A day trip to Kazbegi shows you the famous views. Staying overnight gives you time to experience the mountains properly.
This private two-day Kazbegi tour from Tbilisi follows the historic Georgian Military Highway through river valleys, medieval fortifications and the high mountain landscapes of the Greater Caucasus. We stop at Ananuri Fortress, taste traditional mountain food in Pasanauri and cross the Gudauri and Jvari Pass area before reaching Stepantsminda.
Instead of returning immediately to Tbilisi, we continue into the dramatic Dariali Gorge, walk to Gveleti Waterfall and spend the night in a family guesthouse in Kazbegi.
The following morning begins with Gergeti Trinity Church, standing high above Stepantsminda beneath Mount Kazbek. We then visit the traditional village of Sno and continue to Truso Valley for a moderate hike among mineral springs, colourful travertines and abandoned mountain settlements.
If the Kobi–Gudauri cable car is operating and weather conditions allow, guests can finish the mountain experience with an optional gondola journey across the high Caucasus before returning to Tbilisi.
What you’ll see
Tour highlights
- Private two-day Kazbegi tour from Tbilisi
- Scenic journey along the Georgian Military Highway
- Ananuri Fortress and views over Zhinvali Reservoir
- Traditional food stop in Pasanauri
- Gudauri Panorama and Jvari Pass
- Short hike to Gveleti Waterfall
- Dramatic scenery of the Dariali Gorge
- Overnight stay in a local Kazbegi guesthouse
- Morning drive to Gergeti Trinity Church
- Sno village, defensive tower and stone sculptures
- Moderate hike through Truso Valley
- Mineral springs and colourful travertine formations
- Optional Kobi–Gudauri cable car ride
Step by step
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi – Ananuri – Pasanauri – Gudauri – Stepantsminda – Dariali
We leave Tbilisi in the morning and follow the Georgian Military Highway north towards the Greater Caucasus. The route gradually leaves the plains behind and enters the valleys of the Aragvi River.
Ananuri Fortress and Zhinvali Reservoir
Our first major stop is Ananuri, a historic fortified complex overlooking the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir. Once the stronghold of the Dukes of Aragvi, Ananuri contains defensive towers, stone walls and churches decorated with carved crosses, grapevines and traditional Georgian ornaments.
We walk through the upper fortress, visit the Church of the Mother of God and enjoy views across the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
Pasanauri and the Aragvi rivers
We continue to Pasanauri, a small mountain town traditionally associated with khinkali. Close to the town, the differently coloured branches of the Aragvi River meet before continuing south towards Mtskheta.
There will be time for lunch in Pasanauri, where guests can try freshly prepared mountain-style khinkali and other Georgian dishes. Lunch is paid for separately, allowing everyone to order according to their preferences.
Gudauri Panorama
The road climbs towards Gudauri, Georgia’s best-known mountain resort. Above the resort, we stop at the Gudauri Panorama, a semicircular monument decorated with large mosaics and built on the edge of the dramatic Devil’s Valley.
The monument is interesting, but the surrounding landscape is the real highlight: deep gorges, high ridges and wide views across the Caucasus.
Jvari Pass and mineral travertines
We cross Jvari Pass, also known as the Cross Pass, at approximately 2,395 metres above sea level. This is the highest section of the historic Georgian Military Highway.
Weather and parking conditions permitting, we make a short stop near the colourful mineral travertines created by water flowing down the mountainside. The pass can be cold and windy even when the weather in Tbilisi is warm.
Arrival in Stepantsminda
After descending from the pass, we arrive in Stepantsminda, still widely known by its former name, Kazbegi. The town lies in the upper Tergi Valley, surrounded by steep mountains and dominated by Mount Kazbek.
Gveleti Waterfall
From Stepantsminda, we drive north into the Dariali Gorge and turn towards Gveleti. A short walk over a rocky mountain trail brings us to the waterfall.
The path is not long, but parts can be uneven, slippery or muddy. Guests should wear shoes with reliable grip and walk carefully, especially after rain.
Dariali Gorge and monastery
We continue through the narrow Dariali Gorge, where steep rock walls rise above the Tergi River. Close to the Georgian border, we visit the Dariali Monastery complex and enjoy the powerful scenery of one of the Caucasus Mountains’ historic natural gateways.
After the visit, we return to Stepantsminda.
Overnight in a Kazbegi guesthouse
We stay overnight in a locally run guesthouse in Stepantsminda or Gergeti. Guesthouses offer comfortable but generally simple accommodation and a more personal atmosphere than a large hotel.
The evening is free for dinner, a walk through the town or rest at the guesthouse. On a clear evening, Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church may remain visible until sunset.
Day 2: Gergeti Trinity Church – Sno – Truso Valley – Kobi – Tbilisi
Gergeti Trinity Church
After breakfast, we drive to Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia’s most recognisable landmarks. The fourteenth-century church stands at approximately 2,170 metres above sea level, high over Stepantsminda and beneath Mount Kazbek.
The access road is normally paved and can be used by a standard tour vehicle when conditions are good. If the road is damaged, covered by snow or unsuitable for the main vehicle, we transfer to a local 4×4 for the ascent.
From the church grounds, weather permitting, we enjoy panoramic views over Stepantsminda, the Tergi Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Sno village
We continue to Sno, a traditional village in the Snostskali Valley. During a short walk, we see the village’s defensive tower, stone houses and monumental carved stone heads representing Georgian writers, kings and historical figures.
Juta is intentionally not included in this itinerary. Its final access road can be rough and highly dependent on recent weather and maintenance. Sno gives us an authentic village experience without committing the tour to the more difficult Juta road.
Truso Valley hike
From Sno, we return to the Georgian Military Highway and turn towards Truso Valley. The final approach to the hiking area follows an unpaved mountain road. A suitable vehicle is required, and the exact starting point depends on current road conditions.
Our walk begins near Kvemo Okrokana and follows the upper Tergi River into the valley. The landscape gradually opens from a narrow gorge into a broad high-altitude basin surrounded by volcanic mountains.
During the hike, we look for mineral springs, colourful travertine formations and traces of abandoned settlements. The planned route is approximately 6–8 kilometres and takes around 2½–3 hours at a relaxed pace. It is mostly gentle but includes uneven ground and sections exposed to sun, wind and changing mountain weather.
The full hike to Zakagori Fortress is not part of this two-day itinerary. That route is approximately 20–22 kilometres return and normally requires six to eight hours.
Optional Kobi–Gudauri cable car
After the hike, we return to Kobi. When the Kobi–Gudauri gondola is operating and wind conditions are suitable, guests may take an optional cable car journey across the high mountain pass towards Gudauri.
The driver continues by road and meets the guests in the Gudauri area. Cable car tickets are not included in the tour price and are purchased at the station.
The cable car operates seasonally and may close because of strong wind, maintenance or technical restrictions. If it is unavailable, we continue to Gudauri by road without changing the main itinerary.
Return to Tbilisi
From Gudauri, we descend through Pasanauri and Ananuri towards Tbilisi. Arrival in the city is expected in the evening, depending on traffic, hiking pace, road conditions and cable car operation.
Starting from
€280
per person
Locally operated since 2011
We reply within 24 hours
What your price covers
What’s included
Included
- Private transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- Professional driver throughout the tour
- English-speaking guide
- Pick-up and drop-off in Tbilisi
- One night in a Kazbegi guesthouse
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Local 4×4 transfer to Gergeti Trinity Church when road conditions require it
- Transportation to the accessible Truso Valley trailhead
- Guided 6–8 kilometre Truso Valley hike
- Visits to Ananuri, Gudauri Panorama, Stepantsminda, Gveleti, Dariali, Gergeti and Sno
- Bottled water during transportation
Not included
- Kobi–Gudauri cable car ticket
- Lunches and dinner
- Drinks ordered in restaurants or at the guesthouse
- Hotel upgrade or single-room supplement
- Horse riding, paragliding and other optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
Photographs
Gallery
Where you’ll go
Map & route
Practical details
Good to know before you go
Truso Valley route
The standard full Truso hike from Kvemo Okrokana to Zakagori Fortress and back is too long for this itinerary. This tour uses a shorter 6–8 kilometre route focused on the gorge, mineral springs and travertines. The route may be adjusted according to road access, weather and the group’s walking speed.
Seasonal availability
This itinerary is recommended from late May until early October. The opening of Truso Valley depends on snowmelt, river levels and the condition of its unpaved access road.
Kobi–Gudauri cable car
The optional cable car is never guaranteed. It normally operates during the winter ski season and a shorter summer season, but opening dates change annually. Strong wind, maintenance or technical restrictions can cause temporary closure. Tickets are not included.
Gergeti road and local 4×4
Gergeti Trinity Church is connected to Stepantsminda by a paved mountain road. A standard vehicle is used when conditions allow. A local 4×4 may be substituted following heavy snow, road damage, restrictions or other conditions affecting safe access.
Why the tour visits Sno instead of Juta
Juta is a beautiful hiking destination, but its final access road is narrow, rough and vulnerable to weather-related deterioration. To keep this two-day itinerary reliable, the tour visits Sno and dedicates its main hike to Truso Valley.
Guesthouse accommodation
Kazbegi guesthouses are generally small family-run properties. Rooms are private and clean, but design, soundproofing, heating and bathroom standards can vary. The exact guesthouse is confirmed according to availability and the selected room category.
Border-area regulations
Dariali and the far end of Truso Valley are close to controlled border areas. Guests must carry their original passports, remain on the approved route and follow instructions from the guide and Georgian authorities. The tour does not continue beyond the authorised visitor area.
Weather and itinerary changes
Clouds may hide Mount Kazbek even when conditions are otherwise suitable for travelling. Snow, fog, rain, strong wind, landslides and road maintenance may affect individual stops. Safety decisions made by the guide or driver are final.
Approximate schedule
Departure from Tbilisi is normally between 8:00 and 8:30 on Day 1. Return is expected at approximately 19:00–21:00 on Day 2. A cable car ride, traffic or slower hiking pace may result in a later arrival.
From our travellers
Reviews
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the two-day Kazbegi tour?
The tour is rated moderate because it includes the rocky path to Gveleti Waterfall and a 6–8 kilometre walk in Truso Valley. Most sightseeing stops are easy, but guests should be comfortable walking for approximately three hours on uneven terrain.
How long is the Truso Valley hike?
The included route is approximately 6–8 kilometres and normally takes 2½–3 hours. The exact distance depends on road conditions and where the vehicle can safely reach the hiking route.
Does the tour hike to Zakagori Fortress?
No. The complete return hike to Zakagori is approximately 20–22 kilometres and usually takes six to eight hours. It cannot be combined comfortably with Gergeti, Sno, the optional cable car and the return to Tbilisi on the same day.
Do we need a 4×4 to reach Gergeti Trinity Church?
The road to Gergeti is normally paved, and a standard tour vehicle can use it in good conditions. If the road is damaged, snowy or unsuitable, a local 4×4 transfer will be arranged.
Why is Juta not included?
The final road to Juta can be rough and strongly affected by weather, erosion and maintenance. This tour visits Sno instead and concentrates the hiking programme in Truso Valley, producing a safer and more reliable two-day itinerary.
Is the Kobi–Gudauri cable car included?
No. The cable car is an optional activity, and tickets are purchased separately at the station. The ride is possible only when the system is operating and weather conditions permit.
Does the Kobi–Gudauri cable car operate throughout the year?
No. It normally operates during the ski season and for a limited summer season. It may close between seasons, during maintenance or when strong winds make operation unsafe.
What type of accommodation is included?
The tour includes one night in a locally run guesthouse in Stepantsminda or Gergeti. Rooms are private, clean and comfortable, but facilities are normally simpler than in an international hotel.
Are meals included?
Breakfast at the guesthouse is included. Lunches and dinner are not included, allowing guests to choose their preferred food and portion sizes. Time is provided for lunch in Pasanauri and food stops during the second day.
Do we need to carry a passport?
Yes. Every traveller should carry an original passport because Dariali and the upper part of Truso are close to controlled border areas. Guests must follow all instructions from Georgian border and security officers.
When is the best season for this tour?
The best period is from late May until early October. Snow, flooding, landslides or road repairs can delay the opening of Truso Valley or require changes to the itinerary.
What should we wear?
Wear hiking shoes or trainers with good grip and carry a waterproof jacket, warm layer, sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Weather at Jvari Pass and in Truso can change quickly.
Can the itinerary change because of weather?
Yes. Mountain roads, hiking routes, Gergeti access and cable car operation depend on current conditions. The guide may shorten, reorder or replace a stop when necessary for safety.
Ready when you are
Tell us your dates and how many of you are travelling. We’ll come back within 24 hours with availability, a confirmed price, and your guide’s name.
