Kazbek and Darial Gorge: Georgia from a Postcard!
About this experience
I have not met a traveler who was not captivated by the Military-Georgian Road... In this trip, you will witness the magnificent Kazbek and the fortress towers overlooking the azure lake, the new monastery on the border with Russia, and the Gergeti church "high above the family of mountains". The panoramas will be complemented by new knowledge about the distant past and the life of Sakartvelo.
What to Expect
Scenic Road
All 11 hours of the journey will be accompanied by breathtaking landscapes. You will observe the transformation of the small hills around Tbilisi into the highest mountains of the Caucasus. Along the way, there will be several beautiful stops and amazing natural phenomena:
- Admire the azure Jinvali reservoir surrounded by wooded mountains and learn about its creation and significance for the people of Tbilisi.
- Nature will impress you at the confluence of the White and Black Aragvi rivers. The colors of the rivers match their names, and the waters flow side by side without merging - you will see this merger from a distance of a stretched river.
- The road will ascend higher, passing meadows with grazing flocks of sheep, until we reach the Friendship Arch near Gudauri. This is the highest point of the pass and the ideal place to surrender to the mountains forever!
- After crossing the Cross Pass, we will stop at an extraordinary travertine rock: mineral waters flow down its orange slopes, and nearby there is a spring where you will taste natural slightly salty Narzan water.
Historical Road
Without a trip on the Military-Georgian Road, you will not have a complete understanding of Georgia's history. At the Ananuri fortress above the lake, I will tell you about the times when this place was an important outpost, about the feats of Aragvi eristavs, and about the architectural features of the citadel. At the Friendship Arch, we will talk about the Georgievsk Treaty between Georgia and Russia. You will also pass through the Darial Gorge, which remembers not only Lermontov, Pushkin, and Griboedov but also the Horde and the caravans of the Silk Road.
Sacred Road
The culmination of the journey is, of course, the giant Kazbek. He will reveal himself to you in the mountain settlement of Stepantsminda, from where you will drive up to the Gergeti Trinity Church on jeeps. It is ascetic but amazes with its location under the clouds and harmony with the mountain landscapes. In this excursion, you will also see the monastery of Archangels Michael and Gabriel almost on the border - Patriarch Ilia II called this new sanctuary a symbol of faith and unity between Georgia and Russia.
Midway through the journey, you will relax with lunch in a cozy place near the Ananuri fortress.
Organizational Details
- The tour will be conducted by me or another guide from our professional team
- The trip includes water, free Wi-Fi, complimentary tastings of different varieties of chacha and mountain honey during stops along the way
- Additional expenses: lunch (starting from 20 lari per person) and jeep ride to the Gergeti church (20 lari per person)
- In case of extreme weather conditions or other force majeure circumstances preventing access to any location, we will offer an alternative location (the Chronicle of Georgia monument, known as the Georgian Stonehenge, or the longest seven-kilometer cable car in Georgia at Kobi-Gudauri)
Anna
November 7, 2024
I got an excellent guide Tamara - she knows and loves her job, which is the most important thing in this business. The trip went smoothly and easily, with care, friendliness, and attention to everyone. There was enough time at each stop, we saw everything we wanted to see.
oleg
November 5, 2024
Excellent tour!!! Huge thanks to guide Tamara for the interesting storytelling, friendly atmosphere, humor, and positive vibes! Driver Georgiy is a true professional, in not the best weather conditions, the road was comfortable and safe!
Dasha
November 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the excursion to Kazbegi!! It is worth noting the exquisite oratorical skills and wisdom of the guide Tamara, as well as the skillful driving and humor of the person behind the wheel. My grandmother went on the trip. The warm company and caring guide did everything for her comfortab...
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