Georgia Travel Day 2 – A Thrilling Ride to Kazbegi and Mountain Hotel Escape
Georgia Travel Day 2 – A Thrilling Ride to Kazbegi and a Mountain Lodge Escape
π From Tbilisi to Didube Station – Cheap & Easy with Bolt
We kicked off the second day of our Georgia journey with a light breakfast at Moxy Hotel in Tbilisi. The plan? Head north to the mountain town of Kazbegi (now called Stepantsminda). We booked a Bolt taxi—cheaper than what we’re used to in Abu Dhabi—and reached Didube Bus Terminal in just 15–20 minutes for only 10 GEL.
π£️ Traveling from Tbilisi to Kazbegi is one of the most scenic and thrilling road trips in Georgia, offering natural beauty, local culture, and just the right amount of chaos.
π Choosing a Minivan over Marshrutka – A Lucky Bargain
At Didube, you’ll easily find marshrutkas (15–20 seat shared vans), but we opted for a 6-seater minivan for more flexibility. The driver quoted 50 GEL per person, but luckily we met a Chinese couple and teamed up to negotiate the price down to 40 GEL—including stops at Ananuri Fortress and the Gudauri Panorama viewpoint.
✅ TIP: Always confirm beforehand whether the driver will make tourist stops or go direct!
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| A typical scene at Didube station white marshrutkas lined up for departures to different regions across Georgia |
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| Our ride to Kazbegi a compact 6-seater minivan we hopped on after some friendly bargaining. |
π° Ananuri Fortress – Medieval History by the Blue Waters
Our first stop was the Ananuri Fortress, a 17th-century military complex with stunning views of the Zhinvali Reservoir. Set against turquoise waters and stone walls, it was a peaceful yet awe-inspiring introduction to Georgia’s rich past.
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| A quick 15-minute stop at Ananuri this 17th-century fortress sits peacefully by the turquoise Zhinvali Lake |
πLocation: Along the Georgian Military Highway
π°Cost: Free
⏱️Stop Time: ~15 minutes
π Gudauri Viewpoint – Epic Mountains & Adrenaline Options
Next was the Gudauri Panorama viewpoint, perched at 2,200 meters. Surrounded by vast mountain ranges, the panoramic views were breathtaking. Paragliding is also available here—perfect for those craving a little thrill in the crisp mountain air.
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| Gudauri Panorama Viewpoint famous for its sweeping views and vibrant mosaic mural celebrating friendship |
πLocation: Gudauri Friendship Monument
π°Cost: Free (Paragliding extra)
⏱️Stop Time: ~15 minutes
π’ Heart-Pounding Drive – 4 Hours of Adrenaline
The ride to Kazbegi was far from boring. On narrow single-lane roads, our driver overtook cars constantly—so much so that we were gripping our seats like we were on a rollercoaster. He even touched a cross or whispered prayers as he drove. After 4 intense hours, we made it safely with a new story to tell: "Survived a wild ride to Kazbegi!"
The road to Kazbegi gifted us with breathtaking highland views
that made every minute of the ride worthwhile
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| Arrival in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) a quiet mountain town where minivans, taxis, and cafes meet |
π First Stop: Khevi Restaurant – Comfort Food in the Cold
As soon as we arrived, we stopped by Khevi Restaurant. Their Mtsvadi (Georgian pork skewers) and a glass of Saperavi red wine were exactly what we needed to unwind. Just remember—they only take cash, so come prepared!
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| Refueling after the ride with juicy Mtsvadi and local beer at Khevi only cash accepted here! |
π¨ Rooms Hotel Kazbegi – Iconic Views with Mixed Impressions
Our lodging for the night was Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, which we had fond memories of from years ago. Situated on a hill overlooking the valley, this hotel offers two room views: Mountain View, with a clear sight of Gergeti Trinity Church, and Forest View, featuring dramatic rocky backdrops. We stayed in Room 345 with a mountain view, and while the scenery was worth it, the hotel felt a bit dated and under-maintained.
Still, the hotel’s strong points remain—hearty breakfast, stylish restaurant, cozy public spaces, and a free sauna. After relaxing in the sauna, we cooled off on the terrace with fresh mountain air—an unforgettable way to end the day.
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| Our room faced the iconic Gergeti Church it’s worth booking the mountain view! |
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| The forest view may be less famous than the front, but it’s just as grand and humbling |
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| Wooden mountain-lodge vibes Rooms Hotel Kazbegi’s terrace is perfect for sunset wine and fresh air |
π· Dinner in the Clouds – Wine, Pasta & Grilled Chicken
We ended the night at the hotel restaurant with a comforting meal: Saperavi wine, aglio e olio pasta, and grilled chicken. Dining in peace with a mountain silhouette in the distance reminded us to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
π Travel Tips Summary
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Bargain for a minivan at Didube—include stops like Ananuri & Gudauri in your negotiation
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Stop time at both spots is around 10–15 minutes—enough to snap photos and explore briefly
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Khevi Restaurant accepts cash only
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Rooms Hotel offers amazing views, but expect slightly aged facilities
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Don’t miss the free sauna and open-air terrace—pure mountain bliss
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