Kazbegi & Gudauri Day Trip: Ananuri Fortress, 4WD to Gergeti

Summary

From Tbilisi to Kazbegi—fortresses, dumplings, and wild mountain air

You’ll ride from Tbilisi through mountain passes and ancient fortresses with a local guide, taste khinkali in Pasanauri, try honey at Gudauri, and climb by 4WD to Gergeti Trinity Church above Kazbegi. Expect wild scenery, real Georgian flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my hat at the Zhinvali Reservoir—the wind just whipped it right off as soon as I stepped out of the van. Our guide Levan just grinned and said, “Kazbegi always wants a souvenir.” The color of that water isn’t something I expected, kind of green but not quite—almost like it borrowed a shade from the pine trees around it. We’d only left Tbilisi an hour before but already felt somewhere far wilder.

Ananuri Fortress was next, its stones cold under my hand and carvings worn soft by centuries of rain. Levan told us about battles fought here, but honestly I got distracted by a kid selling churchkhela (those nutty Georgian sweets) outside the gate—he kept waving one at me until I caved. After that we stopped for khinkali in Pasanauri. I tried to eat them properly (twist, bite, slurp), but let’s just say my shirt is now part of the experience.

The drive up towards Gudauri got quieter—less chatter in the van as everyone stared out at those mountains. At the Friendship Monument, some local women were selling jars of honey so floral you could almost taste the meadows. I bought one and ended up licking sticky fingers while watching paragliders drift over Devil’s Valley. The air up there really does something to your head—it’s sharp but somehow sweet.

That last stretch to Gergeti Trinity Church is why they switch you into a 4WD; our driver barely blinked at potholes big enough to swallow a goat. When we finally reached the top, clouds kept rolling past Mount Kazbegi like it was hiding from us on purpose. There was this hush inside the church—just candlelight and old stone—and for a second even the wind gave up trying to get in. On the way down someone asked if we could move here; nobody really laughed it off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour of Gudauri and Kazbegi highlights

• Pick up and check-in at office
• Visit Zhinvali Water Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Fortress
• Lunch with local mountain dishes in Pasanauri
• Taste natural alpine honey in Gudauri
• Visit Friendship Monument and enjoy mountain activities
• See Gergety Trinity Church and views of Kazbegi

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?

The trip lasts one full day including stops at Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri, and Kazbegi with return to Tbilisi in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, transportation service includes pickup from your address in Tbilisi.

Do I need special fitness for this Kazbegi day trip?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What food is included on this Gudauri & Kazbegi tour?

You can try traditional mountain dishes like khinkali during a stop in Pasanauri; lunch is not explicitly included but food stops are part of the route.

Is entry to Gergeti Trinity Church included?

The 4WD transfer up to Gergeti Trinity Church is included; entry itself does not require a ticket.

What happens if roads to Kazbegi are closed?

If government closes roads due to weather or safety concerns (mainly November–April), visiting Stepantsminda/Kazbegi or Gergeti Church may not be possible for safety reasons.

Are guides on this tour local experts?

Yes, professional guides with local knowledge lead each group throughout the day trip.

Is public transportation available nearby if I don’t want pickup?

Public transportation options are available near departure points in Tbilisi if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your address in Tbilisi and all transportation between sites—plus a switch into a 4WD vehicle for the climb up to Gergeti Trinity Church above Kazbegi. A professional local guide leads you through Ananuri Fortress, Gudauri viewpoints and honey tastings, with all driver expenses covered along the way before returning you back to town in the evening.