Kazbegi Day Trip: Gergeti Church & Khinkali Dinner Class

A 17th-century fortress, a monastery at 1,800 meters, and a cooking lesson in one day

This private day trip from Tbilisi takes you to three landmark stops in the Kazbegi region: Ananuri Fortress, the Gudauri Friendship monument on the Georgian Military Highway, and Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits at 1,800 meters overlooking Mount Kazbegi's 5,047-meter peak. A 4WD vehicle carries you up to the monastery since no road reaches it. The day ends with a traditional Georgian feast and a short khinkali masterclass before the drive back to Tbilisi.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kazbegi region sightseeing and activities

• Drive from Tbilisi to Ananuri Fortress
• Visit Ananuri Fortress complex
• Drive to Gudauri Friendship Monument
• View Soviet mosaics at Gudauri Monument
• Paraglide over Caucasus Mountains
• Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church by 4WD
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church and enjoy views

The Experience

The route covers 120 kilometers north from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping first at Ananuri Fortress—a 17th-century stronghold built by local rulers called the Aragvistavi. From there, the drive continues to the Gudauri Friendship monument, a Soviet-era structure decorated with mosaics and positioned at a vantage point over the Caucasus Mountains. This is also where paragliding flights are available if you want to add that option. The real draw, though, is Gergeti Trinity Church: the 4WD climbs to 1,800 meters where the monastery stands alone against the backdrop of Mount Kazbegi, with views across the valley toward Stepantsminda below.

The day runs 10 to 11 hours total, with private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle included throughout. Your guide speaks English or Russian and handles the route, timing and commentary. Along the way, snacks are picked up to keep you fueled before the main event—a traditional Georgian dinner waiting at the end of the day. After the meal, you'll learn to make khinkali (the Georgian dumplings) in a short hands-on masterclass before heading back to Tbilisi.

Pickup from your Tbilisi hotel is included, and the itinerary works for all fitness levels. Families with infants can bring a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The combination of the high-altitude monastery, the fortress history and the dinner-plus-cooking format means you're not just sightseeing—you're eating and learning something by the end.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide speaking English or Russian.
• hotel pickup from Tbilisi.
• 4WD access to Gergeti Trinity Church.
• traditional Georgian dinner with wine.
• khinkali masterclass.
• 24/7 online support.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kartveli Tours - Private Tours in Georgia & Armenia

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Russian, so the commentary and the khinkali lesson work whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with a family—no language barrier between you and the stops or the cooking class at the end.

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Top questions

What is Gergeti Trinity Church and why is it worth the 4WD ride?

Gergeti Trinity Church is a monastery standing at 1,800 meters in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, overlooking the city of Stepantsminda and the Kazbegi peak behind it. The 4WD is necessary because no road reaches the monastery, and the altitude and views make it the most anticipated stop on the tour.

Can I do this tour if I don't speak Georgian?

Yes. Your guide speaks either English or Russian throughout the day, so you'll have commentary at each stop and during the khinkali masterclass at dinner.

What happens at the khinkali masterclass?

After the traditional Georgian dinner, you'll have a short hands-on class learning to make khinkali, the Georgian dumplings that are a staple of the cuisine.

How far is Ananuri Fortress from Tbilisi?

Ananuri Fortress is a 70-kilometer drive from Tbilisi. It's a 17th-century architectural ensemble that was one of Georgia's strongest fortresses at the time and belonged to the local Aragvistavi rulers.

Is paragliding included, or is it an add-on?

Paragliding is not included in the standard tour. The stop at the Gudauri Friendship monument is where paragliding flights with a professional pilot are available as an optional add-on.