Kazbegi

Sep 7, 2019 | Caucasus

Kazbegi

We took a trip to Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) in the north of Georgia. It’s at 1,740m so there is quite a climb up twisting mountain roads with scary cliffs. It’s the only road from Iran to Russia.

We stopped at various sites on the way up.

Valley flooded to create a reservoir and hydro-electric dam

Minerals washed out of the mountain. Lots of iron and sodium. The water was clear but tasted quite weird. Once exposed to oxygen, the water will discolour after a day or two from “rusting”.

Ananuri church

Local horseman

Four wheel / legged transport

Another stop was at the Freedom arch. This was to celebrate an agreement between the Georgians and Russians.

Lots of paragliders

We arrived in Stepantsminda which is only 15km from the Russian border. After checking-in to our guest house, we hiked up to Gergeti church, at the top of a hill.

Resting hiker

Towering

Almost there. Resisting a lift to the top.

On top of the world

Mysterious ancient stone carvings

An angel

View back down to Stepantsminda

Cows are very important to the economy and wander freely around the town.

We stayed in a friendly guest house, and the owner invited us to sit around the fire in her garden with her family, friends, and other guests. It was a really lovely evening. Of course we had to drink Georgian wine too!