Kazbek - 'East Guardian'

What to expect

History of the Military-Georgian Road
We will head towards the only border checkpoint with Russia at the moment. I will tell you about the construction of the road, how it was brought to its current status, we will pass by settlements where a whole series of uprisings against the authorities took place in the early 19th century. You will learn about local traditions and legends of the region, the consequences of the Georgievsk Treaty, and many other facts that have influenced the history of Georgia and its relations with other countries.

Natural beauties
This tour is a continuous admiration of the surrounding landscapes: mountains, rivers, reservoirs - all of this will be the constant companions of our journey. You will see the medieval fortress of Ananuri, the ski resort of Gudauri, the rugged beauty of the Cross Pass, and, of course, the main goal of our trip - the giant Kazbek with the ancient Gergeti church.

Kazbek and literary figures
The road is connected with many fates of famous personalities - 200 years have passed since Griboedov, traveling to Persia along this road, stayed in Tiflis. Pushkin also passed through here, noticing the 'gloomy' giant shining with 'royal rays' on his way to Arzrum. You will learn how the lives of famous people who traveled to Georgia on this road intertwined. If you wish, I will organize a horseback ride for you to the picturesque places of Kazbek. Additionally, I will tell you about what the Lomisoba holiday is and how the Simen brothers are connected to the Cross Pass.

Route

• Departure from Tbilisi, first stop - Zhinvali Reservoir.
• Ananuri Fortress, the main city of the Aragvi eristavs until the 18th century.
• Confluence of the two Aragvi rivers near the village of Pasanauri.
• Gudauri ski resort and Friendship Arch.
• Cross Pass.
• Mineral spring Narzan.
• Village of the Georgian patriarch.
• Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church.

How the tour goes

• For groups of 4 people, discounts apply - details can be clarified in correspondence with the guide.
• We work together with a driver, so I conduct the tour without being distracted by the road!
• The excursion starts no later than 9:30. We will pick you up from your place of stay.
• The ascent to the church can be replaced by a trip to the waterfall (if desired).
• The tour is possible all year round.
• If the pass is closed in winter, the tour is held to Gudauri - in this case, you will receive a 15% discount on the remaining payment amount. We will stop in Gudauri and, if you want, take the gondola up to 2800 m and go skiing or snowboarding. The ascent and equipment rental are paid for separately.

What's included in the price and what's not

• All transportation costs, including a jeep to the Gergeti church, are included in the price.
• Lunch is an additional cost (lunch stop 1 hour 20 minutes).
• You can go skiing or snowboarding, paragliding (on average, this takes up to 3 hours). All necessary equipment can be rented on site. Rental is not included in the price.
• You can also arrange a horseback ride, in which case an additional payment per person is $35 (for children over 12 years old). The ride lasts about an hour. Please note: the guide will lead the horse by the reins. Walks are only available in dry, windless weather.