Kazbegi and Truso Gorge

This tour introduces the region of Kazbegi – the highland part of Georgia in the northeast of the country. Officially, this area is called Khevi, which means gorge in Georgian, but everyone is used to calling it Kazbegi by the name of Kazbek Mountain.

Here passes the Main Caucasian Range, and through it the famous Georgian Military Road. The terrain in Kazbegi is exceptionally picturesque, these places are known for their virgin nature; the local mountains, gorges, passes, rivers and forests are the masterpieces of the region. Acquaintance with Kazbegi will be an amazing journey over the clouds for you.

The starting point could be both Kutaisi and Tbilisi. When leaving Tbilisi, the route will be through Mtskheta and soon the Georgian Military Road will begin behind it, which will not leave anyone indifferent. A.P. Chekhov correctly noted that this road must be “survived”, and the surrounding beauty and “impressions are so vivid that everything experienced is a dream.” We will climb up the gorge of the Aragvi River, overcome the legendary Cross Pass and proceed along the current of the stormy Terek to the stunning Darial Gorge. On the way we will stop at the Zhinvali reservoir, located on the Aragvi River; the turquoise surface of the lake in the edging of the mountain peaks is picturesque in any season.

Particular attention will be paid to the Ananuri fortress located on the banks of the reservoir, which belongs to the early feudal era. The fortress belonged to one of the influential feudal families of late medieval Georgia - the Aragva Eristavs and served as an outpost of defense, blocking the road leading from the Darial gorge.

Kazbegi is famous for its mineral springs with high iron content, on the way we will try water from different sources. At the foot of the Cross Pass is the ski resort of Gudauri, here we will linger on the panoramic platform and continue our ascent. Another observation deck is waiting for us before the pass with an amazing panorama of the Darial Gorge and the majestic Kazbek. Do not be surprised if a cloud or a mountain eagle passes under you. These panoramas will be some of the best photos from your travels. The highest point of the Cross Pass is 2395 m, there is a geographical border between Asia and Europe.

Then we go to Stepantsminda - the administrative center of the district, formerly called Kazbegi, here we settle in a cozy hotel and then continue the excursion program. The visiting card of Stepantsmind is the Church of the Holy Trinity (Tsminda Sameba) in Gergeti, located at an altitude of 2170 m. at the foot of Kazbek. Built in the XIV century, the shrine is the only cross-domed temple in Hevi. You can walk to the temple (about 6.5 km in one direction) or take an SUV. From the temple there is a stunning view of Stepantsminda and neighboring ridges. There are not enough words to describe these beauties, you need to visit here.

After Gergeti, we are waiting for the large and small waterfalls of Guveleti, to which we will reach by SUV and then on foot about 1.5 km along a picturesque trail, which significantly goes up the slope of the Guvelet Gorge. After climbing to the waterfalls, we return to Stepantsminda for rest and overnight. Morning awakening will be painted with bright colors from the stunning view of the sparkling glaciers of Kazbek in the rays of the rising sun.

Even more vivid emotions will give Truso Gorge, where the Terek River (in Georgian Tergi) originates from the glaciers of Kazbek. We will get to the gorge by SUV and this route is not included in any of the typical tourist routes. Truso Gorge is a beautiful secluded corner of Georgia, where you come into contact with pristine nature face to face and tete-a-tete. Here you will not meet tourists, and from the purest mountain air and the absence of external sounds, the surrounding reality at first seems an illusion. The steep cliffs go to an immense height, against their background green hills descending to the plain, cut through by the brilliant sleeve of the stormy Terek; and here only you and Nature are alone. The territory of the gorge is rich in mineral springs, because of this it is often called the "Valley of Narzans". We will sample water from different sources on the way to the ruins of the Zakaatgori fortress. The brightest impressions await you from a hiking trip to the bottomless lake of carbonated mineral water of excellent taste. There is no such amazing place anywhere else in Georgia!

The magnificence of nature will make you awe of this indescribable beauty, sometimes with overwhelming emotions for a break from the inside.

A trip to Kazbegi will convince you of the huge creative power of nature and fill it with positive energy, and for someone it will be an occasion to take a different look at the world around you.

The cost of the tour: $200 with the start of the tour from Tbilisi and our fuel for a group of no more than six people.

$350 with the start of a two-day tour from Kutaisi and our fuel for a group of no more than six people.

The price of the tour does not include hotel accommodation, food and an SUV in Stepantsminda (former Kazbeg)