Looking for the best things to do in Kazbegi, Georgia? This is the guide for you! I spent three days in Kazbegi over the summer and absolutely loved it.
I constantly dream of a return trip. This incredibly, lush mountain region of Georgia is still quite under the radar.
Its natural beauty makes every moment spent there absolutely spectacular.
Some of the best things to do in Kazbegi, Georgia are Gergeti Trinity Church, Juta Valley, Stepantsminda Town, Giant Stone Heads, Pansheti Mineral Pool, Gveleti Waterfalls Hike, the Georgian Military Highway, and breakfast at Tiba.
8 Amazing Things To Do in Kazbegi
1. Gergeti Trinity Church
The Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the main reasons people visit Kazbegi!
The breathtaking photos of a ginormous glacier and lush, green mountains as the backdrop to a gorgeous church are enough to make me hop on a plane to Georgia.
However, it’s important to note that the visibility of the glacier is very weather-contingent and not guaranteed.
You can get to the church two ways: have a car drive you 10 minutes from Stepantsminda town all the way up the hill, or take a hiking trail from town up to the hill.
I do not recommend taking the hiking trail during rainy conditions because there can be tons of mudslides with slipping and sliding.
I think taking a car is a convenient option- there is literally only one road leading you up and down the mountain.
⭐Kazbegi Day Trip from Tbilisi
2. Juta Valley
I strongly believe Juta Valley should be on every Kazbegi itinerary. Juta Valley is about 30 minutes outside of Kazbegi itself but is still considered within the general area.
During my visit in Summer 2024, the road leading to Juta Valley was under significant construction due to winter road damage so it was not possible for many cars to cross.
Several hikers were left with the only option of walking several miles along the road until they were able to reach the car that was picking them up.
3. Stepantsminda Town
Stepantsminda Town is amazing to walk around on a clear day. You can see gorgeous mountain views all over town. There are several local shops, convenience stores, and restaurants.
Only a few shops in town offer SIM cards.
I recommend purchasing a SIM card that has a high data range. My friend was using an e-sim and lost service almost immediately on her hike to Gergeti Church. I maintained service during all of my mountain hikes.
4. Sno Village Giant Stone Heads
The Giant Stone Heads are one of the most random things we discovered in Kazbegi and I’m so glad we did!
The artist, Merab Piranishvili, began creating the sculptures in 1984. They are a simple pull-off to the side of the road and you can admire the various faces and architectural features.
It’s certainly worth spending a bit of time here!
5. Pansheti Mineral Pool
The Mineral Pool was one of my favorite hidden gems in Georgia!
We hired a driver from Guest House Tamta (absolutely recommend a stay here) and he dropped us off at the mineral pool on the way back from hiking in Juta Valley.
The refreshing, cold dip in the mineral pool is just what we needed for a refreshing end to the day. But keep in mind, it is absolutely freezing- this is not a hot spring!
There are no amenities on site. This means no bathrooms, changing areas, water fountains, or lifeguards. Plan accordingly.
You can walk along a path from the mineral pools all the way back to the center of Stepantsminda Town in about 45 minutes. You can alternatively take your car or reserve a Bolt car on the app.
The stunning beauty of the mineral pool painted along the backdrop of Kazbegi’s towering mountains makes it a picture I will always remember!
Even if you don’t like to swim, I recommend stopping here just to enjoy the natural beauty.
⭐Stepantsminda Hotels
6. Gveleti Waterfalls
The Gveleti Waterfall hike to the big waterfall is one of my favorite hikes I did in Georgia.
This is also because I visited on a very clear afternoon and had amazing glacier views over the Dariali Gorge.
It’s important to note that this is not a drive-up waterfall. It’s a moderate hike with slight elevation and some scrambling involved.
The signs were not super clear to me so I got lost a bit when making my way higher up the trail.
Feeling the cool, waterfall mist as you take in the incredible glacier surroundings is not a site to be missed. It was one of the highlights of my Georgia trip!
7. Georgian Military Highway
The main road connecting Tbilisi to Kazbegi is the Georgian Military Highway.
While you can take a Marshrutka bus for transportation all the way from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, I highly recommend car hire or rent a car for at least one of the directions.
I think this is one of the most beautiful roads in the world and I am so grateful I was able to make a couple of stops on the way.
Some awesome stops on the Georgian Military Highway are:
- Zhinvali Reservoir
- Ananuri Fortress
- Jvari Pass
My favorites were Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress! These are the two closest scenic stops on the highway outside of Tbilisi.
The viewing dock at the reservoir is probably one of my favorite viewpoints ever.
There is a mini market for tourists here featuring handicrafts, snacks, and paid restrooms.
8. Breakfast at Tiba
The views are so beautiful, both indoors and from the porch.
The interior of Tuba features giant floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the views even on a cold or rainy morning.
It’s great value for the money, and they make an amazing latte!
I ate at Tiba twice during my Kazbegi trip and recommend it to future travelers!
Conclusion
Kazbegi is such a beautiful place that I cannot possibly list every amazing thing to do in one list.
While the main town itself is relatively small, there is no shortage of beauty to admire, especially if you have access to a car.
I highly recommend taking a road trip from Tbilisi along the Georgian Russian Military Highway for other gorgeous stops on your route.
I hope you have an amazing adventure in Georgia!
