Kazbegi Day Trip: Gergeti Church, Ananuri & Gudauri Tour

Summary

Kazbegi Full Day Adventure: Mountains, History & Local Flavors

If you want mountain views, centuries-old castles, local food and real Georgian stories—all in one day—this Kazbegi tour packs it in without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off with a quick coffee in Tbilisi before we hit the Georgian Military Road. Our driver, Giorgi, knew every twist and turn—he even slowed down near Zhinvali Reservoir so we could snap photos of that unreal blue water. It’s not just a lake; it’s this huge mirror for the sky, ringed by mountains that still held patches of snow even in late spring. The air smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic from the reservoir.

Next up was Ananuri fortress. I’d seen pictures online, but standing inside those old stone walls felt different—cool shade, echoes bouncing off the towers, carvings on the church that looked like someone spent years on them. Giorgi pointed out bullet marks from old battles—easy to miss if you’re not looking. We climbed up the watchtower for a view over Jinvali Lake; my legs were shaking a bit from the narrow steps, but it was worth it.

We made a quick stop at the spot where two rivers meet—one dark, one pale—and you can actually see the colors swirl together without mixing right away. There’s usually a guy selling churchkhela (those nutty Georgian sweets) from his car trunk nearby; I grabbed one for later.

Gudauri came next—ski lifts still running even though it was too warm for real snow. Kids were paragliding overhead, and there was this faint smell of grilled meat drifting from a roadside shack. The Friendship Monument is wild: bright murals against endless sky and cliffs dropping away below. Windy up there—hold onto your hat.

We stopped at some mineral springs where orange rocks have built up over centuries. The water tastes weirdly salty and fizzy straight from the ground—locals swear it’s good for you.

The highlight? Gergeti Trinity Church perched way above Stepantsminda. You can hike up (takes about 90 minutes if you’re feeling energetic) or take a bumpy ride in an old 4x4. Clouds rolled in fast while we were there, so Mount Kazbek peeked out just long enough for us to grab a few photos before disappearing again. The church itself is simple but feels ancient—wind whistling through cracks in the stone, candles flickering inside.

On the way back to Tbilisi, we stopped in Pasanauri village for dinner. This place is famous for khinkali dumplings—they come steaming hot on big plates, sprinkled with black pepper. I tried river trout too; fresh and buttery-soft. Locals say Pasanauri’s water makes their dough better than anywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi Full Day Tour Highlights

• Door-to-door service
• Visit Zhinvali Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Fortress
• See confluence of black and white rivers
• Stop at Gudauri Ski Resort
• View Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
• Discover mineral water source and rock formations
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
• View Mount Kazbek (drive-by)
• Lunch in Pasanauri village

Top questions

Is hiking to Gergeti Trinity Church required?

Nope! You can choose to hike or take a car up to the church—it’s totally up to you and how you’re feeling that day.

What should I wear for this tour?

Dress in layers—the weather changes fast in the mountains. Bring comfy shoes since there’s some walking at each stop.

Are meals included?

Meals aren’t included but we stop at local spots where you can try khinkali or fresh fish at your own pace.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, as long as everyone’s okay with some time in the car and short walks at each site. The guide adjusts the pace if needed.

Can I join if I get carsick?

The road has lots of curves—if you get motion sickness easily, bring medicine or let us know ahead of time so we can help out.

What’s included

Your transport from Tbilisi (with all fuel costs), entrance fees where needed, plus taxes are covered. Friendly guides handle logistics—you just enjoy the ride!