If you are visiting Georgia, you do not want to miss Stepantsminda, commonly known as Kazbegi, named after the striking snow-capped mountain that towers over the area. It is one of my favorite areas in the country with amazing hiking trails, beautiful viewpoints, and a ton of things to do.
Within this guide, I will highlight all my favorite things to do in Kazbegi from the best hiking routes to where to eat to how to get around and more. I will also provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip here, so without further ado, here is a complete travel guide to Kazbegi:
- Kazbegi Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Kazbegi?
-
10 Best Things to Do in Kazbegi
- Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
- Hike to Gergeti Glacier
- Visit Juta Village
- Spend a Night at the Fifth Season
- Hike Around Truso Valley
- Enjoy the View from Rooms Hotel
- Enjoy Home-cooked Meals at Lunch at Maia
- Explore Ananuri Fortress Complex
- Enjoy the View at Panorama Gudauri
- Drop by Zhinvali Reservoir Viewpoint
- When to Visit Kazbegi?
- How to Get to Kazbegi?
- How to Get Around Kazbegi?
- How Many Days to Spend in Kazbegi?
- What to Pack for Kazbegi?
- Further Reading for Georgia
Kazbegi Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Kazbegi
1. Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
Of course, we have to start this list with the most important attraction of all, the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Georgia. Set against Mount Kazbegi, at over 2,170 meters (7,120 ft) above sea level, this magnificent hilltop church is probably the reason why you are in Kazbegi in the first place.
The church was built in the 14th Century AD by an unknown architect, and even though the church itself may not seem particularly special, it is the isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature that made this church the poster child of Georgia.
You can literally see the church from almost anywhere in town, thanks to its striking shape and prominent location. To get to the church from Stepantsminda, there are several ways you can do it. The most convenient way is to drive up yourself if you have your own car.
- Archil and Nino Gigauri Guest House (Budget)
- Chemodann Kazbegi (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (High-End)
- Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Truso Valley from Kazbegi (1 Day) 👍 Top Pick
- Round Trip Bus Transfer to Juta from Kazbegi (1 Day) 👍 Top Pick
- Kazbegi - Half Day Tour to Dariali Gorge & Waterfalls (4 hours)
The road is in excellent condition, and even though there are a few steep climbs, a regular non-4WD car should handle it just fine. You can start from this parking lot, and it should take about 15 minutes to reach the top.
If you do not have your own car, you can also find either a shared or a private taxi to get you up there. For a shared taxi, it should cost around 20 GEL per person and you will find plenty of 4WD waiting for you at this parking lot. For a private taxi, you can also find one at the same parking lot or in town, near the main bus stop. A private taxi should cost around 25 USD per car.
But of course, if you want to hike, you can also do it straight from Stepantsminda. In fact, I think this is the best way to get to Gergeti Trinity Church as it is free, you can stay as long as you like, and you get to enjoy the view at a much slower pace than if you were to take a car up.
The hike begins at the western edge of Gergeti at this trailhead, and it should take you about 1 hour to reach Gergeti Trinity Church, including the walk from Stepantsminda to Gergeti.
The trail begins to incline gradually right after you cross the river and enter Gergeti. Once you reach the trailhead, the trail continues to climb further, zigzagging its way up the hillside, leading to a steep ascent all the way up to the church.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, pack a few layers in case the weather changes, and bring enough water for the hike. While the hike isn't particularly difficult, it's best to be prepared for any situation, especially in the mountains.
For the best light, I recommend you visit in the late afternoon. The light should be shining directly at the church and it shouldn't be too hot to hike. Stay there until sunset, and make your way down the same way before it gets too dark.
This church is better seen from afar, so if you want to snap a great photo of it and its surrounding mountains, I highly recommend you hike further up to this ridge and snap a photo from there. Trust me, you are going to love it.
2. Hike to Gergeti Glacier
If the hike to Gergeti Church is too easy for you, you can also hike all the way to Gergeti Glacier, a massive glacier located on the southern slope of Mount Kazbek. Keep in mind that this is a very difficult hike and will likely take you an entire day, so if you plan to do this, be sure to start your day early.
The hike continues from Gergeti Trinity Church and goes all the way up to over 3,000 meters above sea level. The whole trek should take about 8-10 hours in total, with about 5.5 hours going up and 3 hours coming down. Again, you have to be quite fit to do this trail, as you will be gaining over 1.5 km of elevation in a few hours.
I did the trek way back in 2015 and it was tough. The weather was not great when I did it, and in the end, I didn't even get to see the glacier. I would only recommend you do this hike if the weather is good, and you know what you are getting yourself into.
3. Visit Juta Village
One of the most popular day trips from Kazbegi is to visit Juta Village, a remote village nestled between the rolling hills of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. The village is best known for its stunning scenery and allows you to get a peek at the traditional way of life of the local people living here.
Getting to Juta Village requires some effort, as the road is mostly unpaved gravel and runs along a mountainside prone to landslides. In fact, as of 2024, about 3 km of the road is closed for renovation, meaning you'll need to hike an additional hour to reach the village.
To get here, you can either hire a taxi from Kazbegi or go with a shared transfer organized by Mountain Freaks, and they will drop you off at the road block located here.
From there, you can walk along the road for about an hour before arriving in Juta Village. The trail isn't difficult, as it climbs gradually up the hill, but it can get quite hot since there isn't much shade along the way.
Of course, if you do not want to hike an extra 3 km, there will be some drivers waiting for you on the other side of the roadblock in case you want a quick lift to Juta Village. It should cost you around 20 - 30 GEL per person, and you should be there in about 10 minutes.
Once you arrive in Juta, I highly recommend continuing your hike up to the Fifth Season Hotel, located on the hilltop above the village. The view from there is far better than in Juta, offering a stunning panorama of the snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range.
However, you'll need to tackle an extremely steep trail before that, and it will take about 30 minutes before you reach the Fifth Season. This is likely the most challenging part of the hike, so take your time.
I went with a shared transfer organized by Mountain Freaks and left Kazbegi at 9 AM sharp. I arrived at the roadblock 45 minutes later and from there, I hiked for about one and a half hours before arriving at the Fifth Season, with about 5 hours to spare.
I ended up hiking further to Juta Waterfall and Juta Lake and back, which took another 2 hours. After that, I spent the rest of my time relaxing and enjoying the scenery at the Fifth Season before I made my way back to the roadblock in time for the pick-up at 5:30 PM.
If you want to visit Juta Village, but do not want to pay for a private tour, the shared transfer organized by Mountain Freaks is the best way to go. They get booked out pretty fast though, so be sure to book your spot at least a day in advance!
4. Spend a Night at the Fifth Season
If you have a night to spare in Kazbegi, I highly recommend you spend a night at the Fifth Season Hotel before heading back to Kazbegi, so that you have time to absorb the scenery and explore the area at your own leisure.
The Fifth Season hotel has one of the best views in Juta with most rooms facing directly at the snow-capped mountains, so you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your room. The hotel also serves food and drinks, so you do not have to pack anything but clothes.
The best part is that you'll have the chance to witness both sunrise and sunset, each worth witnessing in its own right. The sunrise comes from behind the mountain range, which your room faces, allowing you to enjoy the golden hour straight from your room. The evening light is ideal for photography, as the sun shines directly on the peaks, adding depth and dimension.
The place can get quite crowded during the day as day hikers come and go throughout the day, but after sunset, you will be able to enjoy the place the way it is meant to be. If you want to spend overnight at the Fifth Season, be sure to book the hotel in advance!
5. Hike Around Truso Valley
Truso Valley is another epic hiking day trip you can make from Kazbegi. This epic valley is home to many stunning attractions like the impressive hilltop Zakagori Fortress, Truso travertines, Abano Lake, and more.
The hike in Truso Valley begins at this trailhead and runs along the valley for about 15 km, all the way to Zakagori Fortress. The trail is mostly flat with a few ups and downs, but it's a long trek that will take approximately 7 hours to complete, about 4 hours to reach the fortress and around 3 hours to return.
Despite its relatively flat profile, I found this hike more challenging than the one in Juta Valley, as you'll be covering nearly 30 km if you plan to reach Zakagori Fortress. The hike is undeniably beautiful throughout, and it's worth experiencing, but due to its length and the minimal shade for rest stops, it can be quite demanding, especially if you tackle it during the summer months as I did.
To get to Truso Valley, I highly recommend using the daily shared transfer organized by Mountain Freaks. They depart from their office in Kazbegi at 9:15 AM and will pick you up at the trailhead at 4:30 PM, giving you about 6 hours to hike. While this may not be enough time to reach Zakagori Fortress, unless you hike fast without rest, you'll still get a good view of it from a distance.
Although my legs were definitely at their limits by the end of the day, I had a blast hiking Truso Valley. If you enjoy hiking and want to experience the Greater Caucasus at its best, Truso Valley is definitely the place for you.
6. Enjoy the View from Rooms Hotel
If you are looking for the best viewpoint in Stepantsminda, you can't go wrong with the cafe at Rooms Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Kazbegi with one of the best vantage points over the entire valley.
Located high up the hillside, the hotel is blessed with an unobstructed view of Gergeti Trinity Church and the snow-capped peak of Mount Kazbeg, set against the rolling hills of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. The view from here is truly quite a sight to behold.
If you can afford it, staying at the Rooms for a night or two is a great option. Or you can do as I did and just go to the restaurant there for dinner and enjoy the incredible sunset from the hotel's balcony. The food costs around 30 GEL per dish, which is pricey but not excessive. It's definitely cheaper than booking a room for the night, that's for sure.
If you are traveling from Tbilisi to Kazbegi with this organized tour, you will also stop here for dinner. So, if you want to hit two birds with one stone, I recommend you go with the day trip. It is one of the best viewpoints in Stepantsminda. If you are looking for a place to enjoy your dinner with a view over Gergeti Church and Mount Kazbek, you can't go wrong with the Rooms hotel.
7. Enjoy Home-cooked Meals at Lunch at Maia
If you are looking for a lovely local restaurant that serves fresh home-cooked meals in a cozy garden that feels like home in Stepantsminda, I highly recommend you check out Lunch at Maia, a lovely little family-run restaurant that serves delicious Georgian dishes at a reasonable price.
The place is basically a local's home with a garden turned into a restaurant, and they have a few selections of items on their menu that you can order family-style. I ordered a kebab that came with thick, tasty sauce and it was delicious. They also gave me a plate of fruits straight from their garden for free!
It really feels like I was eating at a local's home here at Lunch at Maia, and if you're looking for an authentic local experience, this place is hard to beat. The restaurant is open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 5 PM to 10 PM. Dishes cost between 10 and 20 GEL each, which is quite affordable by Kazbegi standards.
8. Explore Ananuri Fortress Complex
Technically not in Kazbegi, but any trip to Kazbegi will have to pass through the Ananuri Fortress Complex, an iconic landmark that was featured on the cover of Lonely Planet's guidebook about the Caucasus, and it would be a shame to travel all the way here without seeing it.
Ananuri Fortress Complex is a castle built in the 13th century AD by a duke who ruled this part of the Caucasus during that period, and it was a scene of numerous battles that led to its name, Ananuri. Legends have it that during a siege of the castle, the enemy was unable to topple it thanks to the secret tunnel that led to the water and thus provided a way to get food and water to the people inside.
Bewildered by the people's resilience, the enemy decided to capture a woman named Ana, who was from Nuri, and tortured her to reveal the location of the secret tunnel. Despite the torture, she refused to give up the secret and chose to die rather than betray it, which is how the castle came to be named Ananuri.
Inside the castle, you'll find a church and a watchtower. You can climb the watchtower for a nice view of the castle and its surroundings from above. That said, keep in mind that the path is quite narrow and can get crowded, especially if you visit the castle during the peak season, so you might need to wait a bit to enter and exit.
To reach the castle, you can either rent a car and drive yourself or join a day trip from Tbilisi and they will give you about 45 minutes to explore the castle, which is plenty of time to see it all. The castle is open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, and there is no entrance fee.
9. Enjoy the View at Panorama Gudauri (Russia-Georgian Friendship Monument)
Another awesome stop you shouldn't miss as you make your way to or from Kazbegi is Panorama Gudauri, formerly known as the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument. This impressive Soviet-era monument is perched photogenically on top of a cliff's edge overlooking the stunning mountains in Gudauri.
The monument was built in 1983 to celebrate the friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. The monument is a large tile mural that spans the entire circumference of the structure and displays several scenes of Georgian and Russian past history and accomplishments.
Nowadays, it is renamed to Panorama Gudauri due to the deteriorating relationship between its northern neighbor following the 2008 conflict. The site has become a popular tourist spot where visitors visit, take photos, and enjoy the view of the Devil's Valley below.
To visit the monument, you can either rent a car and drive there yourself or travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi on an organized tour and they will drop you off here and give you about an hour to enjoy the view. You can visit the monument 24/7, and it is free to enter.
10. Drop by Zhinvali Reservoir Viewpoint
Another great stop on your way to or from Kazbegi is the Zhinvali Reservoir Viewpoint. This roadside viewpoint offers a perfect opportunity for a quick photo stop before continuing on to the Ananuri Fortress Complex.
From this viewpoint, you will get an unobstructed view of the artificial lake as well as the rolling hills behind it. There are also souvenir shops and a coffee shop where you can take a break. Although the viewpoint is not worth a stop on its own, it is a great spot to break up the long and winding trip between Tbilisi and Kazbegi.
If you have rented a car and are driving to Kazbegi yourself, you can easily drop by here for a few minutes. If you are traveling on an organized tour, they should also stop by here before heading over to Kazbegi.
Where to Stay in Kazbegi?
When to Visit Kazbegi?
The best time to visit Kazbegi will depend on the type of activities you want to partake in while you are here. If you like hiking, the summer months between June and September will give you the highest chance of clear days.
Although it can get pretty hot during the day, the high altitude will keep you cool enough for outdoor activities. I'd take hot, sunny weather over rainy days anytime!
Keep in mind that the summer months are considered peak season, so it can get a bit crowded. A great way to avoid this is by visiting Kazbegi on weekdays instead of weekends.
If you really hate crowds and want to avoid them as much as possible, you might want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in May or October. The weather is less predictable, with sporadic rain, but if you get lucky with the weather, you are going to have a hell of a time here.
If you're looking to ski, the best time to visit is from mid-December to April, when the ski season is in full swing. You might also want to spend some time in Gudauri rather than Stepantsminda, as the former is the ski hot spot in Kazbegi.
How to Get to Kazbegi?
To get to Kazbegi, you will have to first fly into Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. There are not many flights flying to Tbilisi directly, so you will have to rely on transit flights like Turkish Airlines via Ankara, Qatar Airlines via Doha, or Air Astana via Almaty. You can browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find the cheapest flight from your home country to here.
Once you arrive in Tbilisi, there are several ways you can get to Kazbegi depending on your budget, comfort, and what you want to see along the way:
Day Trips: This is by far my favorite way to get to Kazbegi. There are many day trips leaving from Tbilisi to Kazbegi every day, and you can hitch a ride with them to get to Kazbegi while visiting all the tourist attractions along the way without having to worry about the logistics.
Instead of returning with them, you can ask to be dropped off at your hotel in Kazbegi and continue your journey from there. Your ride will be much more comfortable, not overly expensive, and you'll get to see more than if you were to take public transportation.
The day trip should cost around 25 USD per person and you can book the tour here. I went with Budget-Friendly Georgia and they were great. The guide was knowledgeable and very helpful throughout the trip. I highly recommend you go with them.
Marshrutka (Minivan): This is the cheapest way to get to Kazbegi, although not the most comfortable. You can catch one at Didude Bus Terminal which you can easily reach via the metros. There will be many minivans waiting for you when you arrive.
Marshrutkas are the main mode of transportation for locals around the country, and most of them can get pretty packed. Not Southeast-Asian-style packed, but still, with most minivans lacking AC, it can be quite an uncomfortable experience, especially in the midsummer months. I highly recommend sitting by a window that opens. Trust me!
They operate between 8 AM and 6-7 PM every day, and they leave when it is full. The journey should take about 3 - 4 hours and cost 15 GEL. You don't have to book the ticket, just get to the bus station about 30 minutes before your planned departure time, and you should be golden.
Private Transfer: If you want a more comfortable ride from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, you might want to consider booking a private transfer. It should cost around 90 USD and it should take about 3 hours max. You can also ask the driver to stop wherever you want in between, so if you can afford it, this is the way to go.
By Car: You can also rent a car straight from the airport and drive to Kazbegi. The roads are mostly in great condition and a regular sedan car should be enough for the trip. The cost for car rental varies, but you can expect to pay around 25 USD/day excluding gas. You can rent a car from here.
How to Get Around Kazbegi?
By Walking: Most places within the vicinity of Stepantsminda are reachable on foot. Yes, even the famous Gergeti Trinity Church located atop a mountain, if you don't mind hiking up a steep trail for 1 hour.
By Shared Transfers: For further away places like Juta and Truso Valley, you can utilize the daily shared transfers organized by Mountain Freaks. They are affordable and give you ample time to explore the area before picking you up at the end of the day.
You will have to hike quite a bit, but it's the best way to get to more remote places without having to opt for a private taxi. If you are a solo traveler, a hiker, or a budget traveler, this is the way to go. They do have limited spots though and they get booked out fast, so be sure to book the transfers in advance with the links below:
- Shared Transfer to Truso Valley (18 USD): Book here
- Shared Transfer to Juta (18 USD): Book here
- Shared Tour to Dalari Gorge and Waterfalls (18 USD): Book here
By Private Tours: If you don't mind paying a little bit more, you can also go with private tours that will take you all over Kazbegi for a price. Here are the tours you can take to get around Kazbegi:
How Many Days to Spend in Kazbegi?
I highly recommend you spend at least 3 full days in Kazbegi (4 nights). That way, you will have time to explore the town itself with 2 spare days for day trips. Here is my 3-day suggested itinerary:
- 1st day: Explore Stepantsminda and visiting Gergeti Trinity Church
- 2nd day: Hike Truso Valley
- 3nd day: Visit Juta and hike to Fifth Season
You can add a few days to the itinerary if you want to have rest days in between all the hikes or if you want to stay overnight at Fifth Season in Juta, which I recommend.
What to Pack for Kazbegi?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kazbegi, Georgia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Georgia
I hope you found this Georgia travel guide useful. If you are looking for something to read to help with your Georgia trip planning even further, be sure to check out the articles below:
- For a complete itinerary to Georgia, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Georgia Itinerary.
- Tbilisi is definitely one of my favorite cities in the Caucasus with its vibrancy and liveliness that rival no one. If you are planning a trip here, be sure to check out our guide: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi.
- Looking for a great day trip from Tbilisi? How about visiting the romantic wine region of Kakheti? Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kakheti.
- One of the best day trips you can make in Kazbegi is to visit Juta Valley and go hiking around one of the many hiking trails here. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Juta Valley.
- An alternative day trip you can make in Kazbegi is to spend a day hiking in Truso Valley, where stunning nature meets incredible history. To help you plan the ultimate trip, here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Truso Valley.
- As one of the oldest cities in Georgia, with a history spanning 3,000 years, Kutaisi has a ton of things for you to see and do. If you're planning a visit, be sure to check out our 10 best things to do in Kutaisi.
- Svaneti is one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia. It is home to not just beautiful mountains, but also the Svans with their rich history, and unique culture. If you want to visit Svaneti, this is the travel guide for you: A Complete Travel Guide to Svaneti
- One of the best hikes you can do in Svaneti is the Koruldi Lakse hike. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Koruldi Lakes
- For a complete list of things to do in Mestia, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Mestia
- Ushguli is one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe, and it is a must-visit if you are exploring Svaneti. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Ushguli
- Batumi is more than just the Dubai of the Black Sea; it has a rich history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of things to do. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Batumi.
- Wondering where to go after Georgia? Why not drop by Armenia or Azerbaijan afterward?
- For all articles about Georgia, visit our Georgia Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to the Caucasus Region? Check out all my articles about the region here: The Caucasus Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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