10 Places To Visit In Stepantsminda
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- Hills & Valleys (2)
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1. Gergeti Trinity Church
Church & Cathedral
Gergeti Trinity Church, known locally as Gergetis Samebis Eklesia, is situated at an elevation of 2,170 meters on the right bank of the river Chkheri. This 14th-century church offers breathtaking views under the imposing presence of Mount Kazbek. The church is renowned for its isolated location atop a steep mountain, providing a serene and spiritual experience. It functions as an active establishm (Read More)ent of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. Inside, the church is quite simple, with minimal decorations and windows that allow little light. Photography of the interior is not permitted. The only way to reach the church is via a steep 1.5-hour trek which, though challenging, is well worth the effort, offering unparalleled views.
2. Mount Kazbek
7 km from city center
Volcano
Mount Kazbek, also known as Mount Kazbegi, is a trekking destination in Stepantsminda. This dormant stratovolcano stands 5,054 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain in Eastern Georgia and the third-highest peak in the country. Visible from the town of Stepantsminda, it is a striking feature of the region and serves as a major attraction for both trekkers and mountaineers. The climb t (Read More)o the summit is a popular mountaineering route in the Caucasus, offering breathtaking views and a challenging ascent. The journey to the summit of Mount Kazbek typically takes between 4 to 7 days, depending on weather conditions and the physical fitness of the group.
3. Darial Gorge
10 km from city center
Nature
Located on the border between Russia and Georgia, Dariali Gorge is a river gorge nestled at the eastern base of Mount Kazbek. It offers stunning views and steep granite walls that soar as high as 1,800 meters in some areas. Carved by the river Terek over millennia, the gorge stretches approximately 13 kilometers and serves as a dramatic passage through the Caucasus Mountains. While traveling along (Read More) the famous Georgian Military Road you can pass through this picturesque landscape and explore the ruins of Dariali Castle along the route to the border.
4. Gveleti Waterfalls
36 km from city center
Waterfall
Situated just a brief seven-kilometer drive from Stepantsminda, near Gveleti Village, the Gveleti Waterfalls offer a serene retreat amid Georgia's natural beauty. Accessible via a paved road leading to the village, followed by clear signposts guiding the way, the journey to these falls is straightforward and rewarding. Once you arrive, a short hike along a service road transitions into winding tra (Read More)ils amidst streams, cliffs, and alpine scrub, leading to the Small and Large Gveleti Waterfalls, positioned just 750 meters apart.
5. Truso Valley
23 km from city center
Hills & Valleys
Truso Valley, located just 22 kilometers northeast of Stepantsminda in Georgia, offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level, it stands as one of the highest inhabited points in Europe, although it is now deserted. While visiting the Truso Valley, you can explore a variety of sights within a single day, incl (Read More)uding the Zakagori Fortress-Complex, Keterisi Monastery, and natural monuments like the travertine formations, Abano Mineral Lake, and Keterisi Vaucluse. The valley is accessible by off-road vehicles, horseback, or hiking.
6. Abudelauri Lakes
19 km from city center
Lake
Abudelauri Lakes, located in the picturesque region of Kazbegi, are a trio of glacial lakes known for their distinct colors: green, blue, and white. These lakes are accessible from June to September, with July being the optimal time to visit due to the blooming wildflowers. The green and blue lakes are situated close to each other, while the white lake is slightly further away, positioned at the b (Read More)ase of the Chaukhi Glacier at an elevation of over 2,800 meters. The white lake, being the most striking, requires a bit more effort to reach but is well worth the visit.
Top Hotels In Stepantsminda
7. Juta Valley
6 km from city center
Hills & Valleys
Juta Valley, located near the village of Juta in the Kazbegi region, is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. The valley offers breathtaking views of the Chaukhi Mountain range and is home to the Chaukhistskali River, making it an ideal spot for serene hikes. The valley is dotted with grazing cows and horses, and during summer, sheep herders bring their flocks to feed on the fresh (Read More)grass. While there are a few cabins and huts in the valley, amenities are limited, especially outside the peak tourist season in July and August.
8. Dariali Monastery
9 km from city center
Religious Experience
The Dariali Monastery Complex is located in the Dariali Gorge, nestled between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus in the Khevi region of East Georgia. Just 10 kilometers from Stepantsminda and near the Georgia-Russia border, the monastery sits at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level. The gorge, carved by the roaring Tergi River, provides a picturesque setting for the complex. The m (Read More)onastery is open daily and welcomes guests to explore its facilities and learn about its history and ongoing construction efforts. Despite being a relatively new establishment, the monastery has been designed with a traditional aesthetic, using gray-rose stone to create a weathered look that blends seamlessly with the ancient landscape.
9. Kazbegi National Park
12 km from city center
National Park
Kazbegi National Park, situated in the the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in northeastern Georgia, covers an expansive area of 9,030 hectares. Located on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, the park is a mix of alpine ridges, moraines, ever-snow-capped peaks, and inaccessible cliffs, with 35% of its area covered by forest. You can witness many rare and unique species of animals and birds at t (Read More)he park as well as camp in the region. Key historical and cultural sites within the park include the fourteenth-century Sameba Temple, the tenth-century Garbanikerk, the Sioni Basilica, the Akhaltsikhe Basilica, and the seventeenth-century Sno Castle.
10. Alexander Kazbegi Museum
0 km from city center
Museum
The Alexander Kazbegi Museum of Local Lore in Stepantsminda, located along the Georgian Military Road, offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s history and the life of famed writer Alexander Kazbegi. Housed in his family's estate, the museum spans two floors: the first showcases Georgian national clothing, weapons, old photographs, and archaeological finds, while the second features Kazbegi’ (Read More)s personal belongings, paintings, manuscripts, and study items.