Georgia by Car
Full day · 10–11 hrs Greater Caucasus · North Georgia

Kazbegi Day Tour from Tbilisi

The classic mountain day from Tbilisi: north along the Georgian Military Highway to Ananuri, Gudauri and the Cross Pass, ending beneath the glaciers of Mt Kazbek at the little church of Gergeti Trinity.

  • 10–11 hoursFull day, door to door
  • Private groupJust your party
  • Hotel pickupFrom your Tbilisi hotel
  • Driver-guideEnglish-speaking
  • ≈ 310 kmRound trip
  • Year-roundBest on a clear day

Highlights

  • Ananuri fortress and its frescoed church above the turquoise Zhinvali reservoir
  • The Gudauri viewpoint and the mosaic-clad Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
  • The Jvari (Cross) Pass at about 2,379 m — the high point of the highway
  • Gergeti Trinity Church on its hill below the glaciers of Mt Kazbek (5,047 m)
  • A relaxed mountain lunch with time to simply take in the views

About this tour

This is the day most travellers come to Georgia for. We leave Tbilisi in the morning and follow the Georgian Military Highway — the historic road that has linked the lowlands to the Caucasus for centuries — as it climbs steadily north into bigger and bigger mountains.

The first stop is Ananuri, a 17th-century fortress of stone towers and a domed church standing over the still, blue-green water of the Zhinvali reservoir. From there the road rises to Gudauri, the ski plateau, where the curving Friendship Monument looks out over the Devil's Valley. Beyond it lies the Cross Pass, the windswept saddle at the top of the highway, before the descent into the Tergi valley.

Journey's end is Stepantsminda — still widely called Kazbegi — where Gergeti Trinity Church sits alone on a green hill with the snows of Mt Kazbek behind it. It is one of the most photographed sights in the country, and far better in person. We take the time you want here before heading back, with stops wherever the light is good.

— The Georgia by Car team

How the day usually flows

  1. Morning · pickup in Tbilisi

    We collect you from your hotel and set off north along the Aragvi valley, leaving the city behind within minutes.

  2. Ananuri & the Zhinvali reservoir

    A first proper stop to walk the fortress walls and the lakeside, with the water a vivid turquoise on a bright day.

  3. Gudauri & the Friendship Monument

    Up onto the ski plateau for the panorama and the great curved monument above the valley — a favourite photo stop.

  4. The Cross Pass

    Over the highest point of the highway at roughly 2,379 m, often with snow on the verges even in summer.

  5. Stepantsminda & Gergeti Trinity

    A local 4x4 takes us up the steep track to the church for the classic view of Mt Kazbek, then lunch with time to relax.

  6. Evening · back to Tbilisi

    An unhurried return down the highway, stopping wherever the afternoon light makes it worth it.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned car for your group
  • English-speaking driver-guide for the day
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi
  • Fuel, road costs and the 4x4 up to Gergeti

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks (we'll recommend the good spots)
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Anything not listed as included

Pickup & good to know

We pick you up directly from your Tbilisi hotel or apartment — no meeting point to find. A typical start is around 9am, but we'll fix the time to suit you and the season.

Bring a warm layer whatever the month: it can be 20°C in the city and close to freezing on the pass. Good shoes help at Gergeti. The road is fully paved and comfortable; the only rough stretch is the short 4x4 climb to the church.

More from the road

That travel was very close to my heart — my first snow ever, and winter, fall and summer all in one place at the same time. Mr Ika is such a nice person, very accommodating and down to earth. I never felt tired or bored.”

Porlin Ceriaco · Philippines · winter mountain tour

Good questions

How long is the Kazbegi day tour?

A full day — usually 10–11 hours door to door from your Tbilisi hotel, covering about 310 km there and back along the Georgian Military Highway.

Can the tour run in winter?

Yes. The route runs year-round, and the mountains are at their most dramatic under snow. Very occasionally heavy snowfall closes the Cross Pass for a few hours; we always check conditions before we set out and adjust if needed.

How do you reach Gergeti Trinity Church?

The church sits on a hill above Stepantsminda. The final climb is a steep gravel track, so we arrange a local 4x4 transfer for the last stretch up and back — it's part of the day.

Is it suitable for children and grandparents?

Very much so. It's a driving day with short, easy walks at each stop, so it works for most ages. Tell us who's coming and we'll set the pace accordingly.

Combine it with

Many travellers pair Kazbegi with a day in the wine country or the old capital. Tell us how long you have and we'll build the week.

  • The hilltop wine town of Sighnaghi in Kakheti
    Full day · 9–10 hrs

    Kakheti wine country

    Qvevri cellars, a family supra and the walled town of Sighnaghi.

    View tour →
  • The arid canyon country of southern Georgia near the cave city of Vardzia
    Full day · 11–12 hrs

    Vardzia, Rabati & Borjomi

    A cave city, a restored castle and the mineral-water park of Borjomi.

    Plan on WhatsApp →
  • Mtskheta at the meeting of two rivers, seen from Jvari monastery
    Full day · 7–8 hrs

    Mtskheta & Jvari

    Georgia's old capital and the rivers' meeting point below Jvari.

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Ready for the mountains?

Message us with your dates and we'll put together your Kazbegi day — and the rest of your time in Georgia too.

Plan this tour on WhatsApp