Kazbegi-Gudauri One-Day Tour: Caucasus Mountains & Gergeti Church
An epic journey along the Georgian Military Highway into the heart of the Caucasus
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Duration
13 hours
Region
Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Theme
Mountains & Nature
Difficulty
Moderate
About This Tour
Embark on an epic adventure along the Georgian Military Highway to the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Visit the shimmering Zhinvali Reservoir, the medieval Ananuri Fortress, the dramatic confluence of the Black and White Aragvi rivers, the panoramic heights of Gudauri, the iconic Friendship Monument, and the mountain town of Stepantsminda. Optionally visit Gergeti Trinity Church, perched at 2,170 metres above sea level.
This full-day tour takes you from Tbilisi through some of Georgia's most breathtaking landscapes along the famous Georgian Military Highway — one of the world's most scenic mountain roads.
The first stop is Zhinvali Reservoir, a striking turquoise lake set against forested hills. A short drive on brings you to Ananuri Fortress, a magnificent medieval castle complex dramatically positioned above the water. Just further along the highway you'll stop at the confluence of the Black and White Aragvi rivers — one of Georgia's most striking natural sights, where two rivers of visibly different colours meet side by side.
Higher into the mountains, Gudauri offers sweeping panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus range, followed by the striking Soviet-era Friendship Monument of Georgia & Russia, a circular mosaic monument at over 2,200 metres altitude. The next stop is Stepantsminda, the mountain town at the foot of Mt. Kazbek, where you'll have time to explore and enjoy a long lunch.
After lunch, you have the option to visit Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba), a 14th-century Georgian Orthodox church standing at 2,170 metres with extraordinary views of the 5,047-metre Mt. Kazbek. Note that the Gergeti visit is optional and costs an additional 20 GEL per person.
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Meetup & Departure
Please arrive at the meeting point by 08:50. The tour departs at 09:00 — we allow a 10-minute waiting time.
Address: Gia Abesadze Street 2/11, T'bilisi, GE
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Stop 1: Zhinvali Reservoir (Approx. 15 minutes)
Activities:- Scenic photo stop at the turquoise mountain reservoir
- Views of the dam and surrounding forested hills
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Stop 2: Ananuri Fortress (Approx. 50 minutes)
Activities:- Explore the 17th-century castle complex
- Visit the Church of the Assumption inside the fortress
- Panoramic views over Zhinvali Reservoir
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Stop 3: Black & White Aragvi Confluence (Approx. 10 minutes)
Activities:- Photo stop at the striking natural confluence
- See where the dark and light waters of the Black and White Aragvi rivers meet side by side
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Stop 4: Gudauri (Approx. 10 minutes)
Activities:- Sweeping panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus range
- Photo stop at the popular mountain resort at approx. 2,000 m altitude
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Stop 5: Friendship Monument of Georgia & Russia (Approx. 50 minutes)
Activities:- Visit the iconic Soviet-era circular mosaic monument at over 2,200 m
- Spectacular 360° views across the Caucasus range
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Stop 6: Stepantsminda (Approx. 45 minutes)
Activities:- Walk through the mountain town of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
- Take in views of Mt. Kazbek from the valley floor
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Lunch in Stepantsminda (Approx. 2 hours)
Activities:- Stop at a local Stepantsminda restaurant
- Try traditional Georgian mountain cuisine at your own expense
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Stop 7: Gergeti Trinity Church — Optional (Approx. 50 minutes)
Optional visit — 20 GEL per person, decided on the day.- Drive up to the 14th-century church at 2,170 m
- Guided tour of the medieval Georgian Orthodox church
- Breathtaking views of Mt. Kazbek (5,047 m)
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Return to Tbilisi
Scenic return journey along the Georgian Military Highway.
Drop-off: Gia Abesadze Street 2/11, T'bilisi, GE
What's Included
- Professional English/Russian-speaking guide
- Comfortable air-conditioned minibus
Not Included
- Lunch (stop at local restaurant, own expense)
- Gergeti Trinity Church visit — optional, 20 GEL per person
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Know Before You Go
- Please arrive at the meeting point by 08:50 — the tour departs at 09:00
- Gergeti Trinity Church is an optional stop costing 20 GEL per person — decide on the day
- If visiting Gergeti, wear comfortable walking shoes — there is moderate hiking involved
- Bring a warm layer even in summer — Stepantsminda can be 10°C cooler than Tbilisi
- The road conditions can be winding; those with severe motion sickness should bring medication
- Tour departs rain or shine; mountain weather can change rapidly
- Photography is allowed at all sites
What to Bring
- Warm jacket or layered clothing
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera or smartphone
- Cash in Georgian Lari (GEL) for lunch, optional Gergeti entrance fee, and souvenirs
- Water bottle
What Travellers Say
5.0"Absolutely breathtaking! Gergeti Church at sunrise was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Our guide Giorgi was knowledgeable, funny and made the whole day feel personal. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Georgia."
"The best day trip I've ever done. The road itself is spectacular, and the stops are perfectly timed — not rushed at all. We had a picnic lunch with mountain views. Will do it again next visit."
"Отличный тур! Гид говорил по-русски, всё рассказал интересно. Горы — просто сказка. Очень рекомендую для тех, кто хочет увидеть настоящую Грузию."