Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity

Gergeti Trinity

The Holy Trinity Church was built in the 14th century on a hill above the village of Gergeti. A separate bell tower stands next to it, and everything is enclosed by a stone wall. Only traces of the old frescoes survive inside, and the façades are decorated with carving around the windows and doors.

This is a working church: women need a headscarf and skirt, men long trousers. Wraps are usually available at the entrance. On religious holidays access inside may be restricted.

How to get up to the church

• By jeep from Stepantsminda — 20–25 minutes on a mountain road; roughly ₾20 per person or ₾80 per car.
• On foot — 1.5–2 hours uphill from the village centre on a trail through Gergeti village.
• In your own car — only if you are confident on mountain roads: the last stretch is steep.

It is best to go up early in the morning: Kazbek is more often clear before noon, and clouds cover it in the afternoon.

The road from Tbilisi

Kazbegi is the end point of the Georgian Military Road. On the way people usually stop at Ananuri Fortress (about 70 km from Tbilisi), in Pasanauri, in Gudauri at about 2200 m and at the viewpoint with the Friendship Arch above the Devil’s Valley. More about the route and prices in our article about a trip to Kazbegi.

When to go and what to bring

• May–June and September–October — the clearest skies and fewer people.
• Winter Jvari Pass is sometimes closed because of snow — keep an eye on the forecast.
• Bring a warm jacket and sunscreen: it is colder up there than in Tbilisi, and the sun is stronger.
• Cash in lari — cards are not accepted everywhere in Stepantsminda.

Safety

• In winter, after snowfall, the road near Jvari Pass is closed — check it before you set off.
• From December to March you need winter tyres or chains.