Horseback Riding in Stepantsminda: Elia Monastery Trail

Mountain trails on horseback toward a hilltop monastery overlooking the valley

Horseback riding in Stepantsminda through Kazbegi's mountain landscapes toward Elia Monastery, with a local guide and helmets included. The ride suits all levels, from age 6 onward, and takes roughly an hour on calm horses. Maximum rider weight is 95 kg. The experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding to Elia Monastery

• Meet local horse guide in Stepantsminda
• Ride through Kazbegi mountain landscapes
• Enjoy views of Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Church
• Arrive at Elia Monastery hilltop

The experience

You meet your local horse guide in Stepantsminda and ride out into open mountain terrain, following scenic trails toward Elia Monastery. The route winds through alpine landscapes with views of Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church rising across the valley. Calm local horses make the experience accessible whether you've ridden before or this is your first time in a saddle.

The ride leads uphill to the monastery, perched on a hill that overlooks the surrounding Caucasus peaks. The whole outing takes about an hour, leaving the rest of your afternoon free if you're passing through the region. Helmets are provided. Children from age 6 can ride, though riders cannot exceed 95 kg.

Tours start at the booked time regardless of arrival delays, so allow extra travel time if you're coming from Tbilisi: traffic on that route can be unpredictable. Your guide speaks English or Russian.

What’s included

• Local horse guide.
• horse for the ride.
• helmet.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 16:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Everywhere

Is this one for you?An hour on horseback leaves the rest of your afternoon open, so this works well if you're passing through Stepantsminda between other plans or have a free few hours in the region. The calm horses suit anyone from age 6 to experienced riders, though the ride is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the horseback riding if I've never ridden before?

The ride is suitable for all levels, including beginners. Calm local horses are used throughout, and a local guide leads the way, making it accessible even if you have no prior experience.

What views do I see along the trail toward Elia Monastery?

From the trail you see Mount Kazbek, Gergeti Trinity Church across the valley, and the surrounding alpine peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The monastery itself sits on a hill overlooking the valley below.

How long does the horseback riding take?

The ride takes roughly an hour, leaving you time to explore other parts of Stepantsminda or Kazbegi in the same afternoon if your schedule allows.

What's included in the horseback riding experience?

A local horse guide, the horse itself, and a helmet are all included. The guide speaks English or Russian and leads you through the mountain landscape toward the monastery.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, the maximum rider weight is 95 kg (205 lbs). Children can ride from age 6 onward.