KAZBEGI-Gudauri-STEHANTSMINDA

08:30 is suggested time to start a day. The guide will pick you up from the hotel and head to the north through the Georgian Military Highway towards the Greater Caucasus mountains.

The first stop on the way to Khevi will be medieval fortress Ananuri, located on the right bank of Zhinvali Reservoir. Built in the 16-17th cc., complex integrates two fortifications, two churches and residential buildings of local feudal family – powerful Aragvi Eristavi. The sightseeing will take about 30 minutes and continue the way to Gudauri ski resort.

Eventually, before getting to town Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), the road becomes winding and quickly rises elevation: passing through the ski resort Gudauri (2196 m), make several stops for observation: Monument of Peace (observation platform), Jvari Pass (2300 m) and Travertine valley.

After reaching the highest point on the watershed of Aragvi and Tergi Rivers, follow the subalpine road to Stepantsminda, the administrative center of Khevi province.

Lunch is organized in Stepantsminda family café. The traditional main dish of highlanders is homemade dumplings with beef or Vegetarian dumplings with mushrooms or potato.

After lunch visit Gergeti Trinity Church – located on top of Gergeti mountain, under the foots of the Mount Kazbegi (5047 m). If the weather is clear, it is possible to see the peak from Stepantsminda.

To take a walk to the Gveleti waterfall, hidden deep inside the Gveleti gorge on the way to Dariali Canyon. After Gveleti we continue the trip to the Dariali Gorge and monastery, which is situated near the Georgia-Russia border Larsi. The length of the gorge is approximately 13 km, and can be as deep as 1,800 meters in some places.

In the evening, leave Khevi province and drive back to Tbilisi.