Gudauri Ski Resort Day Trip: Skiing & Ananuri Fortress Tour

Mountain fortress, river confluence, and 90 minutes on the slopes—all in one day from the city

This 10-hour day trip from Tbilisi takes you north through the Caucasus to Gudauri Ski Resort, with stops at Zhinvali Reservoir, the medieval Ananuri Fortress overlooking the Aragvi River, and the Black and White Rivers where limestone-white and dark waters meet. You spend 90 minutes at Gudauri doing whatever you choose—skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, gondola rides—and return with an English or Russian-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and lunch included. Activities at the resort cost extra and are paid on the spot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tbilisi to Gudauri Ski Resort Day Trip

• Depart from Tbilisi
• Visit Jinvali Water Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Fortress
• See Black and White Rivers
• Lunch break
• Enjoy Gudauri Ski Resort activities
• Return to Tbilisi

The Experience

How do you fit a fortress, a geological oddity, and a ski resort into one day without a car? The tour leaves Tbilisi in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide who speaks English or Russian, and the route itself is the itinerary: first the Zhinvali Reservoir, a man-made lake ringed by rolling hills where you stop for photos and a break; then Ananuri Fortress, a medieval complex of towers and churches perched above the Aragvi River with views across the Zhinvali water below; then the Black and White Rivers, where the milky-white Lekhura (fed by limestone) meets the darker Aragvi in a visible color contrast against the Caucasus backdrop.

Lunch happens before you reach Gudauri. Once at the resort, you have 90 minutes to do what appeals to you—skiing or snowboarding if you have the skill and gear, snowmobiling, a gondola ride, or just walking around. Nothing is included in that time; you pay for each activity as you choose it, and the guide will tell you where to meet for pickup. The schedule is fixed so the return to Tbilisi stays on track, so staying past your 90 minutes means missing the ride home.

The whole day is 10 hours door to door, with travel time built in. You need to keep your phone on and stick to the meeting times your guide gives you. Infants sit on a lap; the tour is not suitable for people with spinal injuries, poor heart health, or pregnancy. If you want to visit Gergeti Trinity Church (a separate site higher up), that requires a 4WD vehicle and costs extra.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and English or Russian-speaking guide.
• transportation from Tbilisi and back.
• lunch during the day.
• free honey tasting.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tranquil Holidays

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Tbilisi without a car—the fixed daily departure handles transport and routing to Gudauri's ski resort, Ananuri fortress, and Dariel Gorge in one loop.

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Top questions

What is Ananuri Fortress and why is it worth stopping there?

Ananuri Fortress is a medieval complex of towers, walls and churches built on the shores of the Aragvi River, with views over the Zhinvali Reservoir below. The site is well-preserved with intricate stone carvings and represents centuries of Georgian architectural and military history.

Can I actually ski or snowboard at Gudauri if I'm a beginner?

Gudauri Ski Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and gondola rides, so you can choose based on your level and what you want to do. All activities are paid separately at the resort, and you have 90 minutes to use them before the group departs for Tbilisi.

What exactly are the Black and White Rivers?

The Black and White Rivers are where two rivers meet: the Lekhura River, which runs milky-white because of limestone deposits in its water, converges with the darker Aragvi River. The contrast between the two colors is visible where they join, set against the Caucasus mountains.

Does this tour leave Tbilisi every day, and what time?

The tour runs daily as a group departure from Tbilisi. The exact pickup time and location are confirmed when you book; the total day is 10 hours including all travel and stops.

Is lunch included, and what about the honey tasting mentioned?

Lunch is included during a break in the itinerary. Free honey tasting is also part of the tour, though the exact timing and location depend on the day's route and guide.

What if I don't want to do activities at Gudauri—can I just look around?

Yes. You have 90 minutes at the resort whether you pay for skiing, snowmobiling, a gondola ride or simply walk around and take photos. The guide will arrange the meeting point and time for pickup.