Gudauri and Kazbegi Mountains Tour from Tbilisi

The Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble is a historic complex located along the Aragvi River in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, about 70 kilometers north of Tbilisi. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, it served as the seat of the Aragvi feudal dynasty and played a crucial role in defending the region.

The complex includes two churches, a watchtower, residential buildings, and defensive walls. The main church, Church of the Assumption, is noted for its ornate stone carvings and frescoes. Ananuri is not only a significant architectural and historical site but also a popular tourist destination thanks to its scenic location overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir.

The Jinvali Water Reservoir, also known as the Zhinvali Reservoir, is the largest reservoir in the region and a key water source for the capital, Tbilisi. Located near the Ananuri Fortress in the Caucasus Mountains, it was created by the construction of a dam on the Aragvi River in the 1980s.

The reservoir is especially famous for its striking turquoise-blue water, which creates a stunning contrast with the surrounding forested hills and mountain scenery. Besides its practical use for hydroelectric power and water supply, Jinvali is a popular stop for tourists, photographers, and nature lovers traveling the Georgian Military Highway.

Nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway, Gudauri is Georgia’s largest and highest ski resort, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters above sea level. Located about 120 kilometers north of Tbilisi, it offers breathtaking alpine scenery and a range of winter sports activities, including skiing area.

A short distance from the resort lies the Gudauri Panorama Viewpoint, also known as the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument. Constructed in 1983 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk, this circular stone and concrete structure overlooks the Devil's Valley. The interior features a vibrant tile mural depicting scenes from Georgian and Russian history, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark.

Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi, is a small mountain town in northeastern Georgia, located at the foot of Mount Kazbek (5,054 m). Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, it is a popular destination for hiking and exploring Georgian mountain culture. The town is best known for the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley. Stepantsminda offers stunning natural beauty and serves as a gateway to Kazbegi National Park.

Gergeti Trinity Church is one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks, perched dramatically on a mountaintop at 2,170 meters above sea level near the town of Stepantsminda. Built in the 14th century, the church overlooks the stunning backdrop of Mount Kazbek and the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Its isolated location and breathtaking views make it a symbol of Georgian resilience, faith, and natural beauty. The church is a popular destination for hikers and pilgrims, accessible by both trail and road.