Kazbegi Day Trip: Gergeti Church & Mountain Views

Drive the Georgian Military Highway to a 14th-century church on Mount Kazbek's slopes

This private day trip from Tbilisi follows the Georgian Military Highway north through the Caucasus to Kazbegi, stopping at Zhinvali Water Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress Complex, the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument and Gergeti Trinity Church. A professional driver-guide picks you up from your hotel, handles all stops and navigation, and speaks English throughout the day. Lunch at a traditional Georgian restaurant is included; dinner at a mountain restaurant overlooking Gergeti and the Caucasus is optional.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kazbegi and Georgian Military Highway

• Stop at Zhinvali Water Reservoir
• Visit Ananuri Fortress Complex
• Enjoy traditional Georgian lunch
• Visit Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
• Optional stop at Rooms Kazbegi restaurant

The Experience

Ten to twelve hours on the road means the day unfolds in stages. You start from your Tbilisi hotel and drive north along the Military Highway, a route that climbs steadily into the mountains. The first stop is Zhinvali Water Reservoir, where the turquoise water of the Aragvi River sits behind a hydroelectric dam—a sharp color against the rock. From there it's another hour to Ananuri Fortress Complex, a 16th–17th century castle built on the right bank of the Aragvi River. The fortress sits 74 kilometers from Tbilisi and overlooks the reservoir you just saw; the site includes a bell tower, three churches and carved stone walls. Lunch happens here at a restaurant where you can try several traditional Georgian dishes.

After lunch the route continues north through Pasanauri, a mountain town known for its local food and scenery, and stops at the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument—a large stone arch built in 1983, positioned between Gudauri ski resort and the Jvari Pass. From there the road climbs to Gergeti Trinity Church, built in the 14th century and set at 2,170 meters on the slopes of Mount Kazbek. The church is the only cross-cupola structure in Khevi province and sits in isolation on steep mountainside; the panoramic view from the church takes in the whole valley and Mount Kazbek itself, which rises to 5,047 meters. Weather and road conditions can affect access to the church, so your guide will confirm the approach on the day.

An optional stop at Rooms Kazbegi, a restaurant with views of Gergeti Trinity Church and the Caucasus range, lets you rest and eat Georgian or European cuisine before the drive back to Tbilisi. The tour ends with hotel drop-off. Bring a rain jacket or heavy coat, especially in winter; the church has a dress code—no shorts, and women must cover their heads. Cash is useful for tips and any purchases along the route.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi.
• professional English-speaking driver-guide.
• private comfortable car.
• stops at Zhinvali Water Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress Complex, Pasanauri, the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument and Gergeti Trinity Church.
• lunch at a traditional Georgian restaurant with multiple dishes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Journey to Georgia

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Tbilisi without a rental car—the driver handles the 10–12 hour mountain route, the steep approach to Gergeti Church and all navigation, so you arrive at each stop ready to explore instead of managing the drive.

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Top questions

What is Gergeti Trinity Church and why is it worth the drive to Kazbegi?

Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century Orthodox church built on the right bank of the Chkheri River at 2,170 meters on Mount Kazbek's slopes. It is Georgia's most iconic tourist attraction because of its isolation in the steep mountains and the panoramic views of the entire valley and Mount Kazbek (5,047 meters) from its location. During Soviet times, religious services were prohibited, but the church remained a popular destination; it is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church.

How long does the drive take and what happens along the way?

The tour runs 10 to 12 hours total. You drive north from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, stopping at Zhinvali Water Reservoir (an artificial lake on the Aragvi River), Ananuri Fortress Complex 74 kilometers away, Pasanauri town, the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument between Gudauri and the Jvari Pass, and finally Gergeti Trinity Church. Lunch at a traditional Georgian restaurant is included in the itinerary.

Is the Gergeti Trinity Church visit guaranteed, or can weather affect it?

Access to Gergeti Trinity Church depends on weather and road conditions in the mountains. Your guide will confirm whether the approach is safe on the day of your tour and will adjust the itinerary if necessary.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, stops at all scenic viewpoints and attractions, a private comfortable car, and lunch at a traditional Georgian restaurant. Dinner at Rooms Kazbegi restaurant overlooking Gergeti Trinity Church and the Caucasus Mountains is optional and not included.

What should I bring, and are there any dress codes?

Bring a rain jacket or heavy coat, especially in winter, as the mountains are exposed to weather. The church has a dress code: no shorts are allowed, and women must cover their heads when entering. Bring cash for tips, purchases and any optional meals. If you have dietary requirements, advise the operator at booking; vegetarian options are available.

Can children join this tour, and are there car seats available?

Children can join the tour and must be accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available; request one at booking. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and service animals are allowed.