01Mtskheta
A historic riverside town for three UNESCO-listed churches and time beyond a quick Tbilisi day trip.
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · near Tbilisi
Georgian Military Highway · Caucasus
Explore Mtskheta-Mtianeti, from the old capital to Kazbegi.
The Georgian Military Highway links three very different stays north of Tbilisi. Mtskheta holds some of the country's most important churches, Gudauri is a high ski and summer resort, and Stepantsminda opens onto Gergeti and the Kazbegi valleys.
Check the regional tourism sourceChoose a base in Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Mtskheta, Gudauri or Kazbegi?
Mtskheta is close to Tbilisi but deserves more than a quick stop, with Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro and Jvari above the river confluence. Gudauri suits ski days in winter and lifts, riding and rafting in summer, with Ananuri Fortress on the way up.
Stepantsminda, often called Kazbegi, is the base for Gergeti Trinity Church and separate walks in the Juta and Truso valleys. Mountain weather and road conditions can change plans quickly, so leave slack and check conditions before driving north.
Where to stay
Places to visit in Mtskheta-Mtianeti.
01
02Gudauri
Stay in the high mountains for marked ski runs, a scenic lift and a separate panorama stop.
Mountains & outdoors
High Caucasus · north of Tbilisi
03Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
A mountain town to base yourself for Gergeti and separate days in Juta and Truso.
Mountains & outdoors
Around 3 hours from Tbilisi
A starting point
Things to do in Mtskheta-Mtianeti.
Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
The eleventh-century cathedral gives Mtskheta's long religious history its most monumental setting.
Mtskheta · Historic centre · in townSee Mtskheta from Jvari Monastery
A sixth-century church and the view over two rivers reward a separate trip from town.
Mtskheta · Hill above the river confluence · separate road outingStop at Ananuri Fortress
A walled castle with churches and towers overlooks the reservoir on the road to Gudauri and Kazbegi.
Gudauri · Zhinvali Reservoir · Military HighwaySki Gudauri's marked runs
Choose open pistes that match your ability and make the mountain day about skiing, not chasing every lift.
Gudauri · Operating ski areaTake in the Kobi cable-car view
A scenic lift outing can give non-skiers a different view of the high mountains, when passenger service is available.
Gudauri · Gudauri–Kobi · mountain liftVisit Gergeti Trinity Church
Give the church and its mountain setting more than a quick photograph. The view changes with the weather and the light.
Stepantsminda · Gergeti · above townWalk into Juta Valley
A mountain outing with a different scale from Gergeti: open meadows lead the eye toward the Chaukhi massif.
Stepantsminda · Juta · Chaukhi foothillsExplore Truso Valley
Mineral springs, travertine and old settlement remains make this a full valley day rather than another viewpoint stop.
Stepantsminda · Truso Valley · west of town