Townlet of Kazbegi
Take a trip to the mountain townlet of Kazbegi. Nicknamed “Chamonix of the EAST“ it has a population of 2,000 and boasts plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops. The main tourist attraction is the Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity) church, one of the symbols of the country dating back to the 14th century. You can spot it in the distance when visiting the city center and you can get to it either on foot (a 1.5 hour walk) or by car.
You can also get to the top of the hill (at 2,100 m) by a local taxi known as “Mammoth“. You can also continue your trek all the way to the saddle which lies at an elevation of 3,000 m. Once you reach the saddle you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Gergeti Glacier.
Truso Valley along Terek River
Drive from Gudauri towards Kazbegi. Take the road which is the main drag to the border with Russia. Cross the Jvari Pass and after about 10 km you will arrive in the village of Kobi. Right at the beginning of the village turn left towards the final stop of the cable car line. Continue for 5 more kilometers along the river until you see a small stone processing factory. Leave your car here since it is better to walk from this point on.
If you do decide to drive on, be prepared to be driving along a narrow rugged road where there is barely enough space for two cars travelling in the opposite directions to pass. After about 20 kilometers you will reach the border with South Osetia where further exploration is no longer possible. We recommend that you not venture the area beyond the Georgian flag. During your trip you are bound to admire the beautiful landscape, a wide valley lined with tall hills. You will have a chance to have a drink from a mineral water spring, say Hello to a few local residents as well as take pictures at the river, the water of which gets discolored by minerals.
Trek to Mt. Chankchi foothills
Drive from Gudauri towards Kazbegi along the road that happens to be the main drag leading to the Russian border. Use the Jvari Pass and after 20km turn right in the village of Achkhoti. Continue for 12 more kilometers through the village of Sno until you get to Dkjuti.
Park you car and set off on foot towards the camp, then cross the valley to get to Mount Chankchi. You can get a snack and a drink at the local bistro found at an altitude of 2,250 m. You are in for an amazing view of the majestic Chankchi towering at 3,842 m above sea level.
Trip to Gveleti Waterfall
Drive from Gudauri towards Kazbegi. Take the road which is the main drag to the border with Russia. Continue on through Kazbegi until you reach Gveleti. Keep driving and after about 10km start checking your left hand side for a sign pointing to the waterfall. Park your car and walk the rest of the way to the waterfall. The path is about 3km long and in places it gets fairly steep. It takes an hour for an average hiker to reach the waterfall.
Hike over Chankchi saddle
We recommend that exacting travellers undertake the trek using appropriate equipment. The staff at the Kazbegi information centre will offer you a map, secure a qualified guide as well as help you rent the essential equipment. The starting point is in Djuta, a village which lies about 20km from Kazbegi. You will cross the saddle at an altitude of 3,300 m and arrive in the village of Roska.
Climb to top of Mount Kazbeg
Mount Kazbeg is a dormant volcano with its summit at 5,047 m. According to a legend the Georgian Prometheus called Amirani was chained to the mountain. Three Englishmen are said to have been the first people to reach the summit in 1868. The top of the mountain can be reached either on foot or skialps. Either way, however, you should only set out accompanied by a guide . Contact the Kazbegi information centre where its staff will not only secure a guide for you, but will also help you take care of all the necessary formalitities.
First we recommend getting acclimatized in Gudauri by hiking to the top of the cable car line which lies at an elevation of 3,400 m. Afterwards you should make the trip back to Gudauri and spend the night at the suite. The following day you can set out for Kazbegi and from there hike past the Tsminda Sameba church all the way to the Bethlemi meteorological station which is at 3,650 m. The hike to the station is demanding and will take a full day. Accomodation at the station needs to be booked in advance. You should also keep in mind that neither food nor heating are available there. As part of the acclimatization process you should hike up to the saddle (at about 4,500 m) the next day and then head back to the station. Spend the night at the station and finally in the early hours of the following morning set off for the top of Mount Kazbeg.
When you get back to Gudauri we recommend spending 2 days of relaxation at the suite.
