Kazbeg Region | ყაზბეგი

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Where is Kazbeg / Stepantsminda located

Location

The region of Kazbeg or Stepantsminda is a beautiful mountain region in north-eastern Georgia in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, with Stepantsminda as its administrative centre. It borders South-East with Shushi, South with Akhalgori, West with Javakheti, East with Khevsureti and North with the Russian Federation.

Geography

The municipality is characterised by a variety of rivers, lakes, glaciers and mineral springs. The main river, the Tergi, extends over a length of up to 85 km and rises in the glaciers of the Chochi Ridge. The Mtiuleti Aragvi river also crosses the area. Another important river in the region is the Snoszkali, which winds its way through the picturesque Sno Valley. The area consists mainly of four valleys: Snoszkali, Truso, Tegi and Darioali.

Climate

The climate is continental, moderately warm and dry in places. The average annual temperature is around 11 °C, the maximum temperature is 42 °C and the minimum temperature is -32 °C.

History and Culture

Key historical passages

The Kazbeg region has been of great political importance to the Georgian kings due to its unique location. Whoever controlled this area controlled the Dariali Gate, a gorge that was considered the shortest and most favourable route from north to south. The inhabitants of the region had the important historical task of protecting the northern border of Georgia, which made them an outstanding community over the centuries.

The Dariali Gorge is an important part of the ancient history of Khevi (the old name of Stapnzminda). According to tradition, King Mirian I of Iberia built the first fortress in the gorge in the first half of the 2nd century BC. Later, in the 5th century, Vakhtang Gorgasal, a later king of Georgia, rebuilt the old fortress. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, the Darial Valley gained in importance and Georgia established political, economic and cultural relations with the countries of the northern Caucasus. King Davit IV settled the Kivchaghas above the Darial and renewed the fortress.

The region also attracted the interest of later Georgian kings. King Giorgi V, called ‘the Shining’, paid great attention to the region in the 14th century and had a magnificent Trinity Church built at the foot of Mount Kazbegi. In addition to its religious function, this church also served as a treasury during enemy invasions to protect important relics such as the Cross of Nino.

In the 19th century, under the rule of Tsarist Russia, the region played an important role in the political and military life of the Russian government. After the construction of the Georgian Military Road, political, diplomatic and military missions regularly passed through the Dariali Gorge, which increased traffic in the region.

Because of its strategic importance, Chevi used to be an area under the administration of the royal authorities.

Culture

The culture of the Kazbeg region is characterised above all by its architecture, which includes a large number of old castles, chapels and towers. A highlight of Georgian culture and architecture is the 14th-century Trinity Church of Gergeti. Other beautiful monuments include a tower and a church in the village of Sioni, a watchtower in the village of Sno and a castle in the Truso Valley.

Livestock farming played and still plays an important role in this area. Sheep farming is particularly widespread here and has a long tradition.

The special type of local government in this area is of particular interest. At the head of the community was a ‘Chevisberi’, an elder of the valley. This honourable person had the last word in political, social and even legal matters. The authority of the Chevisberi was strengthened in Khevi, where they settled all important matters through the council called ‘Sabcheo’. Critical issues were decided within the community through assemblies that took place in a specially built building on the grounds of the Trinity Church.

Travel tips for the Kazbegi / Stepantsminda region

Sights and activities

• The Trinity Church of Gergeti is located at an altitude of 2200 m, 1 km from the village of Gergeti. It is one of the most popular attractions in Georgia. Due to its history and location, the Trinity Church of Gergeti is a symbol of Georgia – a Christian oasis in the midst of beautiful nature. The church can be reached both by car and on foot. From the top, you can enjoy the view of the Kazbek settlement.
• The Church of Zion, a monument from the 9th to 10th century, is located on a hill opposite the village of Zion. It consists of a church, an enclosure wall and a tower. Fragments of the original painting can be seen on the western wall of the temple, while the facades are rather simply decorated. A four-storey watchtower rises near the church at the edge of the rock formation. From this hill, there is an impressive view of the Tergsia River and the Kazbegi Mountains.
• Zakagori Castle is a pearl of the Truso Valley, a 16th- and 17th-century fortress on a hill on the left bank of the Tergi River. It is located at an altitude of 2240 m and is about 35 km from Stepantsminda. The village can be reached by 4×4 or on foot. Although it is in ruins, it still exerts a fascinating attraction on visitors.
• The watchtower in Sno village was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and is still a striking monument in Sno village on the banks of the Snoszkali River. The tower is easily accessible by car.

Natural sights

• The majestic 5047-metre-high Mount Mkinvarzeri is a true gem of Georgia and even the country’s emblem. Its glacier armour gave it its name (Mkinvari means ‘glacier’) and attracts both professional mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts. The route leads to two huts – to the Alli Hut as a day trip or to the second hut as a two-day adventure, but both routes are only suitable for experienced hikers.
• Lake Kelizadi is located in the mountains of the Truso Valley at an altitude of 3,080 metres and is a popular destination for adventurers who want to hike in wild mountain scenery and camp in the open air. The unmarked route to the lake requires a certain amount of experience and is therefore highly recommended.
• The Gveleti waterfalls in the Dariali Gorge are a perfect day trip. Two waterfalls, a large and a small one, can be reached via an easy route in 2-3 hours. If you are lucky, you can even see vultures on the fascinating rocks.
• The Truso Valley is one of several valleys in the Stpanzimnda and offers opportunities for hiking, jeep tours, mountain bike tours and horse riding. Ruins of castles and villages provide insight into the history of the valley. The numerous mineral springs form fascinating limestone formations, while the surrounding mountains offer an unforgettable sight. There are also two monasteries in the valley, one for nuns and one for monks.
• The Tschauchi massif is located in another beautiful valley, the Stpanzminda-Sno Valley. It forms the natural border between Kazbek and Chevsuretia and is part of the well-known Kazbek-Chevsureti-Omalo hiking route. The day tour starts in Stapnzminda and leads through the valley to the village of Juta, with the hike offering easy trails and breathtaking mountain panoramas. A small mountain lake at the foot of the pass and cosy cafes along the way offer opportunities to enjoy hot and cold drinks.

Resorts

Gudauri, a popular winter sports resort in the Kazbeg region, is located in the Caucasus and is known for its ski resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it offers skiing, snowboarding and scenic views. The modern infrastructure and varied slopes attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

The Georgian Military Road

The Georgian Military Road, a historic route through the Caucasus, stretches over 200 km from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda. It is part of the Silk Road and a strategic link between Georgia and Russia, and The route not only reflects Georgia’s history and nature, but also offers cultural diversity and a connection to wine production in Lower Kartli. The Georgian Military Road is an absolute highlight of the country.

Activities

• Cultural excursions: The region offers a rich cultural history with beautiful old villages, fortress ruins, churches and towers that can be explored by culture lovers. Particularly recommended are the Trinity Church of Gergeti, the fortified village of Zakagori and the Sioni complex with church and tower.
• Hiking: Kazbeg region is a mountainous region that is ideal for hiking and adventurous activities. Popular routes include the Truso Valley, the Tschuchei Massif, the Gveleti Waterfalls and the Gergeti Church. Particularly noteworthy is the route to the Mkinvari Base Camp at 3600 metres, which is only suitable for experienced hikers.
• Mountain climbing: In addition to hiking, mountain climbing is also a popular activity in the region. Many mountains are suitable for climbing, but Kazbek is particularly well known and attracts hundreds of mountaineers from around the world every year who want to scale its summit.
• Horseback riding: The flat and wide valleys of Truso and Sno are ideal for horseback riding. There are numerous providers of horseback riding excursions in Spenazminda.
• Photography: Photographers will find fascinating motifs of village life and the mountain scenery. In particular, the sunrise on Mount Mkinvari, with the imposing Gergeti Church as a backdrop, is an absolute highlight for landscape photographers.
• Cycling: In addition to horse riding tours, mountain bike tours can also be organised in the Truso and Sno valleys.
• Rafting: Along the military road on the Aragvi River, there are numerous places where rafting enthusiasts can enjoy the adventure on the Aragvi River.

Tours in Kazbeg

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