Tour to Kazbegi: Georgian Military Road – Ananuri – Gudaury – Kazbegi

Our first stop will be on the viewing platform above the Zhinvali Reservoir. From there, there is a magnificent view of this huge reservoir filled with clear blue water. Here the guide talks about the Zhinvalskoye reservoir, everyone admires the amazing view of the azure water, and takes pictures.

The next point on the route is the Ananuri Fortress. This ancient fortress is built on a hill above the reservoir. On the territory of the fortress there are several temples. One of them is the Temple of the Assumption of Our Lady of the 16th century, acting. The temple is covered with unusual bas-reliefs and inscriptions made by carving on stone. And inside are preserved parts of the frescoes.

Also in the fortress there are two more ancient churches of Guvtaeba of the 16-17th century. and Mkurnali. The fortress wall, temples and towers are really very interesting, besides in the territory there is even a medieval prison in the form of a deep stone well. Naturally, our guide will tell you everything that is currently known about the history of these sights and will answer all questions.

Near the village of Pasanauri we will see one of the wonders of nature – the Merging of the White and Black Aragvi. At this point, the two channels of the Aragvi River join together and, without mixing, flow colored in light gray and dark color. It looks very unusual and amazing. This rare and surprising natural phenomenon in this place can be observed almost at arm’s length.

We will drive through the winter ski resort – Gudauri and then stop at the monument, which is called the Friends of the Nations of Georgia and Russia among people. This observation deck, built in 1983, with a mosaic panoramic wall is located at an altitude of 2395m above sea level – this is the highest point of the pass. The monument was built in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of St. George between Georgia and Russia. This is an ideal place for photographing and admiring the mountains of the Greater Caucasus.

Passing the Cross Pass, we move on and stop near the next wonderful place. Here we can observe the Travertine rock with our own eyes. It consists of the same material from which stalactites form in caves. Water enriched with minerals and now flows over this rock, shimmering and giving it such an attractive and breathtaking view that it is impossible to resist and not touch it with your own hands.

And here, on the other side of the road, in a small depression, a narzan source beats, from where you can drink real natural Narzan!

Now we are going to Stepantsminda – a mountain settlement named in honor of St. Stepan, who once saved the city and its inhabitants from an impending avalanche. All members of our group must decide who wants to go to the church of the Gerget Trinity, and who will wait for them here in one of the local restaurants. This question arises for the reason that the ascent to Gergeti is not very comfortable. It can only be reached by off-road minibuses provided by local residents. The road is very bumpy. But still it is worth doing this, because going up to the Gergeti monastery is the culmination of our amazing journey.

From the church of the Gerget Trinity, there is a breathtaking view of the city of Stepantsminda, the majestic mountains surrounding it and of course the Kazbek mountain. Glacier – The Bride (as the locals call it) gives Kazbegi a look …. I probably won’t write about what the peak of Kazbek looks like. Come, go up to the Gergeti Church, breathe the purest mountain air and admire all this beauty!