




Around Mt. Kazbegi
KAZBEGI
https://goo.gl/maps/TTFwmuoxTr82
STEPANTSMINDA


BORDER WITH RUSSIA
There is Georgian-Russian border "Verchni Lars" crossing was opened 01.03.2010. It works: winter period (01-NOV - 28-FEB) from 07 am till 07pm, summer period (01-MAR - 31-OCT) from 06 am till 10pm. The customs is multilateral, for all citizens of the World. The cross border road is in mountain tunnel, so it is impossible to cross the border on foot.
MT. KAZBEGI 5047m.
Mt. Kazbek 5047m, in Georgian Mkinvartsveri (ice peak) is the main highlight of the region, a dormant stratovolcano and one of the major mountains of the Caucasus. It is the most popular mountain in Georgia (although not the highest), favored by many alpinists and mountain lovers.
CLIMBING MT. KAZBEGI
Beforehand reservation is highly recommended during high season: 0322 92 25 53. https://www.facebook.com/BethlemiHut/
The route to Mt. Kazbek starts from town Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) up to Gergeti Trinity church over the Sabertse Pass, Gergeti glacier, Maili plateau all the way up to the summit. The mountain is very popular for climbers and trekkers therefore the route is clearly marked and visible most of the time, although hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
More info on climbing MT. Kazbek here.
GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH
Monastery situated 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbegi, overlooking town Kazbegi is the main church of the region.
DARIALLI GORGE & GVELETI
The Dariali Gorge is the picturesque gorge on the border between Russia and Georgia. It is at the east base of Mount Kazbek, pierced by the river Terek for a distance of 13km between vertical walls of rock and is located south of present-day Vladikavkaz. Near the border one should definitely visit beautiful Gveleti Waterfalls: at very small settlement Gveleti there is a narrow path leading to the waterfall. You must get off the car and walk on foot for last 700 m of the trip. More information on how to get to waterfalls you can find here.
CHAUKHI MOUNTAINS
By the way, on the way to village Juta and Chaukhi Massif dont miss to check out really cool stone carvings by Merab Phiranishvili:
Location on map: https://goo.gl/maps/i9dRW53bDc8StJru8
To hire a guide for climbing in this region please contact company "Climbing Georgia" which provides services of experienced and professional Georgian guides:
TRUSO VALLEY
An almost abandoned valley towards South Ossetia borders. Apart from beautiful nature there are interesting travertine formations due to local mineral springs, a geyser, ancient towers and several abandoned settlements. It is not possible to explore the whole valley, you have to turn back at the ruins of Zakagori fortress, where Georgian border post is located. For more information about hiking and trekking in the valley follow the link.
ANANURI
GEORGIAN MILITARY HIGHWAY
The Georgian Military Road is the historic name for a major route through the Caucasus from Georgia to Russia.