4 day trip to Kazbegi and Khevsureti

About this tour

Day 1: The Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi

The first day of your trip is a classic road trip north from Tbilisi, following a path through history and mountains that ends with the famous view of Mount Kazbek.

• Your first big stop has a breathtaking view of the Zhinvali Water Reservoir. The damming of the Aragvi River, which is surrounded by forested hills. This is a great place to take pictures and see how big the Caucasian landscape is that you’re about to enter.
• The Ananuri Fortress is a beautiful example of late medieval Georgian architecture. It sits high above the Zhinvali reservoir. It was the stronghold of the Dukes of Aragvi from the 16th to the 17th centuries. Visit its two main churches, which have beautifully carved fronts and frescoes that are still there. Then walk along the strong defensive walls that used to protect this important place.
• The Black and White Aragvi River Confluence meet near the town of Pasanauri, which is a very interesting natural event. The two streams flow next to each other for a while without mixing because they are at different temperatures, speeds, and mineral compositions. The water’s clear color line is a unique and memorable sight.
• This huge, round Soviet-era building, which is officially called the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument in Gudauri, is on the edge of a cliff near the Jvari (Cross) Pass. The inside of this building, which was built in 1983, has a colorful and detailed mosaic that shows scenes from Georgian and Russian history. But the best part of the monument is the breathtaking view of the valley below from all sides.
• You’ll see an amazing geological formation just past the Jvari Pass, which is 2379 meters high. For hundreds of years, water full of minerals has flowed down a mountainside, leaving behind a large deposit of travertine that is rusty in color. This “Mineral Hill” is a rock that is alive and always changing and growing. You can walk on the deposits and even drink the fizzy, iron-rich spring water.
• Stepantsminda, the main town in the area, is located at the foot of the huge Mount Kazbek (5054 m). The last goal of the day is the famous Gergeti Trinity Church, also known as Tsminda Sameba. This 14th-century church is on top of a hill at 2170 meters and has what is probably the most famous view in all of Georgia. The sight of the ancient stone church against the backdrop of the snow-capped, glacier-covered Kazbek is an ethereal and unforgettable experience.
• Settle into your accommodation in Stepantsminda or a nearby village.

Day 2: Mountains and Waterfalls

Today is all about exploring the dramatic side valleys near Stepantsminda, which are great for hiking and give you a taste of life in the high mountains.

• The Dariali Gorge and the trailhead for Gveleti Waterfalls are just a short drive north from Stepantsminda, near the Russian border. A moderate, beautiful hike (about 30 to 45 minutes each way) will take you to two waterfalls. The bigger waterfall is a powerful cascade crashing into a rocky amphitheater, while the smaller one is quieter and more private. The name “Gveleti” means “place of snakes”.
• The road to Juta, also called the “Sno-Valley,” is one of the most beautiful drives in Georgia. Juta itself is one of the highest villages in the country that is inhabited all year round (about 2200 meters). The main draw is the breathtaking view of the Chaukhi Massif, a group of rocky peaks that are often called the “Georgian Dolomites.” The main activity of this place is the hike to the small alpine Chaukhi lake, which can be done either on foot or by horses from the village. You can enjoy some coffee and meals on the way back from the lakes at the “5th season cafe” in the hilltop. Note: You may need to take taxi for the last 3km to go enter Juta.

Day 3: Truso Valley and Khevsureti

This day is all about exploring a unique valley full of geological wonders before setting out on a difficult journey to another remote mountain area.

• Truso Valley is a huge valley at a high altitude that is famous for its strange landscapes. Truso is different from Juta because it has wide-open spaces, bubbling mineral springs, bright orange and white travertine formations, and old villages that are no longer inhabited, like Zakagori. It’s a beautiful, quiet place with interesting geology. This day we will not drive all way to Zakagori, instead we will stop at Abano lake and take a 15m hike to visit this volcanic bubling lake.
• There is no road that goes straight from one valley to the other. You have to first drive all the way back south from Truso to Zhinvali, then take the turn-off road that goes north-east to Khevsureti. We will stay in Roshka for one night. In Roshka there are no Hotels and only options are guesthouses.

Day 4: Shatili and Mutso

• We have to start this day a bit earlier by 8:00AM. On our way to Shatili, we cross the Datvijvari Pass at 2,676 meters—one of the highest accessible points, offering stunning views of both the Argun and Aragvi gorges. We’ll stop by the abandoned village of Lebaiskari and pass through the ancient Khevsuretian defensive towers in Kistani.
• Next we will visit Mutso, a spectacular medieval village perched on a rock and abandoned in the early 20th century. After exploring its towers and ancient ruins, We will start driving back to Roshka.
• If time and weather allows, we can hike to Abudelauri Lakes. Here we have three different colored lakes elevated from 2500 to 2700 meters above sea level. To me most impressive is white lake which is located farthest than other two. But be aware we may have to walk in snow and waterproof shoes and warm clothes are required.
• After returning back to Roshka we will drive to Tbilisi.