Explore Ananuri-Kazbegi Mountains: Visit Jinvali Lake, Ananuri Fortress, and the Arch of Friendship

Embark on a thrilling tour of the Ananuri-Kazbegi mountains in Georgia. Explore Jinvali Lake, Ananuri Fortress, and the Arch of Friendship, and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Gergeti Trinity Church.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

During the 9-hour guided day trip from Tbilisi, you will see important locations of Georgian culture and history.

The Zhinvali Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River in Zhinvali, Georgia in the Caucasus Mountains. Despite its obviously artificial origins, the reservoir blends in with the surrounding environment perfectly and delights visitors with its turquoise waters. 

Ananuri is a fortress situated on the foreland by the Aragvi River, not far from Zhinvali water reservoir and about 70 km from Tbilisi, Georgia. It was built by the Dukes of Aragvi and its earliest parts date from the 13th century. The fortress is on the UNESCO Tentative list. The fortress consist of two fortifications joined by a crenelated curtain wall.

Stopping at Gudauri, this ski resort is located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Cross Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters, above sea level with ski-able area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. The resort offers high quality skiing opportunities. The slopes of Gudauri are completely above the tree line and are best for free-riders and are generally considered to be avalanche-safe. The ski season lasts from December to April.

Monument or Treaty of Georgievsk Monument is a monument built in 1983 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and ongoing friendship between Georgia and Soviet Russia. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, the monument is a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil’s Valley in the Caucasus mountains.

IMPORTANT: Gergeti Trinity Church - You can visit from March to November (in winter, the road is not safe). There is a separate entrance charge for this attraction.

Points of Interest

  • Ananuri Fortified Castle Ensemble

  • Russian Georgian Friendship Monument

What's Included
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
  • Guided by a professional
  • Air-conditioned vehicles
  • Live commentary during the tour
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Ascending fee on Trinity Church for 4X4 SUVs. Approx. 10-15 GEL per person. Optional for tourists willing to stay at the Kazbegi village
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embarking on our expedition to the Ananuri-Kazbegi mountains, you’ll enjoy a thrilling journey as we drive northwards on the Georgian Military Highway that cuts through the towering Caucasus Mountains. Spanning the Aragvi River in Zhinvali is the hydroelectric Zhinvali Dam. Standing as a testament to the history of the Dukes of Aragvi is the Ananuri fortress, whose earliest foundations can be traced back to the 13th century. This fortress is included in the UNESCO Tentative list. The Monument of the Treaty of Georgievsk, constructed in 1983, celebrates 200 years of the Treaty of Georgievsk and commemorates the enduring bond between Georgia and Soviet Russia.
The Gergeti Trinity, perched 2200 meters above sea level and just a kilometer away from the village of Gergeti, is enclosed in the Kazbegi municipality. This location is Georgia’s most frequented tourist attraction. The Gergeti Trinity Church, nestled amidst awe-inspiring nature, symbolizes Georgia with its rich history and unique location, and stands as a beacon of Christianity.

  • Tour may be canceled or modified due to unfavorable weather conditions, public road works, group of less than 3 travelers, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases tourists will be offered refund or substitute tours
  • Minimum numbers apply
  • Dress code is smart - no casual clothes
  • From 10 December 2018 ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church will not be carried out! Tour changes are seasonal!
Location
44 Kote Afkhazi St
Kote Afkhazi Street
Tour starts from the joint of Meidan square and Metekhi bridge,and the main clock located in the heart of old Tbilisi town. There, you can find CitySightseeing Tbilisi office and our mini bus-stop.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(149 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Culture29675747548
Jul 20, 2024
The best 48h in Tbilisi - We had a great time. Good organisation, amazing driver and tour guide. Nature was stuning! All places that we visited were breathtaking! People are very friendly. Food is great! We will come back for sure. ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ourmaninindia
Jul 5, 2024
great day out - We escaped the Tbilisi city heat to go to the mountains. That saved about 10 degrees at the highest point. Anna, our tour guide, did a fabulous job.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ahmadrh5651pb
Jul 3, 2024
Excellent and joyful - The trip was amazing and the staff was so helpful and friendly, I will recommend it for my friend and family , thanks alot for this time
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oanad739
Jun 28, 2024
Marvelous Caucas Mountains - The day was not so wonderful (clouds, rain) but the trip was amazing. Caucasus Mountains are spectacular. The total duration of the trip was not so long/not so many hours in the bus. Ananuri Fortress can be visited only by fit persons (my opinion) Guide Ana was fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pfenigv
Jun 26, 2024
A Must Do full day trip to enjoy Nature, Old Towns and History - On our fist day in Tbilisi we took the Hop-on/off Red Bus of WST and were very impressed with them. We ended up taking 4 of their full day trips outside Tbilisi. This one to Kazbegi should be at the top of your list. We got to enjoy everything along the way. Nature, old towns, monuments, people, restaurant. The guides of this company are professional, friendly, patient and knowledgeable. They described everything in both clearly spoken Russian and English which was perfect for our needs as Russian / English couple.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beaconbear
Jun 21, 2024
One day trip to a great scenery. - Absolutely fantastic scenery. Great tour leader. The tour guide (Anna) was very friendly and spoke 8n multiple languages. The driver (Tumouri) drove very safely. Totally worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Makrandm118
Jun 21, 2024
Amazing tour! - Great tour, very well organised. Ana, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Demuri the coach driver kept the drive very safe and comfortable. Good work guys. Keep it up!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I1833oq_
Jun 4, 2024
Thank you so much for your desire to return again and again to the amazing country of Sakartvelo. Peace and prosperity! - A long, exciting journey with a professional guide, Anna, and a driver, Demuri. Stunningly beautiful views. Interesting presentation of material, politeness and friendliness. The company’s team provides a high level of service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eveliinaa2024
Jul 6, 2024
Amazing experience despite rainy weather in the destination - We had some amazing views on the way but on the top the weather was super windy and cold. So take a jacket with you! Also, the wire broke on the way so we had to wait a while for it to get fixed but this wasn’t a problem with the beautiful views and energetic guide who kept us company. Amazing Georgian food and bazaar on the way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alanb482017
Jun 20, 2024
Unprofessional - The tour company ZET have a lot to learn about how to deliver a good customer experience There was no itinerary provided when we all together. No information on comfort stops so some people were desperate for toilet as there were no toilets for customer to use at tour office and we drove two hour before stopping The tour guide was discourteous to the point if being rude. The timings given were not kept to. All he wanted to fo was rush as all back on the bus well before the supposed departing time at various stops and making us rushed when no need. There was no list of participants names and contact details so when people were supposedly late he didn't know who was missing he only counted the numbers on the bus. We had lunch at 6pm would you believe and the restaurant could not cope with a 35 strong bus tour. We were waiting ages for food and they only had two staff. It got a bit tetchy to say the least If Georgia wants to be a player in the tourism industry they have to improve on many things and ZET ivwill not go with again. Very unprofessional
Review provided by Tripadvisor