Embark on a day trip to explore the high mountains of Kazbegi, Ananuri Fortress and Gudauri Ski Resort, some of the most scenic parts of Georgia. This journey from Tbilisi will take you along the Georgian Military Highway and into the heart of the Kazbegi mountain area.
Your adventure begins with a visit to the Zhinvali Dam, a hydroelectric dam nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Despite its man-made origins, this reservoir seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment, delightfully surprising visitors with its strikingly Turquoise waters. Not far from here, on the banks of the Aragvi River, stands Ananuri, a fortress built by the Dukes of Aragvi in the 13th century. This historic stronghold is currently on UNESCO's Tentative list and is located about 70 km from Tbilisi.
The journey continues to Gudauri, a ski resort perched on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. Located near the Cross Pass in the Stepantsminda District, it sits at an impressive elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level. Along the way, you'll encounter the Georgievsk Monument, erected in 1983 to commemorate two centuries of the Treaty of Georgievsk and celebrate the enduring friendship between Georgia and Soviet Russia. Inside this monument, you'll find a large tile mural that depicts significant scenes from Georgian history.
Finally, your tour concludes at Gergeti Trinity Church where a 4x4 vehicle will take you there and back. This ancient Georgian church sits under Mount Kazbek, towering 2170m above the town of Stepantsminda and the village of Gergeti. Known locally as Gergeti Tsminda Sameba, this sacred site offers a serene end to your day of exploration.
