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Geotour

Gveleti Waterfall

Kazbegi & Mtskheta · Nature

Getting there
About 7 km (15 min) north of Stepantsminda on the Georgian Military Highway towards the Upper Lars border, so about 160 km (3.5 h) from Tbilisi
Best time
May–October
Recommended stay
1–1.5 hours

About Gveleti Waterfall

The Gveleti waterfalls are in a side valley of the Dariali gorge, about 7 km north of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) off the Georgian Military Highway, inside Kazbegi National Park. From the road a dirt track and footpath lead up the Gveleti stream past a smaller cascade to the main fall, which drops into a narrow rocky bowl. The walk is about 4 km return with some 190 m of climbing, 30–40 minutes each way. It is an easy addition to a Kazbegi day from May to October.

Tours Including Gveleti Waterfall

See the tour

Must-See Attractions

  • Big Gveleti Waterfall

    The main fall at the head of the valley, reached over a small footbridge and a last steep section of path.

  • Small Gveleti Waterfall

    A lower cascade in a side gully, a short detour from the main path.

  • Gveleti valley path

    A narrow valley between rock walls, with views back to the Dariali gorge.

Nearby

  • Dariali gorge

    The narrow gorge of the Tergi (Terek) river with Dariali Monastery near the Russian border, about 5 km further north (10 min). Stepantsminda (Kazbegi): The main town and base for Gergeti Trinity Church, about 7 km south (15 min).

  • Juta

    The village under the Chaukhi peaks, reached via Sno, about 25 km south (about 50 min to the road closure below the village).

Location42.7048° N, 44.6176° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 7 km (15 min) north of Stepantsminda on the Georgian Military Highway towards the Upper Lars border, so about 160 km (3.5 h) from Tbilisi; then a 30–40 minute walk each way.

Best time

May–October

Best time

In May and June snowmelt makes the falls fullest; from July to September the path is driest and easiest.

Recommended stay

1–1.5 hours

Walking

About 4.2 km return and 190 m up on a dirt track and rocky path, with a few steep, slippery steps near the falls; wear shoes with grip.

Getting there

No public transport; you start from the main road at the mouth of the valley, where cars can park.

Fees

Free, with no facilities at the site.

Season

Snow and ice make the path unsafe in winter; go from May to October.

Time needed

1–1.5 hours return.