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Kazbegi
A mountain church below the Caucasus peaks
- Best time to visit
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Currency
- GEL
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Country
- Georgia
The mountain town of Stepantsminda, known as Kazbegi, sits below 5,000-metre Mount Kazbek, three hours up the Georgian Military Road from Tbilisi.
- Tbilisi
- Batumi
- Kutaisi
- Rustavi
Quick facts
- Country
- Georgia
- Capital
- Tbilisi
- Town population
- 1,300
- Population of Georgia
- 3.7M
- Country area
- 69,700 km²
- Official language
- Georgian
- Currency
- Georgian Lari (GEL) · 1 USD ≈ 2.6 GEL
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Calling code
- +995
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 1,740 m
- Plugs
- C / F · 220V
- Emergency numbers
- 112
- Best time to visit
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -1° | 0° | 4° | 9° | 14° | 17° | 20° | 20° | 16° | 11° | 5° | 1° |
| Low | -10° | -10° | -6° | -1° | 4° | 7° | 10° | 10° | 6° | 2° | -4° | -8° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$46
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$105
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$240
Top things to do
- Free
Gergeti Trinity Church
The 14th-century church on a ridge below Mount Kazbek; walk up in about 1.5 hours or take a 4x4. Cover shoulders and knees.
- Half day
- Stepantsminda
- Free
Ananuri fortress
A walled castle and churches above the turquoise Zhinvali reservoir, on the drive from Tbilisi.
- Half day
- Georgian Military Road
- Free
Friendship Monument viewpoint
A colourful mosaic balcony over the Devil's Valley near Gudauri, with paragliding in summer.
- Half day
- Georgian Military Road
- Good for kids
- ≈ $20
Day hike: Juta and the Chaukhi massif
A mountain village at 2,200 m and an easy-to-moderate walk towards jagged peaks and alpine lakes; summer only.
- Full day
- Side valleys
- Free
Gveleti waterfall
A short walk up a side gorge near the Russian border to a tall waterfall.
- Half day
- Side valleys
- Good for kids
- ≈ $15
Truso Valley
A wide valley of mineral springs, travertine pools and abandoned villages, walked or driven by 4x4.
- Full day
- Side valleys
Before you go
Entry and visas
Citizens of many countries, including the GCC states and the EU, can stay visa-free for up to a year; others apply for an e-Visa at evisa.gov.ge. All visitors must have health and accident insurance covering their whole stay, including arrival and departure dates, with coverage of at least 30,000 Georgian Lari; you may be asked for evidence at check-in or on arrival. Since 1 March 2026, foreign nationals who want to work in Georgia, including remotely or running a business, need a work permit before applying for a visa or residence permit.
Official websiteFrom the airport
There is no airport: minibuses from Tbilisi's Didube station take about 3 hours; a driver lets you stop at Ananuri and Gudauri on the way.
Getting around
The town is small and walkable. For Gergeti, Juta and Truso, local 4x4 drivers wait in the main square.
Local tips
- The road can close after heavy snow in winter; check before you go.
- Evenings are cold all year; bring a warm jacket.
- Cash is useful; there are only a few ATMs in town.
- The Russian border is just north of town; don't drive past the checkpoint by mistake.
Areas worth knowing
- Georgian Military Road
- Stepantsminda
- Side valleys
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 15, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in Georgia
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Sources: Georgia e-Visa portal · Georgian National Tourism Administration