Zhinvali and Ananuri
The turquoise reservoir and the fortress-church of Ananuri on its shore. Climb the tower for the view.
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Travel Notes · Mountains
Kazbegi in a day: the Military Road
One of the most beautiful drives in the Caucasus, from Tbilisi to the foot of Mount Kazbek and back in a day.
Pasanauri
The village famous for khinkali. A good place for an early lunch on the way back.
Gudauri viewpoint
The Friendship Monument, a curved mosaic balcony over a deep valley. Paragliding takes off nearby in summer.
Jvari Pass
The highest point of the road, snowy until late spring, with mineral springs coloured orange by iron.
Stepantsminda and Gergeti
Hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church in about 1.5 hours, or take a 4×4 from the village. The view of Kazbek (5,054 m) is the reward.
How to go
Driver for the day: the most flexible way; book through GoTrip or your hotel and agree the stops. Marshrutka: from Didube bus station, about 15–20 ₾, around 3 hours; it does not stop at viewpoints. Group tour: many leave Tbilisi every morning and include all the stops.
Tips
- Leave Tbilisi by 8–9 am to have time at Gergeti and miss the afternoon clouds.
- Bring a warm layer even in summer; it is 10 °C cooler than Tbilisi.
- In winter the road can close during snowstorms; check before you go.
- Stay the night in Stepantsminda if you can; the morning light on Kazbek is unforgettable.