Kazbegi, officially Stepantsminda, is the trip most visitors to Georgia put at the top of their list: snow peaks, the Gergeti Trinity Church on its hill and one of the most beautiful roads in the country. You can do it in one day from Tbilisi. Here is what it costs, how long it takes and what you see.
The cost
A private Kazbegi day trip from Tbilisi, returning the same day, starts from $112 for the whole vehicle, with the driver and fuel. It is not per person: a family of five pays the same as a couple in the same vehicle. The final price depends on the season, the vehicle and any extra stops, and we send it to you before you book.
Not included: meals and entrance tickets. If you want the 4x4 ride up to Gergeti church, mention it when you book.
How long the drive is
Kazbegi is about 155 km from Tbilisi, roughly 3 hours each way without stops. With photo stops, lunch and the church, plan on a full day, leaving in the morning and back in Tbilisi in the evening.
A simple plan for the day
- 08:30 Pickup at your hotel in Tbilisi. Leaving early beats the traffic and the crowds.
- 09:45 Ananuri Fortress on the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir.
- 11:15 Gudauri and the Friendship Monument above Devil's Valley.
- 12:30 Lunch in Stepantsminda. Try khinkali or grilled trout.
- 13:45 Gergeti Trinity Church, up by 4x4 in about 15 minutes or on foot in about 1.5 hours.
- 15:30 Optional: Gveleti Waterfall or the Dariali Gorge.
- 16:30 Drive back to Tbilisi, arriving in the evening.
The plan is yours. Stop longer where you like it and skip what you do not want.
What you see on the way
- Ananuri Fortress, a 17th-century fortress with two churches on the edge of the reservoir.
- Gudauri, Georgia's best-known ski resort at about 2,200 m.
- The Friendship Monument, a huge mosaic balcony hanging over a green valley.
- Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century church at 2,170 m with Mount Kazbek behind it.
- Gveleti Waterfall, an easy 30 to 40 minute forest walk, good for families.
Day trip or overnight?
One day is enough to see the highlights. If you have time, a night in Kazbegi is worth it: sunrise over Mount Kazbek is unforgettable, and it leaves time for the Juta or Truso valleys in summer. Ask us and we will price a two-day version.
When to go and what to bring
June to October brings green valleys and the easiest roads. December to April is snow season. Bring a warm layer even in summer, as Kazbegi can be about 10°C colder than Tbilisi. The road over the Jvari Pass sometimes closes after heavy snow; we watch the conditions daily and adjust your plan.
See every stop with photos on our Kazbegi & Gudauri page.
Quick answers
How much does a private Kazbegi day trip from Tbilisi cost?
With GeoVan, a same-day return trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi starts from $112 for the whole vehicle, including the driver and fuel. The price is per vehicle, not per person.
How long is the drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?
About 155 km, roughly 3 hours each way without stops. With stops, plan on a full day.
Can you visit Kazbegi in one day from Tbilisi?
Yes. Leaving around 08:30, you can see Ananuri, Gudauri, the Friendship Monument and Gergeti Trinity Church and be back in Tbilisi in the evening.
Is the road to Kazbegi open in winter?
Usually, but the road over the Jvari Pass sometimes closes after heavy snow. We check the conditions daily and adjust the plan.
Do I have to pay in advance?
No. You pay your driver on the day, in cash (GEL, USD or EUR), by bank transfer or through a secure payment link.
Tell us your dates and we will send you a price on WhatsApp, usually in under 10 minutes. No prepayment — you pay your driver on arrival.
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Photo credits: Gergeti Trinity Church and Mt. Kazbeg 01 — Braveheart (CC BY-SA 4.0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licenses.