive at your place of stay in the evening.
Kazbegi Tour
In the morning we drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border). The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus Mountains. On the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century), the two churches and the fortress overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. The carvings on the churches are one of the best samples of the Georgian art. In Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) 1.5 hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Trinity. We also enjoy the beautiful views of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus - Mt Kazbegi (5047m). We then drive through the dramatic Dariali Gorge. The given price is per car. NOT per person. Price includes: Hotel pickup/drop-off Fuel surcharge Driver (English speaking) Bottled water per person Transport by air-conditioned vehicle Note: There are not any entrance fees or taxes during our tour.
Mountain tour to Mtskheta and Kazbegi from Tbilisi
Kazbegi Tour will start from Tbilisi and drive through military road and on the way.Visit Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery, which means Monastery of the cross(6th c.) & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century).visiting Ananuri fortress. The complex of the feudal era consists of two churches and a castle. Ananuri belongs to the XVI - XVII centuries (overlook the Zhinvali waterreservoir). The drive is very scenic through the high Caucasus Mountains.Arrive in Gudauri ski resort (2200m), the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views. In the center of Kazbegi- in Stepantsminda can see mountain Mkinvartsveri and the church of the Holy Trinity, which is located on the 2200 m above the sea level.Price includes : Proffesional Guide Driver and car service Hotel pick up and drop off Fresh drinks Private jeep tour (safari)
Hike to Gveleti waterfall by Kazbegi in a private day trip
Enjoy a ride along the legendary Georgian Military highway up to Stepantsminda village. On the way you will see the Jinvali water reservoir, the impressive Ananuri fort, stop by some mineral water springs for refreshment and of course enjoy the scenic views from the Friendships monument in Gudauri. Our final destination is Gveleti, a small village some 7km away from Kazbegi towards the Georgian-Russian border. Here we start our hike to the mysterious Great Gveleti waterfall - the path becomes narrow as it leads you through a beautiful gorge along a wild mountain river. The hike takes about 1 hour one way and includes a little bit of elevation gain. The water in the river offers a perfect source of refreshment along the trek.After the trek we stop at Daryal gorge to enjoy the view over the mountains and a valley. On the way back we recommend to stop at a restaurant which is famous among locals for its khinkali, Georgian dumpllings, and finish the day with a good and authentic dinner.
Kazbegi and Mtskheta private full day trip - Ananuri - Gergeti - Gudauri
The tour starts from your place of accommodation in Tbilisi. After some 20-30 minutes we will reach Mtskheta, the old capital of Iveria, East Georgian Kingdom. The picturesque small town on a shore is surrounded by two rivers and green hills. Here we will visit the most iconic cathedral of Georgia - the Svetitskhoveli - a magnificent example of ancient architecture and highly spiritual place, which is considered to be the cradle of Georgian Christianity. From Mtskheta we proceed along the Jinvali reservoir to Ananuri - a fortified castle, that used to be the last defense of the region against invaders. You can visit the fort and even climb one of its towers if you wish to. While driving along the old Georgian Military Highway you will have several opportunities to stop at viewpoints and natural sights, such as mineral water springs, a mountain river shore, a waterfall. Gudauri, the famous ski resort is beautiful both in winter and summer season, as it offers stunning panorama views from its cliffs. The Friendship monument at the Cross pass is one of the most famous spots for beautiful panoramas. In Stepantsminda you can visit the Gergeti church, have a lunch with a view of Kazbek mountain or even go on a hike to the nearby waterfall.
Amazing Kazbegi Tour from Tbilisi
Duration of the tour is 8-9 hours. Pick up at hotel around 9:00 AM. We will begin the trip visiting Ananuri Fortress (14th—18th cent) situated at the bank of picturesque Jinvali lake. Get pleasure with great panoramic views. On the way to Stepantsminda visit Gudauri Ski resort which is located on the southern slopes of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Crosss Pass, at an elevation of 2,196 meters above sea level. Arrival to the village Stepantsminda (1,740 m) at the foot of mount Kazbegi (5,047 m) Here you can either hire a 4WD car and drive up to the Gergeti Trinity Church (2,170 m) or one can go for a walk and reach the church (it takes about 1-1,5 h for a walk). Gergeti Trinity church was built in the 14th century. From the church from one hand, you can explore summit of Mount Kazbegi and from other hand, one can found wonderful view on the river Tergi Gorge and surrounding area. At the end of the tour arrival back to Tbilisi and drop off at your hotel in Tbilisi