Kazbegi, Gudauri & Ananuri: Day Trip with Local Food Stops

Summary

Georgia’s mountain roads to Kazbegi with fortress stops, food and laughter

You’ll ride out from Tbilisi into Georgia’s mountains with a small group and local guide, stopping at Ananuri Fortress, tasting honey in Gudauri, and eating khinkali dumplings in Pasanauri. Expect moments of quiet awe at Zhinvali Reservoir and Gergeti Trinity Church — plus plenty of laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We met our group right outside Avlabari Metro, and I was still half-awake when our guide Nino waved that little flag at us — she had this way of making everyone feel like we’d known her for ages. The van smelled faintly of coffee (someone brought their own) as we headed out of Tbilisi, the city noise fading behind us. Zhinvali Reservoir was our first stop — the water looked unreal, sort of green-blue like glass with pine trees all around. I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t do it justice. There was this quiet there I hadn’t expected.

Ananuri Fortress felt older than anything I’ve touched before — cold stone under my hand, carvings you could trace with your finger. Nino told us a story about battles here, but I got distracted by the sound of church bells echoing off the hills. We stopped for lunch in Pasanauri (I’m still thinking about those khinkali dumplings), and Li laughed when I tried to say “madloba” for thank you — probably butchered it. The air up there tasted sharper somehow, almost sweet.

Gudauri came next; someone was selling jars of honey by the roadside, and we tried a spoonful each — wildflowers and something else I couldn’t name. The Friendship Monument was bigger than I’d pictured, all bright mosaics against grey sky. Some people went off for quad bikes; I just stood there a while looking out over Devil’s Valley. By the time we reached Gergeti Trinity Church above Stepantsminda, clouds were rolling in fast. The church sat alone against Mount Kazbegi, and even though my shoes were muddy and my hands freezing, it felt peaceful up there. Hard to explain that feeling — maybe you’ll get it if you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi and Gudauri Day Trip

• Meet guide at Avlabari Metro Station
• Check in at company office
• Visit Zhinvali Water Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Fortress
• Lunch with local mountain dishes in Pasanauri
• Taste alpine honey in Gudauri
• Visit Friendship Monument and try Glintwine
• Free time for mountain activities
• See Gergety Trinity Church and views

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?

The tour starts at 08:30 from Avlabari Metro Station and lasts a full day.

Is lunch included on the Kazbegi & Gudauri day trip?

Lunch is not included but there is a stop at a traditional restaurant in Pasanauri where you can buy local dishes like khinkali.

What are the main stops on this day trip?

The main stops are Zhinvali Water Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, Pasanauri (for lunch), Gudauri (with honey tasting), Friendship Monument, and Gergeti Trinity Church near Stepantsminda.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is Avlabari Metro Station in Tbilisi.

Are entrance fees included?

No entrance fees are required for any of the sites visited on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 5 years old for travelers joining this tour.

Can travelers with limited mobility join?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are winter tours available?

From late November to mid-April, access to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and Gergeti Trinity Church may be restricted due to road closures for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation from Tbilisi with all driver expenses covered and guidance from a professional local guide throughout every stop — plus time to try mountain honey in Gudauri and sample Georgian dishes during your lunch break before returning in the evening.