If you’re looking for travel inspiration for a trip to Georgia, or simply want to know the key information before visiting Kazbegi / Stepantsminda then you’re in the right place! This mountainous region in Georgia is the best place to visit from Tbilisi to escape the city and get into nature
In this short travel guide we’ll cover:
- Why you should visit Kazbegi in Georgia
- How to get to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) from Tbilisi
- The best things to do in Kazbegi
Before we dive into why you should visit this area of Georgia – you might be wondering, what is the difference between Stepantsminda and Kazbegi? To cut a long story short – they are basically the same place! Stepantsminda is the official name of the last major town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, but it was formerly known as Kazbegi. As a result, this town and this region are more commonly referred to as Kazbegi.
For more inspiration, check out our recommended things to do in Georgia: Georgia Travel Guide & Tips
Our full list and exact locations of the best spots in Georgia can be found here.
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Why visit Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) in Georgia?
No trip to Georgia is complete without going to see the Caucasus mountain range! Whether you’re into hiking or not – Kazbegi is a great place visit in Georgia for incredible mountain views. We’re not mountaineers or even big hikers – but we wanted to head out of the city and into nature to be surrounded by the mountains and explore another side to Georgia. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Western Georgia – check out our blog post here.
Mount Kazbek is part of the Caucasus mountain range, and the closest town is Stepantsminda. On a clear day you can see the peak of Mount Kazbek from the town. If you decide to stay for a night or two you may even be able to see the mountain range from your accommodation! We stayed in a lovely, modern cabin not far from the town centre and were lucky enough to get amazing mountain views. If you’re planning on spending a day or two in Kazbegi / Stepantsminda (which we’d definitely recommend doing) then check it out here!
How to get to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) from Tbilisi
The journey to Kazbegi is another reason for visiting! And if you didn’t already know, Stepantsminda is the last major town before Russia. To get to Stepantsminda you will drive along the Georgian Military Highway. This is one of the most scenic roads in Georgia. However, it is also a major route between Georgia and Russia so expect to see a lot of lorries along the way. The drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi takes around 3-4 hours. Get your camera ready for the last 20-30 minutes in particular, you’ll see the best mountain views!
There are 5 main ways to get to Stepantsminda. Here’s a breakdown, including pros and cons for each:
Marshrutka
The cheapest way to get to Kazbegi is by marshrutka. This is a shared minibus that costs 15 lari per person (approximately £4 / $5.50). If you have luggage then this costs an extra 5 lari. You will need to pay the driver directly with cash when you arrive. There is an ATM at the bus terminal but we’d recommend making sure you already have enough cash with you. We documented our experience getting a Marshrutka to Kazbegi here.
The marshrutkas to Kazbegi leave once every hour, on the hour, from Didube Bus Terminal in Tbilisi. However, if the minibus is already full then it will leave early so we’d recommend getting there at least half an hour before to secure a seat. Otherwise you will just have to wait for the next one. Another thing to know is that the exact location of the marshrutkas that go to Kazbegi is tucked away from the main road and can be quite confusing to find. When you go to Didube Bus Terminal there will be taxi / minivan drivers who will likely tell you that you can’t get a Marshrutka until later in the day – but this is a lie. Keep walking until you find the big sign that says Kazbegi and Stepantsminda – this might seem obvious but then you know you’re in the right place once!
Please note: Public transport (by marshrutka) in Georgia can be considered unsafe due to dangerous driving. We personally didn’t have this problem on our way from Tbilisi to Kazbegi. Our driver was great and drove the mountain roads really well. However, we have previously used marshrutkas to travel between other locations in Georgia and the driving was quite reckless at times. As a result, this method of transport is soon to be phased out and will no longer be available for long distances from January 2026
Shared Minivan
An alternative cost-effective way to get to Kazbegi is by minivan, which costs 40 lari per person (approximately £10 / $14). These shared minivans also depart from Didube Bus Terminal and can be a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of finding the marshrutkas. Travelling by minivan to Kazbegi is also more likely to give you more leg room and be slightly more comfortable, with fewer passengers than a marshrutka. However, we didn’t do this option so we can’t say for sure if this is worth the extra money or if the standard of driving is better.
You can also pre-book a shared minivan to Kazbegi.
Private transfer
The most comfortable way to reach Kazbegi from Tbilisi is definitely by private transfer. If you’re not on a budget, or are travelling as part of a bigger group, then booking a private car is the most convenient way to get to Kazbegi. This option may be more expensive but means you can travel hassle-free and with more peace of mind. Another benefit is that you can easily book a private transfer in advance to get from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.
Hire a car
If you want to have more freedom then another option is to hire a car and drive yourself. By getting a hire car you can stop along the way and take your time to enjoy the journey. Hiring a car also gives you the possibility to explore more of Kazbegi. There were times we wish we had done this due to the limited public transport. However, we would only recommend this if you are confident driving abroad!
Book a tour
Last, but not least, if you are short on time then a day trip is the best way to visit Kazbegi. You can easily book a tour from Tbilisi to Kazbegi that will take you into the mountains to visit all of the major sites. This can be a long day but worth it if you want to escape the city and see more of Georgia!
The Best Things to do in Kazbegi
Kazbegi is an adventure lovers dream. There’s so much to see and do in this area that we’d definitely return. Whether you’re looking for alpine hikes, want to visit a glacier or plan to see iconic churches, Kazbegi has all of this and more. Here are the best things to do in and around this mountain town.
1. Stay in the Heart of the Mountains
Kazbegi is all about the views, so where you stay makes a difference. Whether you choose a cozy guesthouse or splash your cash on a luxury hotel like Rooms Kazbegi, there’s options for every budget.
For a great mid-budget option, check out Kabegi Cottages. We loved our stay here as it was cozy, had great views and the room was super modern and clean.
For incredible food – don’t miss Samani. We had dinner here on multiple occasions because the food was so tasty. We definitely recommend the Adjarian Khachapuri – it was the best we had during our one month in Georgia. Also the views and service at Samani are 10/10!
2. Visit the Iconic Gergeti Trinity Church
You can’t come to Kazbegi without visiting Gergeti Trinity Church. Perched on a hill at 2,170 meters, with Mount Kazbek right behind it, this 14th-century church is one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks. You can hike up from Stepantsminda in about 1.5 hours, which is steep but rewarding, or take a 4WD taxi from the town centre in about 20 minutes if you’re short on time or energy. We decided to hike our way up and the views along the way are definitely worth the effort!
3. Visit Juta Valley
Juta is a tiny alpine village about 20 km from Stepantsminda and is your gateway to one of the region’s most stunning hikes. The trail from Juta to the foot of the Chaukhi Massif is relatively short (about 1–2 hours one way) and offers jagged peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and even a charming mountain cafe.
How to get from Stepantsminda to Juta
The drive to Juta takes about 30–40 minutes as it’s fairly remote. The cheapest way to get there is via the shared shuttle run by Mountain Freaks. It departs twice a day (9:15 am and 11:15 am) from their office in Stepantsminda. The shuttle then returns in the evening, giving you ample time to explore. This is very popular so make sure to pre-book during the peak season in summer!
Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi from the town centre – this should cost 140 Lari for a return trip. You should also be able to arrange transport through your guesthouse.
4. Go Hiking!
Kazbegi is a hiker’s paradise. Beyond the Gergeti and Juta trails, there are treks to waterfalls, hidden valleys, and even overnight routes into the Greater Caucasus. One standout is the hike to the Gergeti Glacier – a challenging yet breathtaking trek for experienced hikers.
Should You Visit Kazbegi?
Kazbegi really is one of Georgia’s most beautiful areas and in our opinion it’s a must visit destination in Georgia. It’s ideally located only a few hours from Tbilisi making it the perfect getaway. If you are planning a city break to Tbilisi or you’re travelling around Georgia – don’t skip Kazbegi!
If you have limited time then we would recommend doing a day trip to Kazbegi. You can easily book a day trip to Kazbegi here. However, if you have more time then definitely book an overnight stay. We did not regret it!
You can check out more of our tips for Georgia here. Or head to our YouTube channel which is also full of inspiration for travelling across the Caucasus!
