Private Kazbegi & Gudauri Day Tour from Tbilisi with Guide

Summary

Kazbegi Mountains & Georgian Military Highway Private Trip

You’ll travel from Tbilisi into Georgia’s wild north—exploring ancient fortresses, tasting real khinkali dumplings, hiking to Gergeti Trinity Church under Mount Kazbegi, and soaking up mountain views all day long with a friendly local guide.

What’s the experience like?

It all kicked off with our guide and driver picking us up right outside our hotel in Tbilisi—no waiting around, just straight into the day. The air still smelled faintly of sulfur from the old baths as we rolled out of the city. Heading north, we passed Jinvali Reservoir—its water looked almost unreal, this deep blue-green against the grey hills. Our guide Nino pointed out how the dam changed life for nearby villages; you could see fishermen casting lines from the shore even early in the morning.

The next stop was Ananuri Fortress. It sits above the Aragvi River, and honestly, it feels like stepping back a few centuries. The stone walls are rough under your hand, and if you listen closely you can hear church bells echoing across the valley. Nino shared stories about feudal lords and old trade routes—turns out this place was a key stop on what’s now called the Georgian Military Highway. We wandered through arches and climbed one of the towers for a view over the reservoir (windy up there, so hold onto your hat).

Lunch came just when we needed it—a cozy spot near Gudauri where they served khinkali dumplings straight from the pot. The table filled up with plates of badrijani (eggplant rolls), fresh bread, and that tangy tkemali sauce. Our group ended up chatting with a couple of locals at the next table who recommended trying mountain honey if we saw any roadside stalls.

After lunch, we stopped at the Friendship Monument—a big round mosaic perched above Devil’s Valley. It’s got these wild colors and sweeping views down into the gorge below. You can feel how high up you are; even in summer there’s a chill in the wind here. Gudauri itself is just up the road—a ski town in winter but still lively in June, with paragliders dotting the sky and kids selling wild berries by the roadside.

The drive to Gergeti Trinity Church is something else—switchbacks through green hills until suddenly you’re looking up at Mount Kazbegi itself. We took a short hike from where our van parked (bring a jacket—the weather changes fast). The church stands alone at 2170 meters; inside it’s quiet except for candle smoke and whispered prayers. Outside, you get this wide-open view over Stepantsminda village and endless peaks beyond.

Before heading back to Tbilisi, we made one last stop at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi for coffee on their terrace—big windows framing Mount Kazbek as clouds drifted past its summit. By evening we were dropped off at our hotel again, tired but full of stories (and maybe still smelling faintly of mountain air).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kazbegi and Gudauri Highlights

• Pickup from hotel in Tbilisi
• Visit Jinvali Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Castle
• Lunch with traditional Georgian dishes
• See Friendship Monument and Gudauri ski resort
• Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
• Relax at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids are welcome as long as they're accompanied by an adult. We can provide infant seats if needed—just let us know ahead of time.

What should I wear for visiting Gergeti Trinity Church?

For churches in Georgia: no shorts inside (for anyone), and women need to cover their heads. Bring a scarf or borrow one at the entrance.

Are vegetarian options available during lunch?

Absolutely—just mention any dietary needs when booking and we'll make sure you're taken care of at lunch.

How long does the tour take?

The full day usually runs about 10-11 hours including all stops and travel time back to Tbilisi.

What’s included

Your own private vehicle with driver; pick-up and drop-off at your hotel; bottled water; professional English-speaking guide; 24/7 online support; traditional Georgian lunch (vegetarian options available); all entrance fees covered.