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Things to do in Stepantsminda

Our most recommended things to do in Stepantsminda

Tbilisi: Kazbegi Full-Day Group Tour

1. Tbilisi: Kazbegi Full-Day Group Tour

Explore Kazbegi, the mountainous region of Georgia. Feel the Caucasian Georgian spirit in the Caucasus Mountains. Take many beautiful pictures, hear exciting parts of the history, try the traditional Georgian dish Khinkali (Dumpling), discover the most beautiful part of Georgia, and get unforgettable memories. Your first stop is Zhinvali Water Reservoir on the Georgian Military Highway. The Soviets constructed the dam in the 1980s—a wonderful place to take amazing pictures. Visit Ananuri Fortress, the seat of the Eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty that ruled the area around the 13th century. See stunning views of the fortress and Zhinvali Reservoir. Have lunch in Pasanauri, the homeland of one of Georgia’s traditional foods: Khinkali. Admire the Friendship Monument of Georgian and Russian people in Gudauri, on the Georgian Military Highway. Contemplate the history of this fascinating monument overlooking Devil's Valley in the Caucasus Mountains. Explore one of the most beautiful places in Georgia, Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi. Get a panoramic view of the whole valley from the church, which is one of Georgia’s most iconic attractions. Be impressed with the view of Mount Kazbegi, standing 5047 meters tall.Go to a local luxury hotel and have a cup of coffee in the stylish restaurant while you relax with stunning mountain views.

Tbilisi: Jvari Monastery, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Kazbegi Tour

2. Tbilisi: Jvari Monastery, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Kazbegi Tour

Start your tour at Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the monastery stands on a rocky mountain above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia. Continue to Zhinvali Water Reservoir, located on the Georgian Military Highway. Learn the history of this Soviet dam, constructed in the 1980s. Then, arrive at the Ananuri Fortress, the seat of the Eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi. Discover the intriguing plots of this feudal dynasty that ruled the area from the 13th century. Explore the site of numerous historic battles and take in the magnificent scenery — ideal for landscape photography. After Ananuri Fortress, have lunch in Pasanauri, the homeland of the most famous traditional Georgian food, Khinkali. Admire the Friendship Monument of Georgian and Russian people in Gudauri. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between Gudauri ski resort and the Jvari Pass, the memorial consists of a large round stone arch and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus Mountains. Then, arrive at Kazbegi, and explore one of the most beautiful places in Georgia: Gergeti Trinity Church. The church is located under Kazbegi Mountain, 2170 meters above sea level, and offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire valley. Enjoy the serene natural beauty of this isolated marvel. Finish your tour at the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. Relax with a cup of coffee in their stylish restaurant and soak up the stunning views of Kazbegi.

From Tbilisi: The Best of Kazbegi and Gudauri Mountains

3. From Tbilisi: The Best of Kazbegi and Gudauri Mountains

Discover the magic of the mountains on a full-day guided trip from Tbilisi. Visit Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fort, Gudauri, the Cross Pass, Kazbegi National Park, and the famous Gergeti Trinity Church. Admire panoramic views and old forts, and have the chance to sample the local cuisine. Start your tour at your hotel or holiday apartment if you choose the private tour option, or at a central meeting point in Tbilisi if you opt for the shared tour. Then, head northward and enjoy stunning views. Stop at the Zhinvali Reservoir, a calm lake surrounded by green hills. From there, discover the impressive Ananuri Fort. Explore the remains, the yard, and the old tower while your guide tells you the story of this place. Continue along the Georgian Military Highway to see more scenic and interesting spots, including a mineral spring that is believed to have healing powers, before reaching Gudauri and the Cross Pass. Take in the views at the Soviet Monument of Friendship, and marvel at the panoramic views of mountains and gorges from one of the best panoramic platforms in Georgia. Stop at Kazbegi, the center of the region and home to the famous Gergeti Trinity Church. In the summer, you can choose to hike to the church or go there by car. On the way back, your guide will show you the locals' favorite restaurant, where you can try authentic mountain-style khinkali dumplings (included in the shared tour; at your own expense on the private tour) before you return to Tbilisi.

Gudauri and Kazbegi: Private Day Trip from Tbilisi

4. Gudauri and Kazbegi: Private Day Trip from Tbilisi

Kick off your 10-hour day trip with a pick-up from your hotel anywhere in Tbilisi. Visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Afterwards, you will have the chance to visit Jvari monastery and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the ancient capital. Moving forward, you will drive on a Georgian military road towards Kazbegi/Stepantsminda. On the way, you will visit Ananuri fortress on Jinvali dam. Pass by Gudauri Ski Resort, and stop at the Georgian Russian "friendship" monument, Cross Pass, and Kazbegi. For your last stop, travel towards the Trinity Monastery at 2,200 meters above sea level. Your day trip will conclude with drop off back at your hotel.

From Tbilisi: Kazbegi Private Day Trip

5. From Tbilisi: Kazbegi Private Day Trip

9:00 Pick up from the hotel. Drive to the north through the Georgian Military Highway towards the Greater Caucasus mountains. The first stop on the way to Khevi province is a medieval architectural complex of Ananuri Duke's residence, which is located on the right bank of Zhinvali Reservoir. Built in the 16-17th cc., complex integrates upper and lower forts, three churches and residential buildings of local feudal family of Aragvi Eristavi. Excursion will take about 30 minutes. Continue driving to the north, and eventually get to town Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), passing through the ski resort Gudauri (2196 m) and Jvari Pass (2379 m). Located at an elevation of 1740 meters, Stepantsminda is the administrative center of Khevi province, Kazbegi municipality. Walk to the Mount Gergeti, overlooking the town. Visit Gergeti Trinity Church of 14th c, which is located on top of the mountain, and under the Caucasus pick Kazbegi (5054 m), one of the highest peaks in Georgia. If the weather is clear, fantastic views are rewarding. Take another, shorter walk to the Gveleti waterfall, located between the high cliffs on the way to Dariali Gorge. After Gveleti continue the trip to the Dariali Gorge near the Georgia-Russia border. The Gorge has been created by the roaring flow of the river Tergi between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus. The length of the gorge is approximately 13 km, and can be as deep as 1,800 meters in some places. In the evening leave Khevi, and return back to Tbilisi.

Kazbegi, Stepantsminda, and Gudauri Tour

6. Kazbegi, Stepantsminda, and Gudauri Tour

You will depart from Tbilisi early in the morning, in the direction of Kazbegi. On the way, there will be some very interesting places to visit. Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble is a sixteenth-century castle complex on the Aragvi River. The fortress stands beside the famous Georgian Military Highway, overlooking the large Jinvali Lake. Its high, turreted stone walls protect two churches, a watchtower, and a reservoir. The main church facade is beautifully carved with animal, floral and Celtic-style patterns. The next stop is Gudauri, a remarkable ski resort in Georgia. The resort is 7,217 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level. The first lower lift station is at 6528 feet (1,990 meters ) above sea level and the last, or top, station is at a 3,306-meter called summit Sadzele. The resort offers high-quality skiing opportunities, with the ski season lasting from December through April. From Gudauri, you'll continue your trip to Gergeti Trinity Church. At an altitude of 7,119 feet (2,170 meters), the twelfth or thirteenth-century monument was erected on the southern slopes of Mkinvarcveri. Gergeti Trinity Church is an important temple, remarkable for its beautiful scenery. The Gergeti Trinity Church is set poignantly on a hill directly below the towering white massif of Mount Kazbek, which sits at 5,033 meters.

From Tbilisi: Private Tour to Gudauri-Kazbegi Mauntains

7. From Tbilisi: Private Tour to Gudauri-Kazbegi Mauntains

Explore Kazbegi, the mountainous region of Georgia. Feel the Caucasian Georgian spirit in the Caucasus Mountains. Take many beautiful pictures, hear exciting parts of the history, try the traditional Georgian dish Khinkali (Dumpling), discover the most beautiful part of Georgia, and get unforgettable memories. Your first stop is Zhinvali Water Reservoir on the Georgian Military Highway. The Soviets constructed the dam in the 1980s—a wonderful place to take amazing pictures. Visit Ananuri Fortress, the Eristavis (Dukes) seat of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty that ruled the area around the 13th century. See stunning views of the fortress and Zhinvali Reservoir. Have lunch in Pasanauri, the homeland of one of Georgia’s traditional foods: Khinkali. Admire the Friendship Monument of Georgian and Russian people in Gudauri, on the Georgian Military Highway. Contemplate the history of this fascinating monument overlooking Devil's Valley in the Caucasus Mountains. Explore one of the most beautiful places in Georgia, Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi. Get a panoramic view of the whole valley from the church, which is one of Georgia’s most iconic attractions. Be impressed with the view of Mount Kazbegi, standing 5047 meters tall. Go to a local luxury hotel and have a cup of coffee in the stylish restaurant while you relax with stunning mountain views.

From Tbilisi: Ananuri-Kazbegi Mountains Cultural Tour

8. From Tbilisi: Ananuri-Kazbegi Mountains Cultural Tour

Head north from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway, the only road connecting Georgia to Russia through the high Caucasus Mountains. First you'll visit Zhinvali Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River. Despite its artificial origins, the reservoir blends in with the surrounding environment perfectly and delights visitors with its turquoise waters. As you descend to the shores of the reservoir you will notice the ruins of a church from a settlement that was relocated out of the flooding area of the dam.   Next, visit Ananuri Fortress, known for its stunning panoramic views. It was built by the Dukes of Aragvi and its earliest parts date back to the 13th century. After this, you'll explore Gudauri, a ski resort located in the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. The slopes of Gudauri are completely above the tree line. Discover the Treaty of Georgievsk Monument, built in 1983 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and ongoing friendship between Georgia and Russia. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes from Georgian history. Finally, you'll visit Gergeti Trinity Church. The church is located under Mount Kazbek, and served as a popular waypoint for travellers on the road connecting Russia and Georgia. At the end of the day, return to Tbilisi.

From Tbilisi: Hiking Tour to Gveleti Waterfall and Juta

9. From Tbilisi: Hiking Tour to Gveleti Waterfall and Juta

Depart from Tbilisi on a full-day tour where you will hike through the Caucasus Mountain Range and into the picturesque Jutra Village, stopping at the Dariali Gorge and Gveleti Waterfall along the way. Start your journey at The Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi. During this stop, get an opportunity to eat, have coffee, and relax for an hour. The Rooms Kazbegi’s stylish restaurant is decorated with wooden furnishings and serves international cuisine.  Have a drink in the lobby bar, while meals can be enjoyed on the terrace with a spectacular view over Mount Kazbegi and the Gergeti Trinity Church as well as the surrounding forests and woodlands. Continue along the Georgian Military Highway and see the road’s unique sights before a visit to Dariali Gorge. Discover the two hidden waterfalls here and admire the rivers below them. Next, head over to the Gveleti village, located in Kazbegi, and begin a 1 km hike so you can see the scenic views of the Caucasus. Arrive at the Gveleti Waterfall, which can be translated as "the Snake’s Waterfall”, and be amazed by the breathtaking views of one of the most splendid waterfalls in Georgia.  Afterward, visit the village of Juta, located 2,200 m high above sea level. With only 18 locals surrounded by alpine area, it's a great place to escape civilization. The village is situated on the main hill of the Caucasus mountain range at the source of the river Bakurkhevi.  Lastly, enjoy unforgettable views from Fifth Season Hostel. It's a peaceful place where you can grab a drink and take in the stunning landscape of the multiple mountain Chaukhi peaks. Become entranced with the dreamy location, where clouds and mountains appear to ‘dance’ around each in an impressive performance every second.

From Tbilisi: Kazbegi and Truso Valley Off-road Tour

10. From Tbilisi: Kazbegi and Truso Valley Off-road Tour

We promise that you will see the ancient fortress of Ananuri, the Zhinvali reservoir with turquoise water, the arch of friendship and ski resort Gudauri, the confluence of two rivers, the ancient church Gergeti. But that's not all! The Truso Gorge Valley is the place where the Terek River originates and the landscapes take your breath away. Take more with us! Add a nice walk in the Kazbegi area in an almost abandoned valley towards South Ossetia borders. Except for the nice nature, there are also interesting travertine formations due to local mineral springs, geysers, ancient towers, and several abandoned settlements. And of course, at the lunch, you can try the best khinkali!

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What people are saying about Stepantsminda

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 1,129 reviews

For us it’s a 10 ⭐️ !!! Loda our tour guide is very knowledgeable and I can see that he is passionate on his craft. He always makes sure that everyone is doing great whenever we go. we learned a lot of history of Georgia from him. Cool guy. Plus the lunch experience is a bonus! So yummy Georgian food! Thanks for the wonderful and memorable experience. Highly recommended when visiting Georgia.

I am a solo traveler, who doesn’t time for planning going outside of Tbilisi so, I chose this one. To be hobest it was a great time for me. Also our group tour mates were nice. Thank god make my trip going well I recommend you if you are deciding. .the guides are good people they help to take lot of pictures. I am. Muslim,they also help me where I can have that very nice

Great Tour thanks to our guide Metro! It was my first tour in Tbilisi and i really enjoyed it! Everything was very well organized and Metro kept us updated about every step throughout the tour, and always chose our comfort and ease over everything! Thank you Metro & thank you Gamarjoba Tours!

Did several tours with the company. Buta was a friendly and knowledgable guide. Highly recommended.

Hello everone visiting Tblisi should take this amazing tour…