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10–11 hours
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Russian
Private day trip from Tbilisi to Mount Kazbek along the Georgian Military Highway.
A trip to Kazbek is not simply a chance to see one of the Caucasus Mountains’ most famous peaks. The journey itself is part of the experience.
Over the course of one day, the landscape changes dramatically: green valleys and forested slopes give way to deep gorges, high-altitude meadows and the rugged mountains of the Greater Caucasus. We follow the historic Georgian Military Highway, visit the Zhinvali Reservoir and the medieval Ananuri Fortress, stop where the White and Black Aragvi river meets, continue through Gudauri and across the Jvari Pass, and then reach Stepantsminda – the mountain town at the foot of Kazbek.
The highlight of the journey is Gergeti Trinity Church, standing high above Stepantsminda. From here, one of Georgia’s most iconic mountain views opens up: the historic church on its mountain plateau with the massive Caucasus range rising behind it.
If you would like to make your day more varied, the route can be extended with one or more optional stops.
We can discuss the additional stops when planning your tour. The number of stops will depend on the season, weather conditions and how much time you would like to spend in the mountains.
This is a full-day trip from Tbilisi, with several hours of driving each way. The route takes you from the lower valleys of Kartli into the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus.
Mountain weather can change much more quickly than in Tbilisi. Even in summer, temperatures at higher elevations can be cool, so we recommend bringing a warm layer and comfortable shoes.
Visibility of Mount Kazbek depends on weather and cloud conditions. We cannot guarantee that the summit will be fully visible, but the journey along the Georgian Military Highway is still rewarding when the weather is partly cloudy.
Recommended departure: around 08:45, allowing enough time to enjoy the route comfortably while avoiding the heaviest traffic when leaving and returning to Tbilisi.
Tour format: Private tour
Departure: from your hotel in Tbilisi Old Town. If the hotel is located outside the Old Town, an additional charge may apply. These details are agreed upon in advance via correspondence.
Duration: 10–11 hours
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 people | 2 | 2 | 190 |
| 2 | 3 people | 3 | 3 | 380 |
| 3 | 4 people | 4 | 4 | 525 |
| 4 | 5 people | 5 | 5 | 670 |
| 5 | 6 people | 6 | 6 | 815 |
Our first stop on the road from Tbilisi is Zhinvali Reservoir. Its turquoise waters stand out against the surrounding forest-covered mountains. It is a beautiful place to take photographs and stretch your legs after leaving the city. Along the way, I will also tell you why the reservoir was created and how the construction of the hydroelectric complex changed this part of the Aragvi Valley.
We then continue to Ananuri, one of the best-known historical sites along the Georgian Military Highway. The fortress is closely connected with the history of the Aragvi principality and for centuries controlled an important route through the mountains. Inside the walls are churches, towers and defensive structures, while the grounds offer views across Zhinvali Reservoir. It is a place where Georgia’s history, architecture and mountain landscape come together particularly well.
Our next stop is where two rivers traditionally known as the White and Black Aragvi meet. Their different shades are caused by differences in the rocks and soil in their respective river basins. After the confluence, the two rivers become one, although the difference in colour can still be visible for some distance. It is a brief stop, but one of the most interesting natural landmarks along the route.
As we continue climbing along the Georgian Military Highway, we reach Gudauri, one of Georgia’s main mountain resorts. Here we stop at the Friendship Monument, built in 1983 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk. Today, it is best known as a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the mountains. From the monument, you can see the deep Aragvi Gorge and the Keli Volcanic Plateau. In clear weather, the distinctive cone-shaped peaks of extinct volcanoes can be seen across the landscape.
Beyond Gudauri, the road continues to climb towards the Jvari Pass, the highest point on the Georgian Military Highway. This is where the change in landscape becomes especially noticeable: the forests gradually disappear, giving way to open high-altitude terrain.
After descending from the pass, we reach Stepantsminda, a small mountain town in the valley of the Terek River. Here the scale of the Greater Caucasus becomes unmistakable. The mountains surrounding Kazbek rise above the valley, and Stepantsminda is the starting point for the climb to Gergeti Trinity Church. The name “Kazbegi”, still widely used by visitors, comes from the historic name of the settlement. Its official modern name is Stepantsminda.
The highlight of the excursion is Gergeti Trinity Church, located on a mountain plateau above Stepantsminda. The 14th-century church stands in an open mountain setting surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Caucasus. Its dramatic location has made it one of the most recognizable landscapes in Georgia. We will have time to explore the church and take in the panoramic views over Stepantsminda, the Terek Valley and the mountains surrounding Kazbek. When weather conditions are favourable, this is where you can truly appreciate the scale of the Caucasus.
However, the summit of Kazbek is weather-dependent: even on a sunny day, clouds may cover the mountain.
Lunch is optional and can be arranged according to your preferences. We can stop at a traditional local tavern along the way, where you can sample Georgian mountain cuisine, including khinkali, a dish that originated in this mountainous region.
Alternatively, you can enjoy lunch or coffee on the terrace at Rooms Kazbegi, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Taking the cable car from Kobi towards Gudauri offers a different perspective on the Greater Caucasus, with the ascent reaching approximately 3,000 meters above sea level.
Operating hours and availability depend on the season and weather conditions.
Cable car ride: EUR 12
Tour extension: EUR 30
Visiting Gveleti Waterfall requires an additional transfer by 4WD vehicle, followed by a hike. The trail leads through a mountain gorge to the waterfall, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs.
4WD transfer: EUR 25 (for 1–3 passengers)
Tour extension: EUR 35
Continue north along the Georgian Military Highway to explore one of its most dramatic stretches. The monastery complex is nestled in the narrow Dariali Gorge, surrounded by steep rocky slopes.
Tour extension: EUR 30
Tsdo is a small high-mountain village perched above Dariali Gorge. The drive to the village offers panoramic views of the gorge, the Terek River and the surrounding mountains. An additional transfer is required to reach the village.
4WD transfer: EUR 25 (for 1–3 passengers)
Tour extension: EUR 35
