Kazbegi, Stepantsminda, weather, how and by what to get there, what to see along the way, mountains, Caucasus, climbing Kazbek

There are no special attractions in the village itself, except for the Museum of local lore, located in the house of A. Kazbegi. One of the expositions tells about the life and everyday life of Georgian aristocrats of the 19th century.

The museum houses artifacts from the 13th—19th centuries, some of them from the Betlem cave, which is located on the steep rocky slope of Kazbek at an altitude of 4,000 m.

The existence of the cave was known to the locals for a long time, but it was officially opened by Georgian climbers in January 1947.

The objects found here belong to different time periods. Therefore, there was an assumption that the cave was used to store jewelry.

Among the finds are candlesticks, a brass bell, a bowl, fish hooks, a communion spoon and other items.

The cave can only be reached with climbing equipment.

The museum is open on weekdays, the cost of tickets must be specified at the ticket office.

The greatest interest among tourists is Mount Kazbek, the highest in the Caucasus (5033.8 m.). Its peak is always in the snow. At the foot of the mountain stands the Trinity Church.

Climbing Kazbek

The route is not considered difficult, but it is better to stock up on minimal climbing equipment. It is better to divide the ascent into 2 days.

The task of the first day: to walk to the weather station at an altitude of about 3700 meters, the distance along the trail is 10 km. Make stops for acclimatization.

The road to the top passes through the village of Gergeti, the famous Trinity Church will be on the way of travelers. From it you need to go in a westerly direction, the river remains on the right. After about 6 km. the glacier will begin, special equipment is not necessary to pass through it.

A place to set up a tent near the weather station will have to be paid — GEL 15.

Overnight stay in the building will cost 30 lari. In the evening, you can charge phones and other gadgets there.

There is still 1300 m left from the weather station to the top, it is more convenient to climb around, then you will have time to return back on the same day.

Trinity Church

The cross-domed church was built at an altitude of 2170 m. in the 14th century. It is called in different ways: the Church of the Holy Trinity, Trinity or Gergeti Church, Tsminda Sameba. Services are still held here regularly.

There is an observation deck nearby, from where you can see the mountain peaks in all their beauty.

The road to the church goes through the forest, it takes about 2 hours in one direction. Part of the route can be overcome by an SUV.

Gvelet Waterfall

Not far from Stepantsminda, to the north beyond the village of Gveleti (1.3 km.), there is a beautiful waterfall 25 meters high. You can walk here in a few hours.

Locals take tourists along the mountain road in high-traffic cars, you will be on the spot in an hour. Directly to the waterfall you need to climb on foot along a rocky path.

In Stepantsminda, the winter is mild, the average temperature is -5°. Summer is moderately warm, in August it can be up to +18 °, the humidity is about 70%.

The wind always blows, and the weather is very changeable, it can get cold sharply. Even if it's warm in the morning and the sun is shining brightly, a raincoat and warm clothes should be in the hiking backpack. On his feet — comfortable shoes suitable for walking on rocky mountain trails.

Attention! Always take water with you!

It is advisable to stock up on food. There is little choice in village shops, and prices are 10-15% higher than in Tbilisi.

The distance along the highway from the capital of Georgia to Stepantsminda is 156 km . There are simply no other ways.

Sightseeing bus.

Tbilisi travel companies organize trips lasting 1-3 days.

A one-day trip will cost about $45. If you don't like to rush, it's better to book an individual tour

Minibuses

They walk from the capital's Okriba bus station, which is near the Didube metro station, to the central Stepantsminda square. The first one goes in the morning, at 09:00. Further timetable needs to be specified, tickets are purchased at the ticket office of the station.

There are two options:

• non—stop to Stepantsminda, travel time ≈ 3h., fare - $ 4;
• with stops to see the sights and take photos.

The minibus departs back to Tbilisi from the central square of the village at 19:00.

Taxi

It is advisable to order a car in advance using a mobile application. It will cost from $ 60 (197.5 lari). You can find a taxi for 150-250 GEL in the area of the Orbi bus station.

Rented or private car

This is the most comfortable way to travel, you do not depend on the schedule, you can stop anywhere and consider everything that interests you.

There is also a choice here:

• a rented car with a driver. The route is negotiated in advance, an experienced driver will take you to your destination. This service costs from $ 100 per day;
• rent a car without a driver — $ 35-50, gasoline is paid separately. Many tourists note that local drivers behave quite dangerously on the roads: they drive into oncoming traffic, do not always turn on turn signals. You need to be very careful;
• own car. Pay only for gasoline. If you are an experienced driver, and road difficulties do not frighten, have a good trip!

Attention! It is forbidden to drive a car under the influence of alcohol in Georgia.

From Batumi to Kazbegi

A trip from Batumi to Stepantsminda by public transport is possible only through Tbilisi. There are flights to the capital, there are trains, buses, minibuses, taxis.

1. Airplane. Travel time is 1 hour, then to Kazbegi — bus, minibus or taxi.
2. The train to Tbilisi takes 5-6 hours, the ticket price is 6-18 €, and then — by bus, minibus or car.
3. Metro Georgia company offers a trip by bus Batumi – Tbilisi with air conditioning and Wi-Fi in the cabin. The ticket price starts from GEL 25, the journey will take 5-6 hours. The bus departs from the bus station of Batumi (Gogol str., 1), arrives at the metropolitan bus station "Ortachala".
4. Minibuses run from Batumi to the capital — 25 lari. In Tbilisi (Didube metro station) you can take a shuttle bus to Stepantsminda.
5. By car, without arriving in Tbilisi, it will be possible to get there faster, in about six hours. The distance is about 470 km.

Taxi services cost 90-110€ or 347-425 lari.

Following the Georgian Military Road, you can see historical and natural attractions.

Mtskheta — the ancient capital of Georgia. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO monument since 1994, is located here.

Dilapidated Jvari Monastery (The cross), was built in the 6th century. The temple is mentioned by Mikhail Lermontov in the poem "Mtsyri".

Zhinvali reservoir it appeared in 1985 during the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Aragvi River.

Ananuri Fortress (16 c.) guarded the Daryal gorge from enemy attacks.

The homeland of Khinkali is a mountain village Pasanauri (1000 m.). They stop here to taste the most famous dish of Georgian cuisine.

Arch of Friendship near Gudauri , it was built according to the project of Z. Tsereteli in 1983. Its walls are decorated with mosaic images of scenes from the history of Georgia. Nearby there is an observation deck with views of the gorge and a small lake just below.

Cross Pass at an altitude of 2379 m . A little away from the road in the 19th century, a large cross was installed, hence the name of the pass — Krestovy. The views here are gorgeous.

In the rocks surrounding the road, there are mineral springs. The water in them is cold and delicious.