Gveleti Waterfalls

The trail begins at a turnoff from the Georgian Military Highway near Gveleti village. A dirt road climbs up the valley past an abandoned camp and several metal huts. After 800 m, the gorge forks, and a stone with a red arrow marks the junction.

The right-hand trail leads to the Big Waterfall. It follows a stream, crosses a small footbridge, and climbs over rocks and roots. The final section is a fairly steep scramble over rocky steps. After 15–20 minutes, a powerful stream comes into view, crashing down a vertical wall into a rocky basin. Spray reaches several metres; the air is cold and damp.

From the fork, the left trail reaches the Small Waterfall in 5–10 minutes. It's less visited – sunlight barely reaches this narrow canyon. The walls are covered in moss and ferns. On the return, the trail opens up views of the Terek valley and the Caucasus peaks. From August to October, slopes are dotted with wild rosehip and sea buckthorn.

Big Waterfall – approximately 25 m, cascading from a vertical cliff into a rocky pool

Small Waterfall – 750 m from the Big one, in a narrow shaded canyon with moss and ferns

Trail – 2.9 km (round trip), elevation gain ~285 m, moderate difficulty

Time – 1.5–2.5 hours for both waterfalls including the walk

Location – 7 km from Stepantsminda, inside Dariali Gorge

Gveleti Waterfalls are a natural formation in a side canyon of the Dariali Gorge. The village of Gveleti at the base gave them their name. The gorge sits at the junction of massive geological layers of the Greater Caucasus – the canyon walls are formed of sedimentary and volcanic rock. The waterfalls are fed by mountain streams and snowmelt; peak flow occurs in spring and early summer.

During the Soviet era, the territory fell within the Kazbegi reserve's protected zone. After the national park was established, the waterfalls became one of the region's most visited natural attractions. In recent years, a parking area (3 GEL) and a small café have appeared at the trailhead.

From Stepantsminda (7 km, 15 min by car):

– Taxi (4WD) – 30–50 GEL (~$11–18) per vehicle with waiting time

– Own car: turn off the Georgian Military Highway at Gveleti village, dirt road uphill. A regular car reaches the highway parking. A 4WD goes further up, shortening the walk

From Tbilisi (157 km, 3 hrs):

– Marshrutka to Stepantsminda (15–20 GEL / ~$6–7), then taxi

– Car rental – 4WD preferred

– Day tour from Tbilisi (usually includes Gergeti + Gveleti): from 80 GEL (~$30)

From the trailhead to the falls:

From the highway parking – 30–45 min on foot. From the upper parking (4WD) – 15–20 min.

Season: May–October. Maximum water flow – May–June (snowmelt). August–October – rosehip and sea buckthorn in bloom, colourful scenery.

Time of day: Morning – fewer people. The sun illuminates the Big Waterfall canyon in the first half of the day.

Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours for both waterfalls. With photo stops – up to 3 hours.

Avoid: Heavy rain – the trail becomes slippery and hazardous. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes – striking to see, but the trail is icy and suitable only for experienced hikers.