What’s special about Kazbegi? It’s a popular tourist destination located in the Georgian highlands, offering visitors towering peaks, historical treasures, and plenty of outdoor excitement. You can discover the Gergeti Trinity Church, the impressive Mount Kazbek, and the serene Gveleti Waterfall, either during a day trip from Tbilisi or while spending a few days in the area.
We’ve been living in Georgia since 2019 and exploring since 2016, so we’ve got the insider tips for enjoying Kazbegi’s landscape, tasting its flavours, and finding great places to stay.
Start your Kazbegi and Stepantsminda adventure planning here.
Key Takeaways
Kazbegi, a scenic Georgian town, offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, with attractions like Gergeti Trinity Church, Mount Kazbek, and Gveleti Waterfall.
Adventure seekers will find plenty of outdoor activities in Kazbegi, including trekking, horse riding, mountain biking, and mountaineering, all with a backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Visitors to Kazbegi have a wide range of accommodation and dining options, from luxury hotels and traditional Georgian cuisine to budget-friendly guesthouses that allow for full immersion in local culture.
Welcome To Kazbegi
Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is a popular tourist destination found along the Georgian Military Highway. This important route connects Georgia with Russia to the north and is steeped in historical significance. A 3 hour drive from the capital city of Tbilisi brings you to the heart of nature, where the stunning landscapes of Kazbegi unfold before you.
Bear in mind, that while this is a popular day trip from Tbilisi for many tourists, the busy freight traffic and fluctuating weather conditions can be challenging, so it’s crucial to always prioritize safety and stay updated on local conditions.
History and Origins
Intrigued by the name Kazbegi? As with everything in this region, there’s a tale to tell. The names Kazbegi and Stepantsminda both refer to the same location in Georgia, but each name has a distinct historical background.
Stepantsminda, the town’s original name, is linked to its religious heritage. It was named after Saint Stephen, a Georgian Orthodox monk. Kazbegi, on the other hand, has its origins in local feudal history. The name is derived from the Chopikashvili clan, influential in the area during the early 19th century. A key figure in this family was Kazi-Beg, whose son adopted the name Kazbegi.
While the town was officially renamed Stepantsminda in 2006, reverting to its historical title, the name Kazbegi remains in popular use. It’s often used to describe not just the town but also the broader region and the nearby Mount Kazbek.
Geography and Climate
At 1740 meters above sea level, Kazbegi is a place of changing climates. As you climb, the weather shifts from moderate humidity to more humid and permanently snowy areas. This creates a mix of landscapes to discover. Expect cold winters and long cool summers here, with an average annual temperature of around -5.2°C in January and a pleasant 14.4°C in July.
Top Attractions in Kazbegi
Now that we’ve delved into Kazbegi’s history and climate, let’s set our sights on its top attractions. Here are some of the must-see landmarks in Kazbegi:
The iconic Gergeti Trinity Church standing tall against the mountainous backdrop
The majestic peak of Mount Kazbek, steeped in cultural significance
The awe-inspiring Gveleti Waterfall
Kazbegi is a treasure trove of natural and historical landmarks.
Gergeti Trinity Church
Perched above Gergeti, the Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century wonder, central to Georgia’s cultural heritage. Historically, it safeguarded precious Georgian relics, emphasizing its role in the Georgian Orthodox Church. Now, it’s a must-visit for those exploring Georgia, blending spiritual significance with architectural beauty.
Remember, respect the tradition when visiting – dress code matters here. Men must be wearing shirts with sleeves and women will need to wear a scarf on their heads as possibly a wrap around their waist if wearing anything above the knee or trousers/shorts. It’s best to pack your own head scarf if you don’t want to use the communal scarfs kept at the front on the church – nobody knows how often these get washed – if ever!
Mount Kazbek
As your gaze wanders from the Gergeti Trinity Church to the horizon, you’ll meet the magnificent Mount Mount Kazbek. This dormant stratovolcano, ranked as Georgia’s third-highest peak, has been a site of awe and challenge for centuries. Known for the Gergeti Glacier and the historic Bethlemi Hut, it attracts climbers seeking both beauty and a test of skill.
Mount Kazbek’s climbing history is fascinating and steeped in legend and achievement. The first recorded ascent of the mountain is a blend of myth and history, traditionally attributed to a local Georgian priest. This ascent is more of a legend than a documented historical event, but Georgians do love a good story!
The first well-documented ascent of Mount Kazbek, however, took place in 1868. This expedition was significant as it was led by an English team, marking a key moment in the mountain’s climbing history. The 1868 ascent of Kazbek significantly raised its profile within the global climbing community, and this challenge continues to draw climbers worldwide, keen to tackle its slopes.
Gveleti Waterfall
From the heights of Mount Kazbek, we descend to the beautiful Gveleti Waterfall. This natural wonder, with its two distinct cascades, offers a sight that will leave you breathless (because its not quite the simple hike some websites make it out to be, and because it is very pretty!) It’s a perfect pitstop for nature lovers and hikers, with trails leading you through the scenic undergrowth to the waterfall’s stunning beauty.
Adventure in the Great Outdoors
You can discover even more stunning landscapes, many of which are now more accessible by car. Updates in the roads in recent years mean natural attractions in Kazbegi are much more accessible than they used to be. But if locals still recommend you need a 4X4 and a driver it’s probably best to take their advice.
You can explore:
mountain ranges
cliffs
waterfalls
alpine lakes
Trekking and Hiking
Kazbegi’s trails are some of the most popular in Georgia for hiking enthusiasts. From gentle treks to challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone. If you’re up for an adventure, the trek to the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, perched at an elevation of 2,200 meters, is the main hike people travel to Kazbegi for.
But that’s not all. There are six highlighted scenic trails, each offering unique views and challenges for various levels of hiking proficiency. For the truly adventurous, the 17.5 km trail from Kazbegi to Gergeti Glacier is a popular route, with camping opportunities available along the way. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your gear, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Kazbegi’s trails.
Horse Riding Tours
If trekking isn’t your thing, how about exploring Kazbegi on horseback? Horse riding tours offer an easygoing way to explore the region’s mountainous terrain. But don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a horse before. These Kazbegi horse riding tours accommodate all skill levels, with guides joining riders to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Mountain Climbing
Ready to conquer the mountains? Mount Kazbek’s challenging terrain caters to climbers of different skill levels, offering various routes from less difficult classical paths to the challenging Dragon rocks route. However, it’s essential to remember that climbing Mount Kazbek is not a task to be taken lightly. It presents significant risks such as extreme altitude, hidden crevasses, and steep areas.
The optimal season for your adventure is between June and September, with July and August being the most popular among climbers.
Where to Dine and Unwind
After a day of exploration and adventure, it’s time to refuel and unwind. Kazbegi offers a variety of dining options where you can savour traditional Georgian cuisine and relax in cozy bars and cafés.
Whether you crave a hearty meal after a trek or a tranquil setting to enjoy your favourite drink, Kazbegi has a few (not lots but a few) good options to add to your travel itinerary.
Traditional Georgian Cuisine
Kazbegi’s local cuisine is a typical Georgian gastronomy party.
Some must-try dishes include:
Khinkali: juicy dumplings
Khachapuri: cheese-filled bread
Lobio: bean stew
Mtsvadi: grilled meat skewers
Churchkhela: a traditional Georgian candy made from grape juice and nuts
But of course, you can also find other local delicacies like:
Chvishtari, a cheese bread made from local cornmeal and Sulguni cheese
Lobiani, a bread stuffed with seasoned beans
Satsivi, a cold turkey or chicken dish in a rich walnut sauce
As you dig into these dishes, remember to soak in the ambiance of your surroundings. Kazbegi’s restaurants often feature incredible views and settings that are often the highlight of your dining experience – even more than the food.
Stepantsminda Restaurants
While there wasn’t a huge foodie scene going on in Stepantsminda and many places didn’t have wonderful reviews tbh. Here are our Top 3 Stepantsminda Restaurants that we recommend checking out during your stay:
Rooms Hotel: Offering a contemporary twist on Georgian cuisine, Rooms Hotel stands out with its fusion of modern and traditional flavours. Located within a chic setting, this restaurant serves up a variety of dishes that embody Georgia’s diverse culinary scene.
Maisi – Restaurant in Kazbegi: Maisi is your go-to for genuine Georgian local food. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant located in the small village of Gergeti, provides a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying their homely recipes. It’s only open at certain times of the year so avoid disappointment by checking they’re open first!
Lunch at Maia: A delightful dining experience, Lunch at Maia combines home-style cooking with a welcoming, homely atmosphere. This family restaurant offers heartwarming dishes and hospitable service, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a relaxed meal while sitting in the family garden with beautiful views of the mountains.
Accommodation Options in Kazbegi
After an exciting day of exploration and adventure, it’s time to retire to your cozy abode. Kazbegi offers a wide array of accommodation options to cater to different preferences and budgets, including:
Luxury cabins
Boutique hotels
Guesthouses
Budget-friendly accommodations
Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
For those seeking a luxurious retreat, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a perfect choice. The hotel’s unique design fuses traditional Georgian elements with modern aesthetics, creating a blend of past and present.
Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, offers a modern but vintage style retreat with stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church off in the distance. This modern hotel, is celebrated for blending local Georgian culture with contemporary comfort, and features elegantly designed rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent amenities. You can enjoy a range of facilities including a wellness spa, an indoor pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
We recommend trying the cocktails and desserts – they haven’t dissapointed us yet!
Guesthouses and Homestays
If you prefer a more local experience, consider staying in one of Kazbegi’s authentic guesthouses or homestays. These accommodations offer amenities such as:
Terraces
Shared lounges
Complimentary WiFi
Parking
Outdoor fireplaces
Sun terraces
They allow you to immerse yourself in the local environment and culture of a small town, truly experiencing the essence of Stepantsminda.
Places like Guest House Tamta, Ketino’s Home, and Guest house Chavchavadze N23 offer magnificent views of the mountains and gardens, adding to your stay. And the best part? You can enjoy all this without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Options
Travelling on a budget? Kazbegi has got you covered. Family-run guesthouses like Red Stone Guest House and the North Kazbegi offer cozy and affordable accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers.
Places like Old district guest house and Heaven Hill even offer the following amenities, giving even more bang for your buck with your budget-friendly stay:
Restaurant
Free private parking
Bar
Shared lounge
24-hour front desk
Travel Tips and Essentials
Before we wrap up, let’s arm you with some essential information to prepare for your Kazbegi adventure. From understanding the best ways to reach Kazbegi to packing essentials for the diverse weather conditions and outdoor activities, we’ve got you covered.
How to Get There
So how do you get there? From Tbilisi to Kazbegi is a 3 hour overland journey and there are a variety of transportation options to choose from, including:
marshrutka vans
shared taxis
There are several options for transportation along the Georgian Military Highway:
Private transfer services like GoTrip offer door-to-door convenience with the flexibility to make scenic stops.
Organized tours provide a narrated travel experience with a guide for local excursions.
Economical options like the marshrutka vans have daily operations, but they have limited space and set departure times.
Shared taxis offer a compromise between speed and cost but won’t provide the same level of comfort or flexibility as a private service.
Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
Stepantsminda Packing Essentials
When it comes to packing for Kazbegi, remember to pack clothing suitable for a range of weather conditions, including the cool summers and cold winters. Also, if you plan to undertake outdoor activities such as hiking, include appropriate gear and shoes in your packing list.
Ultimately, thorough preparation for all weather types is key to a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
With its rich history, diverse climate, breathtaking landscapes, and plethora of attractions, Kazbegi promises an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you choose to scale the heights of Mount Kazbek, explore the trails leading to the Gveleti Waterfall, or simply relax on a terrace with a glass of local Georgian wine in hand, Kazbegi / Stepantsminda has something for everyone. So pack your bags, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Georgia’s mountain paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Kazbegi?
The best time to visit Kazbegi is between June and September if you’re planning to climb Mount Kazbek, but it’s accessible all year round.
What are the main attractions in Kazbegi?
The main attractions in Kazbegi are the Gergeti Trinity Church, Mount Kazbek, and Gveleti Waterfall. You shouldn’t miss them if you’re visiting Kazbegi!
What outdoor activities can I do in Kazbegi?
You can enjoy hiking, trekking, horse riding, and mountain climbing in Kazbegi for an exciting outdoor adventure.
What type of food is available in Kazbegi?
In Kazbegi, you can indulge in traditional Georgian cuisine such as Khinkali, Adjarian Khachapuri, and Mtsvadi, offering a delicious culinary experience.
What type of accommodation can I find in Kazbegi?
In Kazbegi, you can find a variety of accommodation options, including luxury cabins, boutique hotels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly accommodations, ensuring there’s something for every preference and budget.
