Kazbegi Day Tour: Visit Gergeti Trinity Church

Mount Kazbegi, standing majestically at 5,047 m, is the third highest peak in Georgia, forming part of the Great Caucasus Range. Located approximately 160 km northeast of Tbilisi, this imposing mountain is deeply rooted in Georgian culture. Local folklore associates the peak with Amirani, the Georgian equivalent of Prometheus, who was chained to the mountain as punishment for daring to steal fire for mortals.

The highlight of every Kazbegi Day Tour is the visit to the Gergeti Trinity Church (XIV c), awe-inspiringly built on Mount Kazbegi's slopes at an altitude of 2,175 m. This amazing small church continues to attract travelers worldwide, not just for its wonderful history and architecture, but for the breathtaking, unforgettable view it offers of Mount Kazbegi's summit and the spectacular Dariali Gorge.

Highlights of Kazbegi Day Tour:

• Mount Kazbegi (5.047 m)
• Gergeti Trinity Church
• Georgian Military Road
• Jinvali Lake
• Ananuri Complex
• Gudauri Ski Resort
• Cross Pass

Your Kazbegi day tour starts with an early morning departure from Tbilisi, heading north 160 km along the historic Georgian Military Road. This highway runs 208 km between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz, featuring several remarkable stops. Our first is the Ananuri Fortress, a spectacular 16th-century castle complex set on the Aragvi River. The fortress overlooks the large Jinvali Lake, with its high stone walls protecting two churches, a watchtower, and a reservoir. Note the main church façade, which is beautifully carved with intricate animal, floral, and Celtic-style patterns.
 

Continuing the journey on this scenic route, the next stop on your itinerary is Gudauri, a remarkable ski resort in Georgia. This area is situated at an impressive altitude, with the first lift station at 1,990 m and the highest at 3,306 m (Sadzele summit). The resort offers high-quality skiing from December through April. We will also pass the Jvari Pass (Cross Pass), the highest point of the Georgian Military Road (2.395 m), allowing you to stop for sweeping mountain vistas before we continue to the destination of our day trip.
 

This is the spectacular highlight of your journey. Gergeti Trinity Church (XII-XIV c) is awe-inspiringly built on the southern slopes of Mount Kazbegi (Mkinvarcveri) at an altitude of 2,170 m. As an important temple, it is renowned for its magnificent location, set poignantly below the towering white massif of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m). Built six hundred years ago, its stones stand as a proud symbol of Georgian resilience. We arrange a 4x4 transfer for the steep ascent, offering an unforgettable view and a perfect shot for any photographer.
 

After visiting Gergeti Church, we proceed to the Dariali Gorge. Situated on the border between Russia and Georgia, Darial has been historically vital as the only passage across the Caucasus, fortified since at least $150 \text{ BC}$. Here you will see Tamari’s Fortress, also known as Dariali Castle, situated on the right side of the Tergi River. To the left of the river, you can observe a new, stunning monastery complex perched atop a 70 m high cliff.
 
 

Duration: 8-10 hours
Driving distance: 350 km
Season: All year around
Itinerary: Kazbegi Tour on Google Maps