Around Kazbegi – Dariali Gorge, Khde Valley and majestic villages – Tsdo & Juta

Kazbegi  (officially known as Stepatsminda) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists famous. Iconic Mt Mt.Kazbek (5.047m) peak -3rd highest mountain in Georgia is worth the trip from Tbilisi and short walk to Gergeti Trinity church (1.5-2 hours 1 way) is top on to-do list if you come to Georgia – to feel the country, see it from the top, from its symbolic viewpoint and feel the tranquility, the magic of the Caucasus mountains, gorgeous panorama, best in any season.

View from Rooms Hotel Kazbegi in Winter & Travel Blogger Pertskli

To feel it the best thing is to walk to the trinity church but if you are not able to, you could take taxi. The best way to reach the church is  the path through cemetery in Gergeti (village across the bridge over River Terek). Even if you have only 1 day, even if you are visiting other mountain regions such as Tusheti or Svaneti, it is still worth visiting Kazbegi in any time of the year when the road is open. As there is marshutka (for 10 laris) or taxis (for 70-100 GEL per car) from Didube leaving at 8AM morning and the last back to Tbilisi around 5PM, you can still manage to walk to Gergeti and drink a beer in a restaurant near the main square, but it is more appropriate to stay for 2 days. There are many inexpensive homestays in Kazbegi as well as hotels such as Rooms Kazbegi so it is possible to stay for 2 days. If you are heading for Meteo station you could stay at 3653m from the sea level.

Gergeti Trinity Church

Kazbegi map – Road to Trinity

Kazbegi offers some interesting options for both amateur and professional hikers also for hitchhiking/jeep trips and active leisure. Including Truso Gorge where you can take an easy, enjoyable walk through river valley of mineral springs and abandoned villages or you have an option for difficult and rewarding hikes – to visit the alpines lakes. If you continue from Kazbegi to Russian border checkpoint, you can see the beauty of Dariali Gorge, which also has both options for travellers.

Village Tsdo and Views to Kuro Ridge

The shrine above village

Views from The shrine

There are 2 waterfalls in Gveleti, which is an option to spend your time in the nature, but like the waterfalls in Arsha, they can not be called the highest or the best waterfalls in Georgia. In Dariali Gorge I would advise to visit Village Tsdo. Small Serpentine from the main road 6km north from Kazbegi will take you to a stunning village, rich in yellow colors, with a views to Mt.Kuro and Mt.Shino from the sacred shrine on the small hill. It is a great and less touristic place to take wonderful photos and enjoy the rural areas of Kazbegi district.

There is a new church at the border with Russia. Near that church there is the wildest river flowing down to Terek. From there, after getting a permit in Dariali, you can start hiking (difficult one) to Khde Gorge valley which is almost untouched by the humans.

One more interesting spot in the valley would be to visit Juta village. Hike option across Chiukhi pass to Khevsureti I have already described in the article. But Juta is also a great destination if you are not planning to hike. You can ride horses, stay in the homestays or just camp in Juta and feel the beauty of the mountains with your heart – listen to the mountain rivers, take photos with a background of Mt.Chiukhi, arrange a party with your friends in Zeta camping  (2300m). I have even seen wedding parties there (also religious wedding in Gergeti Trinity or even in a cabin above Meteo station at 3930). What can be better than to be disconnected from the civilization in Caucasus mountains?

Zeta Camping, Juta

Places to relax, Juta, Views to Mt.Chiukhi

For the map please see:

For the gps track of Khde Valley and Kuro Ridge hike you can see (please note: This is very difficult hike. Involves crossing fast rivers, hiking up stony path and lots of risks. You need an experienced guide and very experienced group to do this trail. PS. On the way back gps was off so just come back the same way):