Tbilisi to Kazbegi by car

Stepantsminda (still widely called Kazbegi) is a village at the foot of Mount Kazbek. From Tbilisi it is about 150 km along the Georgian Military Road — roughly 3 to 3.5 hours without stops. With stops, plan a full day, or better, stay overnight.

Stops on the way

• Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress — about an hour from Tbilisi, a good first stop.
• Gudauri — a ski resort; in winter there are many cars and pedestrians, so drive with care.
• The Friendship Monument — a viewpoint above the gorge between Gudauri and the pass.
• Jvari Pass — the highest point of the road, about 2,400 m.
• Gergeti Trinity Church — above Stepantsminda; you can drive or walk up.

Which car

In summer the road is paved and any car will do. From late autumn to spring there may be snow and ice in the mountains: choose all-wheel drive and allow extra time. See our winter roads tips.

Good to know

• Fill up before the mountains — there are fewer petrol stations up there.
• The pass may close in heavy snow. Check that the road is open before you go, or ask us.
• Kazbegi is close to the Russian border. A rental car may only be driven within Georgia.