Taxi from Tbilisi to Kazbegi. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is a picturesque village in the mountains of Georgia. How to get along the Georgian Military Road

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi, 1744m above sea level) is a legendary village at the very foot of Mount Kazbek (5033m). This small village lies in an exclusively picturesque place, in the valley of the Terek River. It is literally sandwiched between the spurs of Kazbek and the steep walls of Mount Shan (4451m). In many houses you can’t even see the sky from the windows. From any point in the village you can clearly see the icy peak of Kazbek.

How to get to Kazbegi from Georgia

Nearest Big City with a well-functioning travel system - Tbilisi. It is located 165 km away, from where minibuses, buses, transfers and taxis travel.

All transport to Kazbegi departs from the Didube bus station. There are no signs, schedules, platforms or ticket sales locations. Didube is a cross between a spontaneous bus station and a market. However, do not despair - finding the right transport is quite easy:

There are barkers everywhere who, when they see a tourist, shout “Kazbegi!”;

There is a megaphone near the starting point of the minibuses, you need to focus on it.

An easy way to get to Didube

Next to the bus station is the above-ground metro station "Didube" (with one exit - you can't go wrong:). Immediately after the exit, a staircase begins into a tunnel, which bifurcates - you go to the right.

The Tbilisi metro operates from 6:00 to 24:00 and is very convenient to use. You buy a metro card (at the ticket office at any metro or funicular station) and immediately top it up with a few lari. This card gives you the right to travel in all types of public transport in Tbilisi: metro (0.5 GEL), trolleybuses, minibuses, buses and funicular (2.5 GEL). Save the receipt for your metro card. You can return it and get your money back if you present a check and passport.

The names of metro stations are announced in Georgian and English.

Cost of moving to Kazbegi

A regular minibus costs 10 lari (about $4). These run from 7 am to 7 pm with an average interval of 1 hour. However, drivers may not depart according to schedule, but as the minibus fills up - you need to be prepared for irregular departures. Travel time is 3 - 4 hours.

A taxi will cost 80 lari ($34) per car or 20 lari ($8.3) per person. There are many people willing to take a taxi, so the cars are filled quickly. If this is your first time in these parts, it is better to take a taxi one way, because drivers make 15-minute stops near the most popular attractions of the Georgian Military Road: the Ananuri Fortress, the Zhinvali Reservoir and the Arch of Peoples' Friendship. Taxis can be found here from 6 a.m. to 11-12 at night (while the metro is operating).

The Kazbegi checkpoint (border with Russia) is located 12 km from the village. From here to Vladikavkaz is only 31 km.

IN Soviet time the village was called Kazbegi, and Georgians use this name in everyday life to this day. This is how minibuses and taxis are signed. However, on all road signs you will see “Stepancminda” - this is the same Kazbegi.

What to see in Kazbegi

The village itself, its surroundings and the road leading to these parts are already serious attractions. But, of course, not the main ones.

The center of the village is small, this is where you will arrive. Lots of shops cafes and restaurants serving Georgian cuisine With reasonable prices. Each cafe owner makes his own unique homemade wine, which is definitely worth trying. In these parts it is better to take dry white ;).
5 kilometers from Kazbegi there is a small beautiful waterfall . Another, larger one, 15 km away, taxis go here (50 GEL per car). You can pick up a map of the route from the visitor center near the stop.
Sources of healing mineral waters are located 2 km from Kazbeki, in the village of Pashetti.
Very popular in this area paragliding. The bravest ones can fly alone or in pairs with an instructor.
Visitors are offered a huge selection of different means of transportation in the mountains: horses, bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs... Renting these vehicles can be found near a familiar stop or at a tourist center. Remember that it is worth checking whether the horse has a saddle - locals prefer not to bother with harnesses.
Wherever you go, in the vicinity of Kazbegi you will meet stone watchtowers, reminiscent of Svan. They stand on steep slopes and look extremely mysterious and picturesque...

Where to stay in Kazbegi

There are many hotels, hostels and homestays in the village. The cost of housing is from $8 (20 GEL per bed in a hostel) to $250 (hotel room). All of them are easily searched and booked on the Internet. If you haven't booked your accommodation yet, don't worry. Most likely, you will be offered several options along the way. You can ask the driver. Georgians are friendly people; everyone communicates and helps each other. The driver will immediately start calling friends and get you settled in a couple of minutes.

If you are traveling around Georgia, be sure to visit Kazbegi. Beautiful panoramas Greater Caucasus, a variety of entertainment and hospitable people will leave an indelible impression on your soul;).

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is a small village 12 km away. from the Verny Lars checkpoint. This is the first locality, which tourists traveling in their cars from Russia pass through. Spetsminda itself is hardly worthy of attention: old Soviet buildings, minimal infrastructure and packs of stray dogs. So why is the village so popular among tourists?

One of the main attractions is the Trinity Church in Gergeti, near Stepantsminda. Ancient church is located high in the mountains and attracts travelers with its landscapes and views of Mount Kazbek.

In Kazbegi there is one of best hotels Georgia - Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. The highlight of the hotel is its terrace with a panorama of the snow-capped mountain peaks.
Several trekking routes begin from Spepantsminda: to Mount Kazbek, to the weather station, to the high-mountain village of Juta, to the Gveleti waterfall and others.

The purpose of our trip was trekking to the village of Juta, but the weather was against it, so we chose an easier route - climbing to the Trinity Church.

Like most Orthodox churches in Georgia, the Trinity Church is quite ascetic in appearance and is not distinguished by chic and luxury. However, the place has a very strong energy. A few hours will be enough to recharge and gain strength for new achievements and victories.

I felt something similar in . I don’t know whether Georgian shrines really have special powers, or whether the power of the mountains affects them. It’s hard for me to explain why this is so, probably everyone finds something of their own here...

How to get to the Trinity Church in Gergeti

Trinity Church is 4 km away. from Stepantsminda. You can climb to it on foot along a steep slope, or drive by car. We chose to hike to enjoy not only the end point, but also the road. True, “enjoy” is a very relative concept. Already halfway there, I prayed to be abandoned, since I had no strength to go further. The climb is really difficult, take this fact into account!

Somewhere in the last kilometer I got my second wind and, without noticing it, I climbed to the cherished peak. It’s difficult to describe what feelings overwhelmed me: fatigue, happiness that I finally got there, or delight at the indescribable landscapes. Would I repeat this experience again? Definitely yes, every calorie spent was worth it!

And, of course, the way for lazy people is to drive up to Trinity Church by car. I want to make a reservation right away: going to Gergeti in your own car is a bad idea. Besides the fact that the road is difficult and winding, its condition is deplorable. If you save a little money, you risk damaging your car.

There are many taxi drivers in Stepantsminda who will take you in an SUV for 80-100 GEL (both ways). The capacity of the car is 6-7 people, not counting the driver.

A good way to save money is to share the costs with other travelers. Don't hesitate to ask!

Buy an excursion to Kazbegi at one of the capital’s travel agencies, or online. As a rule, the program includes visits to several roads, including the Trinity Church in Gergeti. The price depends on the intensity of the program, but the average cost of the excursion is 40-60 GEL per person.
You can get to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) on your own. Buses depart from to. Despite the fact that the drive takes almost 3.5 hours, the road promises to be pleasant. The entire route passes along the Military Georgian road, which fascinates with its landscapes. Remember this and take a seat by the window! Several buses depart per hour. The fare is 10 GEL.
From the same bus station you can go to Stepantsminda by taxi for 20 GEL per person. That is, besides you, there will be 3 other tourists in the car. Taxis depart every 15-30 minutes, depending on how busy it is. The advantage of such a trip is that the driver often makes a stop near the Ananuri fortress.

In the central part of the Bolshoi Caucasian ridge at the base of the extinct Kazbek volcano (height 5033 meters). The distance to Tbilisi is 165 km, to the border with Russia - 11 km. The main settlement and center of the region is the village of Stepantsminda.

How to get to Kazbegi

The most convenient option is an air or bus tour to Georgia with an arrival in Tbilisi, from where you can book an excursion to Kazbegi (travel time is about 4 hours, as there are landslides on the road), or live in Stepantsminda in one of the guest houses or book a Rooms hotel Hotel Kazbegi 4*.

What to see in Kazbegi

Stepantsminda is a place with ideal views of the snowy peak of Kazbek. But besides the mountains, there are ancient monuments and natural attractions.

Trinity Church in Gergeti (Tsminda Sameba) was built in the 10th century at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level - now people come here to admire the views and consider the contrast between the external and internal decoration. Here is an iconostasis of the 4th century with an icon of the Mother of God, which survived a fire in the 20th century. The path to the church is not easy, but you can book a jeep ride on the spot.

Another popular historical site and tourist route is Georgian Military Road, passing through the Daryal Gorge. On the road there is a monument to friendship between Russia and Georgia, the ancient castle of Tamara and the temple of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

In Stepantsminda, lovers of local history and literature can go to local history house-museum of Alexander Kazbegi- a Georgian writer who devoted his work to the life and everyday life of the mountaineers.

Natural attractions of Kazbegi are Kelskoe volcanic plateau And Gveleti waterfall, the drying system of three lakes Kelistba, Archvebistba and Kelitsad - trekking trails have been laid to them, but without appropriate preparation they are difficult to overcome. Prepared tourists conquer Kazbek.

Active recreation in Stepantsminda:

horseback riding,
paragliding,
bicycles for rent,
hiking to waterfalls, churches and watchtowers,
mineral springs
rafting on mountain rivers.

You can visit mineral waters in Pansheti, where Kazbegi is bottled.

Because of the calm and even ascetic atmosphere, Stepantsminda is called “Georgian Siberia” and compared to Tibet, therefore holiday in Kazbegi will be meditative and measured.

What else to do in Kazbegi:

Go to a wine store, taste the pearls of Georgia and take home a delicious reminder of your vacation in Kazbegi.
Have a bite to eat at Georgian fast food - Sakhinkle - Khinkalnaya in the center of Stepantsminda.
Come to Stepantsminda on July 16 for the traditional holiday of Gergetobu - “Day of Spiritual Love”.
Visit tourist route The Georgian Military Road and see the beauty of nature combined with Georgian architecture.
Even if you don't stop at the very beautiful hotel Georgia Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, then at least have lunch on the terrace with a gorgeous view of Kazbek and take beautiful photos.

The first attractions that tourists see when entering Georgia are own car, usually become Mount Kazbek (if you're lucky) and Trinity Church or Gergeti.

These places are not only known far beyond the borders of Georgia, but also very beautiful. Many of our compatriots dream of coming here. In this article we will try to talk not only about the sights, but also about one beautiful dream come true, which we had the opportunity to observe personally on our first trip along the Georgian Military Road.

Gergeti Church: a secluded monastery high in the mountains

Gergeti Church is located high in the mountains, at an altitude of 2170 meters above sea level. When preparing for the trip and looking at photos on the Internet, it seemed to us that the climb to it was very simple and could be completed in a maximum of 15 minutes. In fact, no one simply photographed the road, which turned out to be very difficult. If you plan to climb Gergeti on foot, we advise you to find accommodation in Stepantsminda in advance - this is an option for at least half a day.

In the photo, the same girl Anya and her guide overcome the last meters of the climb to Gergeti. The whole journey took about 30 minutes.

On our first visit to the temple, a wonderful girl Anya went up to Gergeti with us, for whom seeing this place was an old childhood dream, and a trip to Georgia was her first trip abroad. A photo of this place was on her screensaver for many years. Computers changed, but photography remained the same, inviting you to visit it in reality.

To save time, we climbed most of the road in a jeep, and only walked the last third. Even this small piece turned out to be quite tiring, but it was worth going through it - it prepared us well for the fact that in just a few minutes we would see Gergeti and helped us tune in to the peculiar atmosphere or aura of this place, which is difficult to compare with any other.

In general, I don’t believe in auras or esotericism, but it is in this place that many people feel something special. In almost every group, several tourists sincerely cry, some begin to pray frantically, while others simply stand quietly, admiring the unreal beauty. Some will say that the high mountain air is to blame, but for some reason I want to believe in something more.

It is not surprising that many decide to settle in a tent right next to the church and live like this for several days in the lap of nature. Also, climbers who want to climb Kazbek often stop here for the night. This helps them adapt to the altitude.

Interesting fact

The name Kazbegi itself is historical. The village carried it until 2007, and then was renamed Stepantsminda. But since almost all minibuses still have the Kazbegi sign, and the locals quickly understand what we are talking about, tourists still continue to use the old name.

Many people believe that the name Kazbegi comes from the majestic Mount Kazbek, which is located in these places, but in fact this is not so. The famous Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi was born in these parts and the settlement used to bear his name.

Paradoxically, this small village is considered one of the most visited towns in Georgia by Russian tourists. Some people stop here while traveling to Tbilisi through the Upper Lars checkpoint, others come during a tour of the city. Many people find themselves so delighted with the fantastically beautiful mountain landscapes that they are staying in Kazbegi for a few days.

If you are planning to stay in Kazbegi for several days, even before the trip you need to clearly understand what this place is like and not count on particularly comfortable conditions.

What you need to know about Kazbegi?

Kazbegi is located quite high in the mountains, about 1700-1800 meters above sea level. This means that even in summer it can be quite cool here at night. Take warm clothes with you.

As with almost everywhere else in mountainous regions, Kazbegi is often foggy and rainy - you need suitable footwear and clothing.

You can climb Gergeti in your own car - the road was well repaired in 2018 with appropriate markings and signs.

Seeing Kazbek is a great success. The fact is that its peak is almost always hidden behind clouds or hidden in fog. If you believe the guides, then Kazbek opens well to one group out of five.

You shouldn’t expect first-class service in Kazbegi - food, accommodation and entertainment here are basic. If you want, for example, good wine, bring it with you.

You can pitch a tent next to the Gergeti Church and live in the lap of nature for a few days. There are actually quite a lot of such tourists.

Where to stay in Kazbegi: our list of good hotels and guesthouses

If you decide to settle in Kazbegi, then you have a fairly wide choice of housing at your disposal, as for a small village. You can search locally, but the prices are usually the same as on the Internet - competition takes its toll.

If you want to stay in a hotel, then choosing is very simple. He is alone here, but very good. It's called ROOMZ HOTEL KAZBEGI 4*. The prices are a little high, but it's worth it.

ROOMZ HOTEL KAZBEGI 4*

Guest rating: 9/10

Housing type: hotel 4*

Location: perfect

Approximate price: 175$ per night

The hotel is located just ideally - from the terrace in front of it and some of the windows there are gorgeous views of Mount Kazbek and the Gergeti Church. There are binoculars right in the hotel. In summer you can sunbathe on the terrace.

Very tasty breakfasts are served here. The dining room, rooms and rooms have a beautiful design combining wood, stone and fur. There is a fireplace. In essence, this is an expensive but high-quality option.

The hotel has an indoor pool, bar, library and free WiFi.

We can personally recommend: Oma Guest House, Kushashvili 7 Sisters and Nana’s Guest House.

How to get to Stepantsiminda (Kazbegi) from Tbilisi

Getting to Kazbegi and the Gergeti Church is not difficult either from Tbilisi or Upper Lars. Further in the article there will be a map and tips on how to get there by bus, minibus or by purchasing an excursion.

Coordinates of Kazbegi for navigator and on the map

For your convenience, we have marked the route from Tbilisi, the Jvari and Svetitskhoveli temples, a restaurant where they cook delicious khinkali, the People's Friendship Arch, Kazbegi, the Gergeti Church and Mount Kazbek on the map.

You can also see how winding serpentines await you when climbing to Gergeti.

Coordinates of Kazbegi for GPS navigator in popular formats (use depending on your model):

How to get to Kazbegi with a rented or your own car?

The easiest way to get to Kazbegi is. very beautiful and you will constantly have the desire to stop in the place you like to take a few photos or just admire the views.

Getting there is not difficult at all. You leave Tbilisi along the highway E117(Georgian classification ს-3 ) and drive strictly along it, not forgetting to visit the sights that interest you along the way. After about 3 hours of travel you will be in Stepantsminda.

Getting from Upper Lars is even easier - there is only one road, and the distance is only 15 kilometers.

If you don’t want to rent a car and don’t need a guide, you can order a car with a driver from the gotrip.ge service (key points can be easily entered and edited directly on the website). It will be cheaper than individual tour. Drivers stop near the main attractions, are not in a hurry and listen to the wishes of clients. At the end of the trip, you will be brought back to your hotel or other designated location.

How to get to Kazbegi by minibus?

The cheapest, but more difficult and tiring way to get to Kazbegi from is to take a minibus at the Didube bus station.

The first minibus leaves at approximately 8 am. The last return is at 18:00, but it only happens in the summer. In winter, the last minibus from Stepantsminda to Tbilisi leaves around 17:00, if the weather is good. Be prepared for what public transport in Georgia it is not very new and comfortable, and there is no schedule as such.

Finding a minibus in Kazbegi is not difficult - just ask the locals or look for a Kazbegi sign on the windshield.

The ticket costs approximately 15 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
15 lari = 4.97 euros;
15 lari = 5.7 dollars;
15 lari = 378.3 rubles;
15 lari = 159.6 hryvnia;
15 lari = 12.75 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate.. Travel time: 3.5-4 hours. Minibuses go back to Tbilisi faster - going down from the mountains is clearly easier than going up.

Helpful information

Some minibuses travel with short stops in and near the People's Friendship Arch in Gudauri. Just enough time to quickly get out, look, take photos and move on.

To find them, ask locals or drivers. The price of the trip is usually almost the same.

How much does a tour along the Georgian Military Road cost?

The most convenient option to see the Gergeti Church and all the sights along the way is. For an individual trip from morning to evening, we paid 150 euros for two (the price is for a car, but it can also carry up to 6 people). We had a wonderful guide, a brand new and comfortable car with a driver, a lot of positive emotions and a trip that combined 2 full-fledged excursions.

All the rest, judging by the reviews of friends and acquaintances, are not of very high quality.

Trinity Church in Gergeti on video

During our first trip in 2016, along with photography, we shot short video fragments, which we then turned into a full-fledged short film. Naturally, the cost of excursions in the country has increased since then, guides and drivers have changed, but the natural beauty has remained the same. To get an idea of the trip, we recommend watching the entire video.

The piece specifically about the Gergeti Church begins at 5:35.

There are many beautiful and interesting places, with its own history and ancient culture. The high mountain region of Kazbegi is one of them. The most beautiful nature, combined with the unique flavor of Georgian traditions and hospitality, attracts many people. Among the vacationers there are many residents of Georgia itself, but still more tourists from different countries. Sputnik has prepared a material containing information for those who want to visit this region of Georgia.

HOW TO GET THERE

The simplest and cheap way to get from Tbilisi to the village of Stepantsminda (district center of Kazbegi), if a person wants to get there on his own, then take a minibus at the bus station near the Didube metro station. It will cost only ten lari (about four dollars). You can also use the services of a private driver or taxi. In this case, you will have to pay 120-150 GEL for the flight (if the car runs on gas) and 220-250 GEL if the car has a more powerful engine and runs on gasoline. Participants traveling in the same car can save money by sharing transportation costs among themselves.

At the same time, traveling to private car or a taxi, unlike a minibus, is more comfortable and convenient, since passengers can ask for a stop at any time to take a walk through the picturesque surroundings or take photographs of them. The length of the route is only 160 kilometers, but most of the road runs through the mountains. The track has many turns and many dangerous sections. Therefore, getting from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda will at least take more than two and a half hours.

WHAT YOU SHOULD TAKE WITH YOU

Even in summer, when going on vacation to Kazbegi, you should take warm clothes and a rain jacket with you. The weather in Stepantsminda often changes even within a day. A calm summer day can unexpectedly surprise you with cool weather or heavy rain. At the same time, it is even colder in the mountains surrounding the village. And those who are planning to climb high into the mountains or conquer the peak of Mkinvartsveri (Kazbegi) will also need to stock up on climbing equipment.

But even those who do not intend to climb mountain peaks should have with them comfortable clothes, at least sports pants, and take shoes designed for walking on rocks. And when going to the mountains, don’t forget to take water with you. Often people, when climbing to great heights, do not notice how dehydration can occur - after all, the body spends a lot of energy.

In general, it is best to take a small backpack with you when going for a walk, where you can put water, a couple of sandwiches, and other necessary things, since you will most likely have to walk a lot and for a long time.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Accommodation prices in Stepantsminda vary greatly depending on what conditions are offered to potential clients. Prices start from 30 GEL per day per person. For this money he gets a single room in guest house(usually a separate room with a shared shower and toilet) and breakfast.

Further, prices for accommodation only rise and reach more than 400 GEL per day for a stay in a comfortable and prestigious four-star hotel, but there is only one such hotel in Stepantsminda. There is also a restaurant and bar open until 1 am. By the way, only here in the whole Stepantsminda can you rent Mountain bike, but for this you need to be a guest of this hotel.

In the village itself there are several restaurants and a dozen cafes. Prices for food and drinks there are higher than in Tbilisi, on average by 15 percent, and for wine - by almost 50 percent, if you buy it by the glass. You can also purchase food from shops and vendors at the local market.

WHAT TO SEE

Those who travel to Kazbegi on vacation should understand that the main attraction of this region is beautiful nature and stunning mountain views. But besides the majestic mountain peaks and the most important - Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri) - there is something to see and where to spend time. It is also worth considering that the peak of Kazbek is often hidden in the clouds, and you can see it mainly in the morning.

In Stepantsminda itself there is Kazbegi local history museum. It is located in a house that once belonged to the writer Alexander Kazbegi. In addition to the museum exhibition itself, you can see how Georgian aristocrats lived in the 19th century. The museum itself has two floors. and the first of them contains exhibits related to the Bethlehem (Bethlehem) cave, discovered in 1947 - it is located on sheer cliff on the slope of Kazbek at an altitude of about 4000 meters above sea level. Monks lived in this cave, and ancient church utensils were found there. The museum contains the gate from the cave and the chain along which the monks climbed into it.

Not far from Stepantsminda on a mountain, at an altitude of more than 2200 meters above sea level, there is the Church of the Holy Trinity of the 14th century, at the foot of which the village of Gergeti is located. Therefore, the church is also called Gergeti. For a long time, the village residents were the custodians of the church and from generation to generation passed on the key to the entrance gate to their descendants.

Now it is a functioning church where services are held regularly. Located right here Observation deck, which offers an impressive view of mountain peaks surrounding her on all sides. The walk to the church from Stepantsminda will take more than two hours; you can also get here by jeep.

A little further from Stepantsminda there is a two-cascade Gveleti waterfall. To get there, you need to spend an hour driving or four hours walking. Only off-road vehicles can cross the road to the waterfall. Or you will have to leave the car at the beginning of the climb, not far from the Georgian Military Road. A mountain path leads to the waterfall itself from the place where the rocky country road ends.

The Kazbegi region is also famous for its natural mineral lakes in the Trusov Gorge, a waterfall in the village of Arsha, and a church in the village of Sioni. You can go horseback riding to the Sno Gorge, where there are the remains of a 16th-century fortress, or to the weather station located at an altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level. In the mountains on the Kelsk plateau there is a chain extinct volcanoes. And on the road to Stepantsminda, not far from the central road, there is an artificial pool, which local residents fill it out themselves mineral water and bathe in it.

In the region you can also find ruins of ancient buildings - there were many on the tops of the mountains watchtowers, in the Daryal Gorge in the mountains there are ancient altars and prayer stones, and near the Georgian-Russian border, if you stand facing the Kazbegi checkpoint, on the left on the top of the mountain you can see the ruins of a castle, which is known from Ilf and Petrov as “Tamara’s castle”.

There are also several trekking routes in the area. The most famous is from Gergeti to Kazbek or in a shortened version - to the weather station. The route from Juta to the east is very interesting - either through the pass to Lower Khevsureti or through the pass to Khevsurian Arhoto. More difficult route- from the Trusovsky Gorge to the Kelskoe Plateau.

HOW MUCH DO ENTERTAINMENT AND CONVENIENCE COST?

Guides joke that the most important essential item that you need to have with you when going on vacation to Kazbegi is money.

The average cost of a two-day tour, which includes a climb to the Gergeti Church and a tour of the Gveleti Waterfall, is $85 - this price includes the services of a guide and transfer of a group of several people from Tbilisi, as well as travel by car around the region. It should be taken into account that the costs of food, accommodation and gasoline are added to this cost. As a result, the trip will cost no less than $130 per person for two days.

You can arrange for a guide and sightseeing on site. For example, for 60-80 GEL in Stepantsminda you can hire a car to go up to the Gergeti Church. For 100-120 lari the car will go to the Gveleti waterfall, and maybe then even to the church. If you need a guide, then for 30 lari you can go to the church on foot from the village of Gergeti with a group of 10-15 people. But climbing Kazbek is much more expensive - to join a group of several people led by an accompanying person, you will have to pay 600-700 euros.

The abundance of Mitsubishi Delica cars on the streets of Stepantsminda amazes everyone who comes to this mountainous town.

They say that due to the abundance of Mitsubishi Delica all-wheel drive off-road vehicles, which have gained popularity among the village residents for their driving performance and spaciousness, the locals jokingly call Stepantsminda “Delikatsminda”. Almost every family here has such a car or jeep. This is both convenience for moving around the region and an opportunity to earn extra money.

It might be useful to read: