Truso Gorge
Updated: November 6, 2026
Kazbegi · 20 km from Stepantsminda
Truso is a high mountain valley in Kazbegi district, in the historical region of Khevi. Here, between the Main Caucasus Range and the Khokh Range, the Terek begins. The gorge is part of Kazbegi National Park.
It is called the valley of mineral springs: springs emerge on the slopes and have left white and rust-coloured travertine terraces, and gas bubbles rise in Abano Lake.
In 1771 Güldenstädt counted 13 villages here. Now they are almost deserted, and old towers can be seen along the way.
- WhereKazbegi district, 20 km from Stepantsminda
- Altitudeabout 2000 m
- Route9 km to Ketrisi, 5–7 hours round trip
- SeasonJune — early October
- To gopassport: border zone
Truso Gorge tours
History of the gorge
Truso is part of Khevi, a mountain region on the Georgian Military Road. In 1771 the naturalist Johann Güldenstädt recorded 13 villages in the gorge.
Over time the residents almost entirely left the valley. Towers, ruined villages and Zakagori fortress deep in the gorge remain from the old way of life.
What to see
- Travertines — white and rust-coloured terraces deposited by mineral springs.
- Abano Lake — a mineral lake where gas bubbles rise.
- Ketrisi and Zakagori — an abandoned village and a fortress at the end of the route.
Best time to visit
The best time is June to early October. In May there is still snow in the valley, and in autumn it gets cold quickly.
How to get there
- On foot: from the bridge at the village of Okrokana along the river to Ketrisi — about 9 km one way, then a few more kilometres to Zakagori.
- On a tour: a Truso excursion from Tbilisi or a hike from Kazbegi — more in the article about Truso Gorge.
Tips and safety
- Bring your passport: the gorge is in a border zone.
- There are no cafés in the gorge — bring water and food.
- Mountain weather changes within an hour: a raincoat and a warm sweater are needed even in summer.
Truso Gorge photos
Our drone video and photos from Wikimedia Commons
What to see in Truso Gorge
Abano Lakea mineral lake with gas bubbles
Truso travertinesmineral spring terraces
Where to stay nearby
Kazbegi
KazbegiBelmonte Kazbegi Hotel is a good choice in Kazbegi. The Stepantsminda History Museum is a 1-min walk away, and Kazbegi National Park is a 7-min walk.
KazbegiMisty Mountain Hotel is a good choice in Kazbegi. Kazbegi National Park and the Stepantsminda History Museum are a 15-minute walk away.
Trip.com prices per night for 2 adults, check-in 07–08.11.2026, data as of 31.10.2026; Trip.com shows hotel prices in US dollars. Booking and payment — on Trip.com, our partner.
Truso Gorge on the map
Truso Gorge FAQ
Where is Truso Gorge?
In Kazbegi district, 20 km from Stepantsminda, at the headwaters of the Terek.
How long is the Truso hike?
About 9 km one way to Ketrisi; the round trip with stops takes 5–7 hours.
When is the best time to go?
From June to early October.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, the gorge is in a border zone — bring your passport.
What is there to see in Truso?
Travertine terraces, the mineral Abano Lake, the village of Ketrisi and Zakagori fortress.
Are there tours to Truso?
Yes — an excursion from Tbilisi and a hike from Kazbegi. They are listed above on this page.
Photo sources
- preview_caucasus_trekking_com, Pinterest
- ntlkgory, Pinterest
- ruskashanidze_, Pinterest
- fraukatze4, Pinterest
- niksyarg, Pinterest
- travelilla, Pinterest
- David Osipov, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- David Osipov 0000 0005 1802 960X 0009-0005-2713-9242 📱 This , CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Tadeáš Gregor, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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