Kazbegi
High-mountain village at the foot of Mount Kazbek: trekking, Gergeti Church, and the Georgian Military Highway
Kazbegi. Overview
About the city
Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) is a settlement at 1,740 m elevation in the Terek gorge, 12 km from the Russian border. Permanent population is about 1,300. The main draw is Gergeti Trinity Church on a hill (2,170 m) with views of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m). The village itself is one main street with guesthouses, a Spar supermarket, and a Liberty Bank ATM. The drive here via the Cross Pass and Friendship Monument is one of the most scenic in the country, with a stop at Ananuri Fortress.
From Tbilisi: marshrutka from Didube, 15–20 GEL, 3–3.5 hrs. Departures roughly hourly from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Private taxi costs 150–200 GEL (convenient for stops at Ananuri and viewpoints). Plan at least 1 night: hiking up to the church, descending, and walking to Gveleti Waterfalls fills a full day. A second day is needed for the Juta or Truso valleys. In winter, the pass may close – check road conditions. For reaching remote valleys independently, a 4WD vehicle is needed.
Weather now · Kazbegi
8°
RainWed17°/7°
Thu19°/10°
Fri20°/10°
RegionGeorgian Military Highway & Kazbegi
When to goApril – October
AirportTbilisi (TBS)113 kmLocal time—Georgia
Kazbegi. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Gergeti Trinity Church
A 14th-century church at 2,170 m – Georgia's most iconic view against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek
Mount Kazbek
A dormant volcano at 5,047 m – the highest peak of the eastern Greater Caucasus
Kazbegi National Park
An 8,700-hectare alpine park on the Greater Caucasus slopes with peaks above 5,000 m
Gveleti Waterfalls
Two mountain waterfalls in a side canyon of Dariali Gorge – 7 km from Stepantsminda
Dariali Monastery
A 21st-century monastery complex in Dariali Gorge – 1 km from the Russian border
Stone Heads of Sno Village
Open-air gallery of granite sculptures – one artist's ongoing project since 1984
Kazbegi. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Kazbegi. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Kazbegi. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
How many days do I need for Kazbegi?+
Minimum 1 night for the Gergeti hike and surroundings. 2 nights if you plan to trek to the Juta or Truso valleys. A day trip from Tbilisi is possible but exhausting: 7 hours on the road + 2–3 hours on site.
How do I get to Gergeti Church?+
On foot from Stepantsminda – 1–1.5 hrs uphill (430 m elevation gain). By taxi/4WD – 50 GEL one way. The road is paved. In winter and rain, the walking trail is slippery.
Do I need a 4WD?+
For Stepantsminda and Gergeti Church – no, a regular car or marshrutka works. For the Juta and Truso valleys – a 4WD is strongly recommended as roads are unpaved. You can rent a jeep or hire a local driver.
What's the weather like and when should I go?+
Season runs June–September. Summer daytime temps are 20–25°C; nights can drop to 5°C. Snow on the pass is possible from October to May. The Cross Pass periodically closes in winter. In peak season (July–August) Gergeti Church gets crowded – go early morning.
Where should I stay?+
Stepantsminda has dozens of guesthouses (60–120 GEL/night with breakfast) and several pricier hotels (300+ GEL). Book ahead for July–August. You can find accommodation on Booking or directly.
Are there ATMs and internet?+
One Liberty Bank ATM on the main street. Cards are accepted at hotels and a few cafés; everything else is cash. Mobile internet works in the village but is patchy in the mountains. Get an eSIM or a SIM card before the trip.
Is the hike to Gergeti dangerous?+
The trail is non-technical but steep. You need trekking shoes, water, and sun protection. The path gets muddy in rain. Insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia and strongly recommended with trekking coverage above 2,000 m – standard policies often exclude this.
What else is there to see besides the church?+
Gveleti Waterfalls – 30 min from the village by taxi + 20 min walk. Stone Heads in Sno Village – along the road. Truso Valley – mineral lakes and abandoned villages (half-day). Dariali Monastery – near the Russian border.
Can I combine this with Mtskheta on the way?+
Yes. By car or with a driver: Mtskheta + Ananuri + Friendship Monument + Kazbegi is the classic 1–2 day route.
How do I get back to Tbilisi?+
Return marshrutkas depart in the morning, usually until 3:00–4:00 PM. Check with your guesthouse. Alternatively, arrange a driver in advance or flag down a passing marshrutka on the highway. Bolt works unreliably in Kazbegi.
Kazbegi. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
