13 Beautiful Stops Between Tbilisi and Kazbegi along the Georgian Military Highway

The Georgian Military Highway is arguably the country’s most scenic road. Snaking up into the mountains past ancient fortresses, UNESCO churches, powerful rivers, and snow-capped mountains, this is a route where you want to take your time.

So, please don’t make the same mistake as us; don’t travel up by marshrutka!

We realised that this was a big error, and so travelled up with a driver for the second time so that we could stop wherever and whenever we wanted.

And was this the best thing we have ever experienced in Georgia?

Yes, it’s definitely up at the top of the list!

After spending nine months in Georgia over the last few years, this is the number one experience that I will recommend every single traveller do. Even if you’re only in Georgia for a short period of time, make this a non-negotiable on your itinerary!

The landscapes will blow your mind at every single turn, and it’s very easily accessible from Tbilisi as a day trip.

So where are the best stops between Tbilisi and Kazbegi? Well, there are at least 12 places we recommend, plus one from a good friend who has just done the journey herself!

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2. Zhinvali Reservoir

A controversial hydro-electric dam created Zhinvali Reservoir. The water is a beautiful blue green with green hills either side, and there is a small viewpoint where you can take a panoramic photos.

There are also stands selling souvenirs, coffee etc. and some cute and friendly stray dogs!

3. Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri Fortress is UNESCO listed and dates back to the 17^th century. It is a fascinating site to explore with views across the valley. Make sure you check out all the decoration on the outside of the church, particularly above the church entranceway!

Walk up the fortress walls that lead to a tower and take the steps up inside the tower to get a view over the church and valley. Definitely watch your step though! There aren’t handrails.

Inside the church, there are scarves to cover your head, shoulders, knees etc. Entrance is free. Google Maps reckons that the site opens at 09:00, but we arrived before then and everything was already open.

4. Soviet Bus Stop

Keep an eye out on the right hand side of the road just past Ananuri Fortress. I was not expecting it, caught a glimpse of the decorated bus stop, squealed, and got our driver to pull over very quickly.

We have seen our fair share of Soviet artwork, whether it be mosaics, bas reliefs or monuments; and this one is pretty special! It’s bright and animated and largely intact.

5. Aragvi Viewpoint

From here, you can see the meeting point of two rivers: one white and one black. It’s an interesting sight, but you won’t need long here.

6. Eat Khinkali in Its Birthplace: Pasanauri

So, disclaimer: this is the spot that our friend visited. Khinkali is believed to have been born in the mountains right here in Pasanauri, so head to any of the restaurants in this small village to try one of Georgia’s most beloved dishes.

Our friend recommended Korbuda for the best khinkali that she tasted during her 10 days exploring the country. We unfortunately hit Pasanauri a little too early in the day to stop for khinkali, but it’s on the list for next time!

Not a big fan of khinkali? Try these other vegetarian Georgian classics.

7. Sakuriani Viewpoint

Now, this is where the road starts to get interesting! Hairpin bends, increased elevation, you really start to see the mountains!

Here, you’ll find a few spots that have breath-taking views over the valley with mountains in all directions. Genuinely, a beautiful beautiful area, BUT this is only the beginning.

8. Gudauri Viewpoint

A controversial spot with a recent name change, this is now referred to as Gudauri Viewpoint. It is marked by huge Soviet-style tiled decoration with arches under which you can see out and over the valley.

There are several spots to walk to for a slightly different view. And unfortunately there are several cafes all fighting for your business by blasting insane music in an attempt to draw you in (which in reality has the opposite effect). But the views are spectacular!

9. Travertine Springs

Just a quick stop to see the mineral travertine springs that have formed very much like those in Pamukkale, just not white or as Instagram-friendly!

The high mineral content means that as the water runs from the spring, there is a build-up of mineral deposit with an orange tinge to it.

10. Sno Giant Sculptures

Just off the main road, and heading towards Juta Valley, you’ll find several huge stones that have been sculpted into heads of prominent Georgian figures.

It has a feel of the statues of Easter Island (not that we’ve been, but we’ve seen the photos), just much less historical! And they look pretty impressive with the beautiful valley backdrop.

11. Gergeti Trinity Church

This 14^th century UNESCO Christian Orthodox church  is in THE most beautiful location. The church itself is small yet beautiful, but in all honesty, the reason to come up here is not the church.

The view from the church is stunning. Look out over the mountain town of Kazbegi with towering snow-capped mountains as the backdrop, and then on the opposite side, see the mighty Mount Kazbek.

This view is iconic, and it is undoubtedly a photo you have seen when doing research for your Georgia trip online!

Bear in mind that only Kazbegi local drivers will be able to drive you up to the church, so if you have hired a driver from Tbilisi, you will have to switch cars. The taxi took us 10 minutes (each way) and shouldn’t cost any more than 50 GEL (as of May 2025) for a round trip.

12. Tergi Valley Viewpoint

Just after Kazbegi town, you’ll see a small area to stop at the side of the road. Jump out the car and wander down to the viewpoint that looks through the centre of the valley.

There is a small cross and shrine here too. On the way back to the car, we saw a huge freight truck that had obviously fallen off the cliff here and into the ravine a long time ago. Just try not to look to hard!

13. Dariali Monastery

As far as you can possibly go before you run out of Georgia and hit Russia, is Dariali Monastery.

It’s a pretty modern-looking monastery with some small mosaic decorations nearby. And from here, you can see the border with Russia.

Tbilisi to Kazbegi Road Trip FAQs

What is the best way to travel to Kazbegi?

Without any doubt, hiring a driver is the best way to do it! This will enable you to jump out whenever you want and you won’t miss any of the best viewpoints.

We recommend using GoTrip, and have used their services on several occasions, including a trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.

Is the road open all year round?

Yes! You can travel up to Kazbegi all year round. During the winter if the weather is bad, it may be closed temporarily, but because it is a major road for freight trucks between Georgia and Russia, it is largely always open.

Can I drive myself?

Yes, you can drive yourself. Would I recommend it? Probably not. And I say this because I have been on the road (not driving myself) on MANY occasions over our 9 month stint in Georgia, and the standard of driving is not great to put it politely.

Unless you are really experienced and confident, I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself.

Can I do it as a day trip from Tbilisi?

Yes! It’s a LONG day trip, but yes you can do it all in one day and then return back down the mountain; we’ve done this exact thing ourselves.

We recommend leaving early morning to give you plenty of time to see everything.

What are the road conditions like?

The road is pretty smooth the whole way. Like I mentioned earlier, the road is a huge connection for freight trucks travelling between Georgia and Russia, and so is well-maintained.

But, it is narrow in parts, there are lots of hair pin bends, and some pretty squeaky tunnels. There are barriers along the road the whole way (as far as I can remember) and I didn’t feel unsafe at any point.

Planning to stay up in Kazbegi for some hiking?

Kazbegi is a beautiful spot to stay and relax, and if you have the time, I’d recommend you spend longer here.

Go on some hikes in nearby valleys, breathe in the fresh mountain air, drink the local Kazbegi beer, eat the local khachapuri (bread filled with cheese and potato), and wake up to breath-taking views each morning.

Where to Stay in Kazbegi

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