GE
Kazbegi
A hilltop church beneath 5,047m Mount Kazbek, at the end of Georgia’s spectacular Military Highway
A hilltop church beneath 5,047m Mount Kazbek, at the end of Georgia’s spectacular Military Highway
The church and bell tower sit alone on a ridge above town. Hike up in about one and a half to two hours, or take a 4×4.
Women cover heads; wraps are available.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
The dormant volcano rises to 5,047m. Hikers continue beyond the church towards the Gergeti Glacier for closer views; climbing the summit requires experience and a guide.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
On the way from Tbilisi, this 17th-century fortress with two churches stands above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
West of Kazbegi, this valley has mineral springs, travertine terraces, abandoned villages and tower ruins, best visited from July to September.
Photo: Alexkom000, CC BY 4.0
Near Gudauri, a large curved monument built in 1983 overlooks the Devil’s Valley; it is a popular viewpoint on the highway.
Photo: shankar s., CC BY 2.0
Mountain food includes khinkali (dumplings, a speciality of the region), khachapuri, lamb and local cheeses. Guesthouses often serve home-cooked dinners.
Try a glass of Georgian wine or chacha by the fire after a hike.
Shared minibuses run from Didube station in Tbilisi, and many visitors take a day tour or private driver, stopping at Ananuri and Gudauri. The drive takes around three hours.
The Jvari Pass can close after heavy snow, sometimes even in spring; check road conditions in winter.
Georgia uses the lari (GEL). Kazbegi is affordable.
Two days for the church and valleys.
Drive from Tbilisi via Ananuri and the Jvari Pass, then walk up to Gergeti Trinity Church.
Hike towards the Gergeti Glacier, or visit the Truso valley.
Mountain weather changes fast.
Check the Jvari Pass in winter.
Bring layers and water.
Carry lari.
Quick answers for planning time in Kazbegi.
By shared minibus from Didube, tour or private driver, about three hours.
About one and a half to two hours up.
5,047m.
Usually, but the Jvari Pass can close after heavy snow.
June to September.
Planning a wider trip? Our Georgia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.