ყაზბეგის ეროვნული პარკი
An 8,700-hectare alpine park on the Greater Caucasus slopes with peaks above 5,000 m
Kazbegi National Park sits on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in Kazbegi Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. The park's lowest point is 1,400 m above sea level; its highest is Mount Kazbek (5,047 m). 35% of the territory is forested, the rest – alpine meadows, moraines, and glaciers. The park includes the Tergi (Terek) River basin and several lateral gorges: Dariali, Truso, Sno, and Khda.
The main base is Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi), 150 km from Tbilisi via the Georgian Military Highway. A shared minibus (marshrutka) from Didube bus station costs 15–20 GEL (~$6–7), taking 2.5–3 hours. Renting a car is also convenient – the road is paved throughout but mountainous.
Allow at least 2 full days for the park's main sights (Gergeti, Gveleti waterfalls, Dariali Gorge). For a trek to the Kazbek glacier or Truso Valley – 3–5 days. Park entry is free.
The park spans from narrow river gorges to snow-covered Caucasus peaks. The main landmark is Mount Kazbek, a dormant volcano with an ice cap, visible from every point in the valley. Below it, at 2,170 m, stands the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church – a stone temple against a glacier backdrop, one of Georgia's most recognizable symbols. The hike up takes 1–1.5 hours from Gergeti village; a 4WD taxi ride is 15 minutes.
North of Stepantsminda, the Georgian Military Highway follows the Dariali Gorge – a deep rift between cliffs with the Terek River roaring at the bottom. In a side branch of the gorge, the Gveleti Waterfalls – two cascades (big and small) – are tucked into a green canyon. Near the Russian border sits the Dariali Monastery, a modern complex built from pinkish-grey stone.
West of Stepantsminda, Truso Valley opens up – a dirt road leads past mineral springs, travertines, and abandoned Ossetian villages to mineral Lake Abano at 2,127 m. Eastward – the Sno Valley with its stone heads and the road to Juta village (2,150 m), the starting point for routes to the Chaukhi Massif. The park's fauna includes the East Caucasian tur, chamois, brown bear, lynx, and large raptors – bearded vulture, griffon vulture, and golden eagle.
Area – 8,700 hectares of protected territory from 1,400 to 5,047 m elevation
Flora – 1,347 plant species, 26% of which are Caucasus endemics
Fauna – East Caucasian tur, chamois, brown bear, golden eagle, bearded vulture
Gorges – Dariali, Truso, Sno, Khda – each with a unique landscape
Routes – from easy walks (Gveleti, 1.5 hrs) to summiting Kazbek (3–5 days)
Access – 150 km from Tbilisi on the paved Georgian Military Highway
The area around Kazbek has been inhabited since antiquity. One of only two crossings through the Caucasus range – the Dariali Pass – runs through the park. Ancient authors called it the "Gate of the Caucasus." The local Mokheve people guarded this strategic corridor for centuries. Medieval churches and towers survive in the region: Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century), Sioni Basilica, Sno Castle (17th century). The national park was established in 1976 based on an existing nature reserve.
After Georgian independence, the park came under the Agency of Protected Areas (APA). In the 2000s, tourism infrastructure developed: a visitor centre opened in Stepantsminda, trails were marked, and the Bethlemi Hut (meteorological station) was built at 3,650 m for climbers. Today the park receives tens of thousands of visitors annually while remaining a habitat for rare species listed in Georgia's Red Book.
Park entry is free. Registration at the Stepantsminda visitor centre is recommended for multi-day treks and climbs.
Bethlemi Hut (meteorological station, 3,650 m):
Overnight – check on site or at nationalparks.ge
4WD taxis to Gergeti:
From Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church – 20–25 GEL (~$8–9) per person, 30–50 GEL per vehicle
Group day tour from Tbilisi – from 80–120 GEL (~$30–45)
Half-day Dariali Gorge tour from Stepantsminda – from 50–80 GEL per vehicle
Border zone permits are required for areas near Russia (Truso beyond Keterisi village, parts of Dariali Gorge) – arrange at the border police office in Stepantsminda. Passport required. Above 3,000 m, weather changes instantly – snow, rain, and strong wind possible even in summer. Climbing Mount Kazbek requires experience, proper gear, and a guide. Campfires are prohibited within the park. Carry all rubbish out.
Visitor centre: In Stepantsminda on the main street. Maps, trail info, registration.
Parking: Free in Stepantsminda. Limited spaces at trailheads.
Cafés and shops: Stepantsminda has restaurants, a SPAR supermarket, and a Liberty Bank ATM. Nothing on the trails – bring water and food.
Wi-Fi / connectivity: 4G works in Stepantsminda. On trails and in gorges, signal is weak or absent. An eSIM is recommended.
Accessibility: Most routes are mountain trails with elevation changes. People with limited mobility can enjoy views from the Georgian Military Highway and the visitor centre area.
From Tbilisi (150 km, 2.5–3 hrs):
– Marshrutka (shared minibus) from Didube bus station – 15–20 GEL (~$6–7), departing every 1–2 hrs from 9:00 AM, when full
– Shared taxi from Didube – 20–30 GEL (~$8–11) per person
– Taxi (Bolt) – 180–200 GEL (~$65–75) per car
– Car rental – paved road but mountainous; Jvari Pass (2,379 m) can be snowy in winter
From Gudauri (45 km, 1 hr):
– Taxi – 40–60 GEL (~$15–22)
– The Friendship Monument is along the way
Getting around Stepantsminda:
Local 4WD vehicles (Mitsubishi Delica) line up near the bus stop. Transfer to Gergeti – 20–50 GEL. Half-day tour (Gveleti + Dariali) – up to 80 GEL per vehicle (6–7 seats).
Season: June–September is the main hiking and trekking season. Trails are snow-free; average daytime temperature is +15–20°C. July–August is peak season.
Time of day: Early morning (before 9:00 AM) – fewer clouds, best views of Kazbek. By midday, mountains often cloud over.
Duration: 2–3 days minimum. Day 1 – Gergeti + Gveleti. Day 2 – Truso or Dariali. Day 3 – Juta/Chaukhi.
Avoid: November–April – many trails are closed by snow, Jvari Pass is sometimes shut. The Georgian Military Highway can be blocked by snowfall or landslides.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
No, the park is free to enter. Registration at the visitor centre is recommended for multi-day hikes and climbs.
At least 2 full days: day one for Gergeti Trinity Church and surroundings, day two for Gveleti Waterfalls and Dariali Gorge. Add a third day for Truso or Juta.
Marshrutka (shared minibus) from Didube bus station in Tbilisi – 15–20 GEL (~$6–7), 2.5–3 hours, every 1–2 hours from 9:00 AM. Return from Stepantsminda the same way.
For walks to Gergeti and Gveleti – average fitness and sturdy shoes. For the glacier trek – good endurance. For summiting Kazbek – mountaineering experience, proper gear, and a guide are mandatory.
Yes. A 4WD taxi to Gergeti Church takes 15 minutes. The small Gveleti waterfall is an easy 15–20 minute walk. Stepantsminda has cafés and shops.
4G is stable in Stepantsminda. On trails and in gorges, signal is weak or absent. Get an eSIM before arriving.
Daytime +15–20°C in Stepantsminda, colder at altitude. Weather changes rapidly – rain and fog can appear in minutes. A warm jacket and rain gear are essential even in July.
Since 2026, medical insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia. For treks and climbs, sports coverage is recommended – helicopter evacuation is costly.
Stepantsminda has guesthouses from 40–60 GEL (~$15–22) per person and hotels from 120 GEL (~$45). For Juta – guesthouses in the village. For climbing – Bethlemi Hut at 3,650 m. Book accommodation early for July–August.
