Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Stepantsminda, still widely known by its old name, Kazbegi, is a small town in north-east Georgia near the Russian border, and the country's first choice for nature and adventure. The Georgian Military Road reaches it from Tbilisi in about three hours.

On the way you pass Ananuri fortress on the Zhinvali reservoir, the Gudauri ski resort, the Friendship Monument above a deep valley, and the Jvari Pass at more than 2,300 m.

Above the town, Gergeti Trinity Church stands at 2,170 m with Mount Kazbek, over 5,000 m, behind it. Visitors go up by four-wheel drive and look down over the town and the whole valley. Nearby, the Truso valley has mineral springs and meadows.

We suggest a night or two in Kazbegi rather than a day trip, to see the mountain in the morning light. It is best from June to September; snow can close the road for short periods in winter.