Stepantsminda · Gergeti11–12 hoursFrom ₾240
Horse Riding Tour in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) — Riding to Gergeti
A horse riding tour in Stepantsminda shows the Kazbegi mountains from a different angle — not through a car window but from the saddle, across an alpine valley beneath the 5,000-metre Mount Kazbek. The ride on calm local horses heads toward the foot of the Holy Trinity church at Gergeti, through meadows and mountain streams. No riding experience is needed — the horses are gentle and an instructor is with you.
Riding the Gergeti Valley
The heart of the tour is the ride through the valley near Stepantsminda. The horses are local and calm, used to visitors, so no experience is required: before setting off the instructor shows you the basics and then you simply enjoy the scenery.
The route follows alpine meadows and mountain streams toward the foot of the Gergeti church — somewhere a car cannot bring you this close or this beautifully.
Mount Kazbek and the Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity church at Gergeti (14th century) stands on a hill at 2,170 metres, with the snow-capped Kazbek (5,054 m) rising behind it. It is one of Georgia's most iconic views.
On horseback you approach this view gradually, and the mountain seems to grow in front of you — a very different feeling from arriving by jeep.
The Georgian Military Road
The journey to Kazbegi is a sight in itself: Ananuri fortress above its turquoise reservoir, the switchbacks of Gudauri and the colourful Friendship of Nations arch with its panorama of the gorge.
We stop at the best viewpoints, so the road becomes part of the tour rather than just a transfer.
Timur's insider tip
Ride the Gergeti valley precisely for the slow approach to Kazbek: the mountain reveals itself gradually until it fills the whole horizon — you do not get that from a car. Set off early: by midday Kazbek often disappears into cloud, so I schedule the ride before lunch for the best chance of a clear summit. If you would rather not ride, we drive up to the Gergeti church by jeep and you enjoy the same views without the saddle.
Detailed itinerary
This is a combined tour: a transfer along the Georgian Military Road with viewpoint stops, plus a horse ride in Stepantsminda. The drive takes about three hours each way, so we leave in the morning.
The riding section is tailored to the group: beginners get a gentle walk through the valley with an instructor, while confident riders can have a more active route. If you prefer not to ride, we arrange a jeep up to Gergeti instead.
Practical information
The tour starts from your hotel in Tbilisi — Timur picks you up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Groups are a maximum of 7 people. The riding section suits all levels, and a jeep alternative to Gergeti is available. Payment is in Georgian Lari (₾). Booking is through WhatsApp.
When to book
Horse rides run roughly May to October, weather permitting. Book a few days ahead in high season. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; in poor weather we switch to the jeep option or reschedule.
What to bring
- Long trousers and closed shoes for riding
- A warm jacket — it is colder and windier near Kazbek
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for the high-altitude sun
- Camera — the ride toward Kazbek is unforgettable
Best time to visit
May to October for the horse rides, when the valley is clear. Mornings give the best chance of a cloud-free Mount Kazbek.
Book the Stepantsminda Horse Riding Tour
Private tour from ₾240 · Up to 7 people · Timur answers within 1 hour
