Top Scenic Stops on the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi
One of the most popular and rewarding trips from Tbilisi is a journey to Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda. It’s the kind of place that shows up on postcards: snow-capped mountains, dramatic valleys, ancient churches perched on hills. For mountain lovers, it’s a dream. Whether you’re after trekking, a luxurious mountain getaway, time away from the city, or even just a day trip, Kazbegi is an ideal destination.
But this is definitely one of those cases where the journey itself is just as memorable as the destination. Travelling along the Georgian Military Highway is an experience in its own right, with stunning views and unique stops around every turn. This guide highlights all the spots to stop at enroute Kazbegi.
Transport Guide
There are several ways to get to Kazbegi. You can take a shared marshrutka from Didube, book a GoTrip driver, hire a private tour guide, or self-drive. If you want to explore freely along the way, we definitely recommend self-driving. It gives you the flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you want. For those not comfortable driving, GoTrip is a good option. You can customise your route and the driver waits at each stop while you explore.
We booked a GoTrip to Kazbegi after reading that the mountain roads can be challenging. But after doing it, we realised we would have preferred to drive ourselves, at least outside of winter. The road is in good condition and, while there are some hairpin bends, it’s manageable for confident drivers. In fact, our drive to Khinaliq in Azerbaijan was more difficult than this route.
Our GoTrip driver was excellent and even stopped at places we hadn’t added to the itinerary. If you enjoy slow travel and spontaneous stops, you could easily spend a full day just exploring the road itself. On the return, we took a marshrutka to experience the local way of travelling.
Although the road is open year-round, the section between Gudauri and Kazbegi is prone to avalanches in winter and rockslides in spring. While it is often cleared within a few hours, it is important to note that closures can sometimes last for days, especially after heavy snowfalls or significant rockslides. It’s best to avoid driving this route in winter unless necessary, and always check the weather and road conditions in advance. Your rental company will often have the most up-to-date information.
Scenic Stops Along the Georgian Military Highway
These are all the places we stopped at listed in order from Tbilisi to Kazbegi. All of them can be visited in one full day, even if you are making a round trip.
Zhinvali Reservoir
Located around 70 kilometres from Tbilisi, Zhinvali Reservoir is the first major scenic stop. The turquoise water surrounded by rolling hills makes for a perfect photo opportunity. There is a designated viewpoint just off the highway where most cars and tours stop.
Just beyond the reservoir near Pasanauri, you can also see the confluence of the Black and White Aragvi Rivers. They flow side by side without fully mixing, creating a striking visual contrast. You can spot this at a few points along the road. On a clear day, it is even visible from Jvari Monastery near Mtskheta, which is worth a separate trip if you have time. We had visited Mtskheta separately, so we skipped it on this drive.
Ananuri Fortress
Roughly ten kilometres after Zhinvali is Ananuri Fortress. This is one of the most iconic sights on the route. The fortress complex dates back to the 13th century, though most of what you see today was built in the 17th century. It includes stone towers, arched windows, a small church, and beautiful carvings.
Climb one of the towers for sweeping views of the Aragvi River and Zhinvali Reservoir. Entry is free. You will also find a few snack vendors nearby.
If you want to stop for a proper meal, there are some roadside restaurants in Pasanauri, about 30 minutes further up the road.
Aragvi River Valley
As the road continues north, it hugs the Aragvi River. In spring and autumn, the changing colours of the trees make this stretch especially scenic. Look out for small stalls selling fruit and churchkhela. It’s a great place for a quick, local snack.
Mineral Springs
All along the highway you will come across sulfur and mineral water springs. These are not always formally marked, but you will often see locals stopping to fill up bottles at popular spots. The water is naturally carbonated and has a slightly metallic taste. It is said to have health benefits and is part of a local tradition for anyone driving this route.
Along the way, keep an eye out for natural mineral springs like the bright orange travertine hill before Gudauri, a simple iron-rich spring near Pasanauri, and lesser-known roadside pipes near Kobi that locals still use to fill water.
Gudauri
The landscape changes again as you approach Gudauri. This is where you enter the high mountains and the Gudauri Recreational Area. Although Kazbegi sits at a higher latitude, Gudauri itself is at a higher elevation. This is Georgia’s main ski resort and it draws winter sports enthusiasts from all over the region.
Outside the ski season, the chairlifts and cable cars still operate, offering stunning views of the mountains. The town itself is small, but worth stopping for the views.
Gudauri Panorama (Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument)
A few minutes beyond Gudauri is one of the most photographed spots along the Military Highway. The Soviet-era monument was built in 1983 and sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Devil’s Valley. The circular structure is covered in colourful murals depicting scenes from Georgian and Russian history.
The views here are spectacular and it is a popular stop for paragliding on clear days.
Jvari Pass (Cross Pass)
Jvari Pass is the highest point on the highway, sitting at 2,395 metres. In winter, this area is blanketed in snow. In the warmer months, you can stop here to see mineral springs and a striking cliff face known as Travertine Mountain. The iron-rich water stains the rock with dramatic orange and white streaks, making it look almost alien in contrast to the surrounding green.
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
The final stop is the mountain town of Stepantsminda, still widely referred to as Kazbegi. Mount Kazbek rises dramatically behind the town. At over 5,000 metres, it is one of Georgia’s highest peaks and dominates the skyline.
The most iconic spot here is the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a hill with the snow-covered peak behind it. You can hike up or take a 4WD vehicle. Either way, it is an unforgettable sight.
We spent a few days in Kazbegi and truly loved the experience. The mountain air, the slower pace, and the hiking trails make it worth staying overnight. You can read more about our Kazbegi adventure here.
