Kazbegi & Gudauri Private Day Trip: Mountains, Ananuri & Gergeti

Summary

Explore Georgia’s Mountain Roads: Kazbegi, Gudauri & More

You’ll travel mountain roads from Tbilisi to Kazbegi and Gudauri, stopping at lakes, fortresses, and Gergeti Trinity Church. It’s a full day of real Georgian scenery, history, and fresh mountain air—with a local guide who knows all the best spots.

What’s the experience like?

The city faded behind us as we wound our way north. First stop: Zhinvali Dam. The air smelled a bit earthy after last night’s rain, and the water was glassy—locals say it’s best for photos before noon. We stretched our legs, snapped a few shots, and watched a fisherman quietly casting off the shore. It’s peaceful here, just the sound of birds and the occasional car passing by.

Not far up the road, Ananuri Fortress appeared—solid stone walls right above the turquoise reservoir. Our guide, Irakli, shared stories about old battles and pointed out the carvings on the church door. Inside, it was cool and dim, with candle smoke lingering in the air. I could almost picture what life was like centuries ago.

Gudauri came next. Even without snow, there’s a buzz—kids running around, someone selling hot khachapuri from a van, and paragliders drifting overhead. We took a short walk for the views; the wind up here is sharp and fresh, and you can see for miles on a clear day.

The drive through Jvari Pass felt like climbing into another world. At nearly 2,400 meters, my ears popped and the landscape turned wild—patches of snow even in late spring, and sheep grazing along the roadside. We stopped at the Friendship Monument, its bright murals standing out against the grey sky. Irakli explained some of the Soviet history; you can feel the mix of pride and pain in his voice.

Gergeti Trinity Church was our last big stop. The road up is bumpy—don’t wear your best shoes—but the view at the top is worth every jolt. The church sits alone above Stepantsminda, with Mount Kazbek right behind it. The wind was strong enough to make my eyes water, but I couldn’t stop staring. Locals say if you’re lucky, you’ll spot an eagle circling overhead. We lingered a while, just taking it all in.

On the way back to Tbilisi, everyone was quiet—tired, but happy. The sun dipped behind the hills and we rolled back into town just as the streetlights flickered on. Our driver dropped us near the old sulphur baths, where steam curled up into the night air. Felt good to be back, but those mountain views stayed with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi and Mountain Highlights

• Visit Zhinvali Dam
• Explore Ananuri Fortress
• Stroll at Gudauri Ski Resort
• Stop at Georgian-Russian Friendship Monument
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
• Return to Tbilisi

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Most ages can join, but there are some bumpy roads and walking at altitude. If you have health concerns or mobility issues, let us know before booking.

What should I wear or bring?

Layers are best—weather changes fast in the mountains. Bring comfy shoes (the path to Gergeti is rocky), a jacket, and maybe a hat for sun or wind.

Do we have time for lunch or snacks?

Yes, there are stops along the way with small cafés or vendors. You can grab a bite in Gudauri or Stepantsminda. Feel free to bring snacks too.

Is WiFi really available during the drive?

Yes, there’s WiFi in the car most of the way, though signal might drop in some mountain areas. It’s good for sharing photos or checking maps.

What’s included

Your private driver-guide, comfortable transport with WiFi, and bottled water are included. We handle all the driving and stops—just relax and enjoy the ride.