Kazbegi Mountain Adventure

Rising above the Aragvi River, Ananuri is a fortified complex that once served as the stronghold of the Dukes of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty whose battles shaped this corner of Georgia. Within its walls stand two churches and a defensive tower, adorned with the intricate carvings and frescoes that define Georgian sacred art. From the ramparts, the view opens across the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir and surrounding mountains, making it one of the country's most rewarding historical stops.

High in the Greater Caucasus, Gudauri is Georgia's premier ski resort, with high-altitude slopes and reliable powder that draw skiers and snowboarders from December through February. When the snow melts, the same peaks open up to paragliders and hikers, with the Gudauri Viewpoint and a climb to Sadzele Peak rewarding you with panoramic mountain views. Cap each day with khinkali, khachapuri, and mulled wine, and a lively apres-ski scene warmed by genuine Georgian hospitality.

Kazbegi, formerly Stepantsminda, is the base for Georgia's high Caucasus. The 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church sits alone at 2,170 meters with Mount Kazbek—the country's third-highest peak at 5,047 meters—rising behind it. Reach the area on the three-hour drive from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway, then hike to the Truso Valley's mineral springs or walk the cliffs of the Dariali Gorge.

Set against the snowcapped cone of Mount Kazbek, this 14th-century church is one of Georgia's most photographed sights and a living Orthodox pilgrimage site. We walk you up from Stepantsminda, roughly a two to three hour climb through meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer, or arrange a 4x4 for those who'd rather save their legs. Once a refuge that safeguarded Georgia's religious treasures during invasions, its medieval frescoes and alpine isolation still hold travelers spellbound.