The land of legends - Kazbegi - georgianinsider.com

Kazbegi National Park is located in the north of Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway. The road ends at the border of Georgia with Russia.

Mt. Kazbegi Mountain (or Mkinvartsveri – the ice-peak) — the third highest mountain in Georgia is related to the Greek myth about Prometheus. Legend tells that as a punishment he was chained to the Caucasus Mountains and the Georgians believe that Kazbegi was the exact mountain that he was chained to. Prometheus (in Georgian variation — Amirani) was supposedly imprisoned in a cave called Betlemi (Bethlehem). The cave was believed to be the shelter of the sacred relics such as Abraham’s tent and Christ’s manger.

The steep valleys in Dariali Gorge are fantastic for bird watching. Eagles, hawks and the massive griffon vultures all nest among the rocky outcrops. Besides their majesty of the Great Caucasus Mountains, the medieval watchtowers, waterfalls and wildlife make Kazbegi area one of the most incredible places for taking horse-back ride holidays.

 

  • Available in June-September

Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to a hotel.

Day 2: Tbilisi/Mtskheta/Kazbegi

We have walking tour of Tbilisi visiting the highlights of the Old Town with beautiful Orthodox Christian Churches, Mosque, Synagogue, famous and refreshing Sulphur Baths, narrow cobbled streets with hanging wooden carved multi-colored balconies and the 19th century houses following the architectural styles of the 19th century Europe, Narikala Fortress, the glass Bridge of Peace. Continue to take a short tour to Mtskheta with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery — UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Travel to the Great Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway.

Stop to see Ananuri Fort with beautiful Churches located at the lee of the Great Caucasus Mountains and on top of Jinvali Water Reservoir. The setting is really magnificent and the carving of the church an unexpected discovery.

Continue over the serpentine road of the Cross Pass so named by Russian Emperor Catherine II. The Cross Pass is also the watershed and rivers on the other side of the Cross Pass flow to Russia. You descend from 2395m – the highest point of the Cross Pass to 1700m, Kazbegi.

Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 3: Kazbegi

Today we meet our horses and ride to Gergeti Trinity Church. The ride is magnificent and offers passing the meadows and the tiny forests. The views from the top are fabulous and the church is definitely worth visiting.

In a clear weather, lucky enough, we’ll see Mt. Kazbegi – the ice-peak, glacier that never melts.

Ride back to Kazbegi and continue to Mt. Elia. Return to Kazbegi.

Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 4: Kazbegi/Sno Valley/Gudauri

Travel to Sno Valley on a horse-back. Travel to the villages of Sno to Karkucha and see how locals live. Later return to Kazbegi.

Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 5: Gudauri/Mt. Lomisa/Gudauri

Travel by car to Qvesheti village where we meet our horses and take an uphill ride to the church. Visit the church and return to our vehicle walking on a steep downhill. Transfer to Gudauri.

Overnight in Gudauri.

Day 6: Gudauri/Khada/Tbilisi

This morning we take a horse-back ride to Khada Fort and down the Khada Gorge through the valley full of wild flowers and sour springs. We’ll have to walk quite a bit not to damage the backs of the horses. Meet our vehicle in Qvesheti village and transfer to Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport and departure.

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