Road Trip: Ananuri - Gudauri - Stepantsminda(Georgia)
We covered attractions in Tbilisi for the last 2 days. On the third day,our plan was to go north of Tbilisi. Our list for the day was,
Ananuri Fortress
Gudauri ski resort
Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument (Gudauri view-point)
Gveleti waterfall
Gergeti trinity church, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
1. Ananuri Fortress
The fortress is about 66 Km north of Old Tbilisi. Taxis and tour operators are available in Tbilisi at affordable prices. You may have to bargain a little. We booked a taxi for the whole day and it was fun.
The Ananuri Fortress complex is on the bank of Aragvi river, a castle made in 13th century.
It is on the Georgian Military Highway and on the way to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). You could enjoy the Zhinvali water reservoir as well, which is few meters prior to it. Both places are picturesque and blessed with nature's beauty. There is no entrance free for seeing the castle from inside, and there is a way beneath which will guide you to the Aragvi river which is absolutely worth visiting.
There are few shops in front of the castle where you could buy jackets, shoes and other Georgian items.
One of the strange shop we found was selling drinking-horns which they call "Kantsi".
It's drinking vessel made from the horn of a bovid.
2. Gudauri Ski Resort
The Ski resort in Gudauri is a major attraction during the winter season, at the height of 7200 feet. It's 56 Km north of Ananuri Fortress which is on the way to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). Skiing season lasts from December to April.
Reference: https://www.gudauri.info/about_gudauri/
We didn't spent much time over there, as we already did skiing in our previous trip to Gulmarg (Kashmir). However we spend some time roaming around the place and saw some expert skiers there.
3. Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument (Gudauri view-point)
This cylindrical monument was built in 1983, which denotes the ongoing friendship between Russia and Georgia. It is on the Georgian Military Highway, which is 5.5 Km from Gudauri Ski resort. The structure is pretty much small, but the view of Caucasian mountains are stunning.
The luscious view can be enjoyed only from May to October, and rest of the time will be covered by snow.
We came across an extreme cold day, with heavy snow fall and the high wind which restricted us from staying there for long.
4. Gveleti waterfall
Gveleti waterfall, which can be translated as the Snake’s Waterfall, which is 7 km from the town of Stepantsminda, located in the Gveleti village. It requires a little hiking, which is close to 20 minutes. I don't recommend visiting this place during the winter season, as there will be full of snow and the nature's beauty is totally out of the picture.
5. Gergeti trinity church, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
It is one of the most famous church in Georgia, which is at an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbeg. The panoramic view of the church in summer is one of the spectacular view you can get in this trip. In winter, it will be mostly foggy and you wont get a clear view of the mountains.
How to get there:
In summer, you can rent a car (sedan) or take a taxi or even motorbikes are feasible.
However, in winter 4*4 vehicles are required, as the roads are packed with heavy snow.
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In a nutshell, if you are not a huge fan of snow, i would highly recommend to visit these places- any time between June- October, as you could enjoy the real beauty of the nature at that time.
By- Anju & Sree
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