Kazbegi

“Kazbegi (Khevi) is famous for its monumental nature, where Tergi fights and buzzes in the narrow Dariali gorge. Dariali Gorge is wonderful: surrounded by sky-high rocks, a narrow path going down, to which the foamy ridges of Tergi gently touch. The old forts of Bakhtri and Dariali proudly observe from a high ridge, but the pride of the Khevi is still a Mkinvartsveri (Mount Kazbegi), of which the silvery ridge shines like a crown. Many have enjoyed this beautiful nature of the gorge. " Makalatia S., 24 / VII, 1934, Tiflis (Georgia).

Kazbegi municipality is located in the eastern part of Georgia, in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, and includes the historical side - Khevi (Kazbegi). Its administrative center is Stepantsminda. It is bordered by Dusheti Municipality to the southeast, Akhalgori Municipality to the south, Java Municipality to the west, and the Russian Federation to the north. The territory of the municipality is completely mountainous. The main orographic unit is the Khevi’s Caucasus, as well as the ridges of the Shani, Kuro, and Kidegani meridian; From the side of the ridges - the Khokhi ridge. The hydrological system is dense. The municipality is rich in rivers, lakes, glaciers, and mineral waters. There is the Kazbegi National Park, where you can meet many rare species of animals and birds. The main river – Tergi with up to 85 km length, originates from the glaciers of the Khokhi ridge. There is also the river Mtiuleti Aragvi. Kazbegi municipality has a high-altitude climate zone, ranging from temperate to humid, ending with a humid permanent mountain climate. 1,740 m above sea level is moderately humid, with dry and cold winters and mild summer, where the average annual temperature is -5.2 ° C in January and 14.4 ° C in July. Above 2000 m, there is almost no summer climate. At an altitude of 3650 m, the average annual temperature is -6.1 ° C, and in January -15 ° C.

According to the description of 2014, the population of Kazbegi municipality is 3795 people.

Kazbegi has always been and remains in the spotlight as a tourist area with its diverse nature and important cultural monuments, relief, flora and fauna, traditional customs, and dishes. Kazbegi includes both summer-autumn and winter tourist sites. Mountains with medieval temples, castle towers, authentic settlements, waterfalls, Chaukhi Mountain, lakes, or amazing valleys create one whole organism, which is especially interesting for both domestic and foreign tourists. The harmonious combination of natural beauty and culture makes Kazbegi very interesting for tourists and mountain lovers. There are different tourist routes in Kazbegi, which are no less interesting and exciting. Here you can go hiking or horse riding, as well as chilling on campgrounds and luxurious hotels. Gergeti Trinity, Juta Chaukhs, Kelitsadi located in Red Volcanic Mountains, waterfalls hidden in the greenery of Gveleti and Arshia, Truso Valley with villages and travertines, the most preserved old village of Gaiboteni among the villages and many historical sites promise an amazing journey and experience.

The vegetation of the Kazbegi National Park is represented by 1347 species, 26% of which are endemic plants. Alpine, subalpine, xerophytic, and many other plants of the ecological group are widespread in the national park. The forests of Kazbegi National Park are located on steep slopes. There are 105 species of timber forest products in the reserve, but mainly Litvinov birch, pine, juniper, and blueberry are found. There is a large massif of sea buckthorn near Stepantsminda, which is very rare for Georgia. While in the Sno Valley, oriental beech and alpine oak, birch, and poplar are relatively widespread. The narrow valleys are covered with subalpine meadows, xerophytic plants of typical valley and rock are common. Sub-Alpine is replaced with the alpine meadow, which is amazing to see in the summer with thousands of flowering plants and reaches almost to the snow lines.

Floristically, Khevi is rich with wild medicinal herbs, which are one of the most important natural resources, which need to be protected, restored, and cultivated. Common medicinal herbs are wormwood (Latin: Artemisia absinthium), rosehip (Latin: Rosa canina), Tansy (Latin: Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Latin: Taraxacum), Thyme (Latin: Thymus), Chamomile (Latin: Matricaria Chamomilla), Chicory (Latin: Cichorium), Tussilago (Latin: Tussilago farfara), Yarrows (Latin: Achillea), Oregano (Latin: Origanum), Valeriana (Latin: Valeriana), Hypericum (Latin: Hypericum), Belena (Latin: Hyoscyamus), Blueberry (Latin: Vaccinium), Broadleaf plantain (Latin: Plantago major), Nettle (Latin: Urtica), Motherwort (Latin: Leonurus cardiac) and others.

Kazbegi National Park is rich in terms of fauna. Most of the animals here are rare and endangered species, included in the "Red List". East Caucasian goat (Latin: Capra), chamois (Latin: Rupicapra rupicapra), brown bear, lynx (Latin: Lynx). Also pine martens, forest cats, rabbits, etc.

The existing biodiversity and deep valleys, mountain ranges, subalpine meadows are ideal habitats for birds of prey. In the reserve are found: Mountain Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Bearded vulture. Also noteworthy are the Caucasian Lyrurus and the Caucasian Snowcock. Besides, there are two globally important bird species in the national park: Great rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) and red-winged redstart (Phoenicurus erythogaster), while trout live in the cold waters of Khevi, in the river Terg and its tributaries (average temperature 5 ° C).

Photo credit: CENN

The vegetation of the Kazbegi National Park is represented by 1347 species, 26% of which are endemic plants. Alpine, subalpine, xerophytic, and many other plants of the ecological group are widespread in the national park. The forests of Kazbegi National Park are located on steep slopes. There are 105 species of timber forest products in the reserve, but mainly Litvinov birch, pine, juniper, and blueberry are found. There is a large massif of sea buckthorn near Stepantsminda, which is very rare for Georgia. While in the Sno Valley, oriental beech and alpine oak, birch, and poplar are relatively widespread. The narrow valleys are covered with subalpine meadows, xerophytic plants of typical valley and rock are common. Sub-Alpine is replaced with the alpine meadow, which is amazing to see in the summer with thousands of flowering plants and reaches almost to the snow lines.

Floristically, Khevi is rich with wild medicinal herbs, which are one of the most important natural resources, which need to be protected, restored, and cultivated. Common medicinal herbs are wormwood (Latin: Artemisia absinthium), rosehip (Latin: Rosa canina), Tansy (Latin: Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Latin: Taraxacum), Thyme (Latin: Thymus), Chamomile (Latin: Matricaria Chamomilla), Chicory (Latin: Cichorium), Tussilago (Latin: Tussilago farfara), Yarrows (Latin: Achillea), Oregano (Latin: Origanum), Valeriana (Latin: Valeriana), Hypericum (Latin: Hypericum), Belena (Latin: Hyoscyamus), Blueberry (Latin: Vaccinium), Broadleaf plantain (Latin: Plantago major), Nettle (Latin: Urtica), Motherwort (Latin: Leonurus cardiac) and others.

Kazbegi National Park is rich in terms of fauna. Most of the animals here are rare and endangered species, included in the "Red List". East Caucasian goat (Latin: Capra), chamois (Latin: Rupicapra rupicapra), brown bear, lynx (Latin: Lynx). Also pine martens, forest cats, rabbits, etc.

The existing biodiversity and deep valleys, mountain ranges, subalpine meadows are ideal habitats for birds of prey. In the reserve are found: Mountain Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Bearded vulture. Also noteworthy are the Caucasian Lyrurus and the Caucasian Snowcock. Besides, there are two globally important bird species in the national park: Great rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) and red-winged redstart (Phoenicurus erythogaster), while trout live in the cold waters of Khevi, in the river Terg and its tributaries (average temperature 5 ° C).

Dariali gorge

Dariali Gorge begins from north of Stepantsminda, at the confluence of the Chkheri and Tergi rivers, and ends at Zemo Larsi, where the Georgian-Russian border passes. In the narrow Valley of Dariali, the Tergi River flows very fast. You can meet Endemic spruce on the rocks, from here you can see the Devdorak glacier and the eastern slope of the Mkinvartsveri glacier. The valley is rich in beautiful waterfalls and lakes.

There are two villages in the Dariali gorge, Gveleti and Tsdo. Tsdo is a beautiful village with a wonderful view of the Dariali Valley.

 

Gveleti

(1500 meters above sea level, Coordinates: 42.72277 ° N; 44.60639 ° E)

The village Gveleti is located in the Dariali gorge, on the right side of the Devdaraki River (left tributary of the Tergi). 1500 m above sea level, 9 km from Stepantsminda.

The village has preserved the ruins of a feudal castle, which the chronicler mentions back in the 14th century. This fortress is known as the Gveleti Fortress.

The attraction of the village is the waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. Getting to the waterfall is pretty easy. The road from Kazbegi to the village of Gveleti is 7 km, and the path to the waterfall in the village of Gveleti is less than 1 km. A beautiful view of the Caucasus opens from the waterfall. There is a heart-shaped lake in Gveleti, which is even called "the lake of love" because of its shape.

 

Dariali Monastery Complex

In the Dariali gorge, on the right side of the Tergi, from where the Khda gorge begins, there is the monastery complex of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

The complex combines the main temple, one small temple, and residential complexes built on both sides of Brolis Tskali. The monastery was founded in 2012.

The monastery complex is located 10 km from the center of Stepantsminda.

 

Dariali Castle

(1350 meters above sea level. Coordinates: 42.73888 ° N; 44.62488 ° E)

In the last part of the Dariali gorge, on the left side of the Tergi river, from the last section of the Georgian Military Highway to the Larsi border point, on a high rocky mountain, there is the Dariali Castle - the guardian of the northern gates of Georgia. The castle is damaged. The main layer of the castle wall is antique and early medieval. The castle had a secret tunnel too. The Dariali Gorge, according to Plinius, was locked by a thick, sturdy wall enclosed by an iron door.

According to legend, the Dariali castle was built by the king of Iberia Mirian I. (II century BC).

• Currently it is possible to reach Dariali Fortress via the border crossing (special permit required) by footpath.

 

Truso gorge

Truso Gorge starts from Stepantsminda, on the 25th km in the direction of Tbilisi, near the village of Kobi, on the top of the Tergi River.

The Truso gorge borders on two ridges: the watershed of the Caucasus, along which the Georgian military road crosses the Jvari pass, and the Gimara-Kazbegi massif. The length of the Highway in the gorge is 31 km.

There are 15 villages in the Truso Valley, these villages are an excellent example of a typical medieval mountain residential complex. Along with the historical settlements in the valley, there are also settlements of the late modern era. Since the 19th century, the gorges have gradually become empty.

The Truso Valley is rich in hydrocarbon mineral waters. Mineral waters near the villages of Ketrisi and Abano flow down the slope towards the Tergi River and leave mineral sediment - travertine - on its way.

 

Tefi

(2290 meters above sea level; coordinates: 42.65806 ° N; 44.31669 ° E)

Tefi village is located 5 km from Burmasigi. A tower was built to the north of the village. An animal with large antlers (deer) and two human figures are depicted on the arch of the entrance door on the first floor of the tower. In the village, there is a fortress house of the 17th century. In the southern part of the village, there is a hall church named after St. George the Victorious.

 

Kartsopeli

(2250 meters above sea level; Coordinates: 42.37292 ° N; 44.20593 ° E)

Six ancestral towers of the XVII-XVIII centuries are preserved on both sides of the unnamed river, 6 km from the village of Zakagori, on the left side of the river Tergi. თhere is a tower house and a late medieval church იn the village.

 

Burmasigi (Burmahevi)

(2250 meters above sea level, coordinates: 42.3747 ° N; 44.2035 ° E)

Burmasigi is located 1 km from Kartsopeli, southern slope of the Khokhi ridges, on the left side of the Tergi. The village has two towers of the 17th-18th centuries, and between them there are buildings for different purposes in a row.

 

Resi

(2350 meters above sea level; Coordinates: 42.3949 ° N; 44.1821 ° E)

Resi is the last village in the Truso Gorge. Located on the left side of the Tergi. In the Middle Ages, Resi played a certain role in the unified defense system of the Truso Gorge. The village has preserved late medieval buildings and a hall church built in the 18th-19th centuries.

 

Kertisi

(2150 meters above sea level)

Ketrisi is a deserted village, located on the left side of the Tergi. Residential buildings are damaged. One six-story battle tower has survived. Opposite the village, on the other side of Tergi, there is another five-storey residential tower. The buildings date back to the 17th-18th centuries.

Here you will find the natural monument "Mineral Voklus Ketrisi".

 

Abano (bath) Lake Bukbuka

(2170 meters above sea level; Coordinates: 42.58825 ° N; 44.42188 ° E)

Abano village is located in the Truso gorge, on the left side of the Tergi river. The name is associated with thermal waters.

Abano is one of the oldest settlements in the Truso gorge, there are three towers from the 17th-18th centuries, and the church dated a later period.

Near the village of Ketrisi, on the left side of the Tergi River, there is Lake Bukbuka, which was mistakenly called the "Bath Lake". Located under the mountain, this natural monument releases bubbles of carbon dioxide with noise, which gives it a rare beauty.

 

Zakagori

(2230 meters above sea level; Coordinate: 42.61173 ° E; 44.37402 ° E)

The Zakagori complex is located at the confluence of the Tergi and Suatisi rivers, on a high, inaccessible mountain. In the Middle Ages, the village had an important role in the defense system of the Truso gorge.

The residential core of the village is from the XIII-XIV centuries. There are also towers from the 17th century. This is a unified system and consists of five residential areas, one tower-house, two defensive towers, and a fence.

To the east of the village, on the top of the mountain, stands the Church of the Archangel of the 10th century. On the top of the door was a sign informing that 330 pounds of salt had been used to construct the building.

 

Lake Kelitsadi

(3081 meters above sea level)

Lake Kelitsadi is located on a volcanic plateau between Sherkhota and Khorisari peaks. The lake was formed by lava flow dams. You can go hiking to the lakes along a difficult trail from the Truso gorge. Lake Kelitsadi has been covered with ice and snow for nine months. The best time to climb Kelitsadi is August-September.

• Due to the proximity to the de facto border, special permission is required for passers-by.

 

Sno gorge

The beautiful Sno gorge is located on the 148th kilometer of the Georgian Military Highway. The villages of the gorge: Achkhoti, Sno, Akhaltsikhe, Koselta, Artkhmo, Miguda, Karkucha and Juta.

 

Tsveris Spatangelozi

(3095 meters above sea level)

In the village Sno, on Mount Angel (Tsveris Spatangelosi), there is a temple complex, which is the second highest shrine in the gorge after the Betlem glacier monastery. From here a beautiful view of the glacier and the entire Kazbegi opens up.

 

Patriarch's residence

The village Sno is the native village of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II. At the entrance of Sno is the residence of the Patriarch, the Spiritual and Cultural Center of Shiola Gudushauri and the Dome Church of St. King Vakhtang Gorgasali. A statue of this king is installed in front of the residence.

 

Akhaltsikhe church

(1780 meters above sea level; Coordinates: 42.58897 ° N; 44.66102 ° E)

The village Akhaltsikhe is located on the roadway, 3.1 km from the village Sno, along the length of Snostskali, at the confluence of the Snostskali and Artkhmostskali rivers. The main attraction of the village is a three-aisled basilica on the edge of a mountain dating back to the 9th-10th centuries.

 

Sno Fortress

(1780 meters above sea level)

The main attraction of the village Sno is the late medieval fortress-hall. The walls of the castle are built on rocky massifs. The castle and the twenty-meter rock form an inseparable monolith. The fortress has a high tower and a fence. The construction of the fortress is attributed to Shiola Gudushauri. The building dates back to the 16th-17th centuries. A short road connecting the North Caucasus with Kartli and Khevsureti was controlled from the Sno fortress.

The village Sno has preserved slate houses typical of the late Middle Ages.

 

Juta, Chaukhi

(Coordinates: 42.57953 ° N; 44.74409 ° E)

The village Juta is the highest settlement on the territory of Kazbegi (2200 m above sea level). The road from Stepantsminda to the village Juta is 24 km.

The hiking trail from Dzhuta to Chaukhi is about 5-6 km. The Chaukhi mountain system is located on the main Caucasian ridge, at the Waterhead Bakurkhevi River (3688 meters above sea level). The road from Chaukhi through the pass turns into Khevsureti (trail).

One of the most beautiful and popular hiking trails in Georgia, in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, crossing Khevi to Khevsureti is a hiking trail of Juta-Abudelauri lakes. The route starts in Juta - one of the highest settlements (2200 meters above sea level) and ends in Roshka (Khevsureti).

 

Stepantsminda

(1800 meters above sea level)

The town Stepantsminda is located on the right side of the Tergi, under the Kuro ridge. Stepantsminda is a municipal center and has the status of a town. Alexander Kazbegi, Georgian writer, was born and raised in Stepantsminda.

There is a historical museum in Stepantsminda.

The town also has administrative, cultural, educational and medical institutions, small businesses, hotels.

 

Stepantsminda Historical Museum

(Coordinates: 42.66065 ° N; 44.64320 ° E)

The Stepantsminda Historical Museum is located in the memorial house of Alexander Kazbegi (1848-1890). In addition to the writer's belongings, there are stored material and documentary materials characteristic of the Khevi and Caucasian culture and many other exhibits.

In the courtyard of the museum there is the Kazbegi Gate Church (1809) and the ancestral cemetery, where the writer Alexander Kazbegi (Mochkhubaridze) is buried.

 

Betlem (Bethlehem) Cave and St. Stephen's Monastery

Glacier’s Betlemi, separating the Gergeti and Abano glaciers, is located in the Eternal Snow Belt (4075 meters above sea level).

1948 Examination of the Betlemi cave showed that it was located on a high cliff 250 meters with doors made of heavy metal, was a church. They lived here at the beginning of the 19th century.

In 1978-79, along the cave, more than ten ruins of buildings were discovered and the existence of the once-grown monastery (3600 meters above sea level) was confirmed.

An inscription (nuskhuri) carved into a rock was found here. Also, ritual and household items of the 9th-11th centuries.

According to "Kartlis Tskhovreba" (a collection of medieval Georgian chronicles), this monastery was a repository of church relics and treasures, where monks climbed a chain staircase.

 

Mkinvartsveri glacier

(5054 meters above sea level)

Opposite Stepantsminda, on the left side of Tergi, there is the Mkinvartsveri Glacier - one of the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus. Its height is 5047 m. According to legend, for the first time at its peak in the 18th, the monk St. Joseph Mokheve approached. Ioane Batonishvili in his encyclopedic work “Kalmasoba” writes: “Joseph Mokheve, priest, was a lover of holiness and defender of fasting. Who made a name for himself with virtues. By the will of God, he ascended the mountain of the glacier, where man has not yet set foot."

The Mkinvartsveri glacier is of volcanic origin. On its slopes - subalpine meadows, at the top - eternal snow. Eight glaciers originate from here: Suatisi, Mna, Ortsveri, Devdaraki, and others, with a total area of 135 km2. The Tergi river originates on one of the glaciers. The mountain has the shape of a double cone with a base of 1770 m.

The Mkinvartsveri glacier is a place of mountaineering and tourism. It was first climbed by the British Douglas Freshfield, Adolph Moore, and Charles Tucker in 1868. On the slope of the glacier, at an altitude of 3680 meters from the Gergeti glacier, there is a meteorological station, part of which is equipped as a climbing shelter.

According to legend, it was on the Mkinvartsveri glacier that Prometheus was chained.

Under the glacier, on a steep slope, there is located village Gergeti.

 

Trinity Church (Gergeti)

(2216 meters above sea level; Coordinates: 42.66243 ° N; 44.62036 ° E)

On a branch of the Mkinvari mountain is the main shrine of Khevi - Gergeti Trinity.

The domed church and bell tower, built in the 14th century, is surrounded by a simultaneously folded and artistically unified complex. After passing through the lower floor of the bell tower, we go out into the courtyard of the temple and approach the southern facade, on which the cathedral for the Khevisberi council was later built.

Gergeti Trinity Cathedral is a cross-domed building, painted on a high stone candle in the church in 2006, one of the most important images of which is the fresco of the enlightener of Georgia, Saint Nino.

Gergeti Trinity and Bethlehem Cave were repositories of the treasures of Svetitskhoveli during the hostilities.

 

Mna gorge

At the beginning of the Truso valley, the road goes to the right, into the Mna gorge.

The so-called "Country of Mna" is distinguished by its picturesque nature.

There is a church hall of the X-XI centuries and a tower of the XVII-XVIII centuries.

A treasure trove of billiard coins (926 coins) has been found at the basement of the Mna Church. The treasure was buried in the first half of the 16th century.

 

Artkhmo gorge

The Artkhmo gorge starts from the village Akhaltsikhe (Sno gorge) and follows the Artkhmostskali river. Here you can find the old abandoned villages of Miguda and Artkhm, also waterfalls. The access road from Stepantsminda to the village Akhaltsikhe is 10 km. Distance to Artkhmo gorge - 8 km (By horse, hiking, car).

 

Khda gorge

A road (2 km) along the Brolistskali river, and then a hiking trail leads to the Khda gorge. Khda is very attractive for climbers. Distinctive peaks of the gorge: Shavana, Shani, Shino, Rustavi. In the Khda gorge, we encounter impressive waterfalls.

 

Abano

Lake Bukbuka

(Natural monument: Mineral lake)

An attraction is a small lake, Created by carbon dioxide rising from the Jurassic period of shallow carbonate rocks on the surface of the earth, which noisily "boils" with bubbles of carbon dioxide. The initial debit is 2.5 million liters per day. The area of ​​the lake is 0.04 hectares. Gas emissions in calm weather cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the lower layers of the air. Approaching the lake, Small animals die, so here you can meet the corpses of dead mice, lizards, frogs, and birds.

Location: Kazbegi municipality, Truso gorge, On the left side of the Tergi river. To the east of the village Abano, 2170 meters above sea level. Coordinates: 42.58825 ° N; 44.42188 ° E,

 

Natural monument - Travertines of the Jvari pass

In several places in the gorge of the Bidara River, there are limestone travertines deposited by springs. Mostly, they belong to the carbonate series. One of the most important and picturesque places of travertines - It is located on the left side of the Bidara near the automobile tunnel. Here, a thin layer of clear water flows down the white surface of the slope and forms a spectacular travertine.

Location: Kazbegi municipality, Gorge r. Bidara, near the Kobi-Gudauri road, 2197 meters above sea level.

Coordinates: N42 31.913 E 44 28.325

 

Natural Monument - Truso Travertines

Sightseeing: In the Truso gorge - in one of the tectonic-erosion caves on one of the northern slopes of the Caucasus - there are many deposits of limestone travertine deposited by springs. Mostly, they belong to the carbonate series.

One of the most important and picturesque travertine habitats is located above the Kasriskhevi Strait, on the right bank of the Tergi. There is a thriving travertine "field" simulated by water. On this dazzling white surface, a thin layer of clear water forms many small puddles.

Location: Kazbegi municipality, Truso gorge, right side of the river Tergi, near the central road, in the South-East from the village Ketrisi, 2093 meters sbove sea level. Coordinates: N42 34.993 E44 25.646

 

Natural monument - Keterisi Mineral Vaucluse

Under the main ridge of the Caucasus, a group of powerful springs emerges from likely carbonate flysch, which the researchers called " Narzan-Vaucluse". The spring provides 25-30 million liters of bicarbonate-calcium water per day, which corresponds to 300-350 l / s. From here the river begins, which flows into the village Ketrisi, where there is a cascade of mills powered by mineral water.

Location: Kazbegi municipality, Truso gorge, right side of the river Tergi, near the village Ketrisi, 2168 meters above sea level.

 

Natural monument - Sakhiznari Rock

The natural monument is a complex of erosional columns with an interesting geological structure, which was formed as a result of heavy rainfall on Mount Kabarjhina. The mountain is a flat rocky outcrop of a volcanic eruption, on the slopes of which Deka (Rhododendron caucasicum) flourishes. Locals call this place “Sakhiznari Rocks” because in past centuries, during the war, when the enemy approached, the villagers used to hide here and take refuge in the rocks.

Location: Kazbegi municipality, gorge rriver Tergi, near the village Sioni, 3136 meters above sea level. Coordinates: N42 34.279 E44 33.299

Kazbegoba

At the end of summer or at the beginning of autumn in Sterantsminda, a public holiday - "Kazbegoba" is held.

Within the framework of the event, business fairs, an exhibition, and sale of artists' works, children's entertainment programs, theatrical performances (berika, drum show) are organized, a regional folklore concert is held, educational and entertainment spaces are organized.

 

Saman of Mercy

Khevi has a unique tradition. It is known that in the highlands of Eastern Georgia they knew how to insert the border of anger (they inserted a stone into the ground - the Samani) and fraternal adobe. This tradition was practiced in Khevi, but here, unlike others, they also knew how to put on the "Saman of Mercy" - it was dedicated to famous people. For example, the "Saman of Mercy" was put on the field of the village Arshi, next to the icon of St. Mary for Fido Suliauri, who showed himself in the fight against the Leks.

 

Holidays

In Gergeti Trinity, the holiday was celebrated three times - New Year, Mariamoba (Dormition of the Mother of God), and Peristsvaleba (the Transfiguration of the Lord). Gergetoba has been added to the indicated holidays for today. On January 14, New Year's, the deacons were to bow to the Trinity. They had to take care of the bread and drink themselves, collecting money from society to buy sheep as a sacrifice. Near the Gergeti forest, at the gate of Salude "where beer is brewed",  there was a large copper cauldron in which beer was brewed for the New Year. Beer was brewed throughout the village and distributed evenly.

On New Year's Eve, a cross-shaped korbeuli bread was rolled out on the doorstep of the house.

Today, from fifteen to twenty icons of the Gergeti Trinity will be brought for the holiday and placed in a special place - Nishi. This procession is accompanied by songs - Mokheuri glory and Gergetula.

To this day, the New Year's gathering in 33 flat-roofed houses symbolizes the tradition of receiving the ancient Gergetines as special guests (slaves of the Trinity).

 

Mariamoba

On August 28, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mariamoba) is celebrated. In the old days, a large market was organized for a holiday in Stepantsminda.

On the feast of the Most Holy Theotokos, after praying and offering the Divine sacrifice, they laid the table and sang praises and Gergetuli to the glory of the Holy Trinity.

It is known from ethnographic materials that dance on Pole, Perkhuli, and "Dalgudala" (chaotic dances to music) lasted three days. Races were held, in which women also took part. Today, on the feast of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mokhians attend the liturgy in the Holy Trinity Church. After the service, the consecrated candles are transferred to the Church of St. Mary on Trinity Field.

 

Atengenoba

Atengenoba is a holiday with an overnight stay, and to this day young people go to the shrine for the night. They lead the sheep to the sacrifice. The hostesses bake the Kada, which is then cut into a shrine and distributed to guests. They ride and race.

Gudauri resort

Gudauri resort (120 km from Tbilisi) is a completely modern ski resort in Georgia, an ideal place for extreme tourism lovers. Stable snow cover in Gudauri is guaranteed even during light snowfall from November to May. The average height of the snow cover on the mountain slope reaches 1.5 meters. Although Gudauri is 2000 meters above sea level, it is characterized by warm and sunny weather. The slopes of Gudauri offer endless opportunities for all categories of skiers. The slope is suitable for both beginners and professional skiers and snowboarders. For professional skiers, there are four sports slides on the slopes of Gudauri: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super Giant and Downhill. The roller category is FIS approved.

 

The ski infrastructure in Gudauri is well developed for both beginners and professional skiers. If you cross the ski slope, you will discover the unexplored and less crowded places of Gudauri. It is an incomparable feeling when you jump from a helicopter over snow-capped mountains and know that the first trail will be yours.

 

For extreme lovers, rafting and kayaking is exactly what you need most. A visit to Aragvi and Tergi will really give you pleasure and you will feel all the charm of extreme.

 

Numerous picturesque valleys of the Khevi await you on your hike. On the way, you will see beautiful landscapes, natural monuments, whether they be tavertinas, streams with mineral water, amazing lakes and waterfalls hidden in the greenery or historical monuments.

 

Fans of sports entertainment can ride a bike, cycling along the mountain trails of the Caucasus is a special pleasure.

 

Near the "Panoramic view of Gudauri" there are services through which you can go paragliding and zipline.

 

Zeta Camping

Camping in Juta includes a hotel, rented tents and a camping site where you can camp with your own tent.

 

Fifth Season

In the village of Juta there is the "Fifth Season" hotel, which offers comfortable conditions at an altitude of 2360 m above sea level.

 

Jvari pass, Gudauri

125 km from Tbilisi, on the main watershed of the Caucasus, there is the highest point of the Jvari Pass (2395 meters above sea level), which the National Geographic Society considers the border between Europe and Asia. The Gudauri ski resort (120 km from Tbilisi) is located on the Jvari pass, where the Kazbegi municipality begins.

Gudauri is a completely modern ski resort in Georgia, an ideal place for extreme tourism lovers. Stable snow cover in Gudauri is guaranteed even during light snowfall from November to May. The average height of the snow cover on the mountain slope reaches 1.5 meters. Although Gudauri is 2000 meters above sea level, it is characterized by warm and sunny weather.

Near Gudauri (123 km from Tbilisi) is the so-called "Panoramic view of Gudauri", the same monument of peace with beautiful views. The author of the monument is the architect George Chakhava. The panorama is covered with mosaics. The mosaic consists of 1217 tiles.

The panoramic view of Gudauri is very attractive in terms of enjoying the views and photo sessions. There are services through which you can access the paragliding and zipline.

In the last part of the pass there are "Travertines" of the Jvari pass and the mineral water "Vedza".

Sacred Places

Traditional cuisine

 

The traditional cuisine of Kazbegi is special and nutritious, fitted to the life and character of the inhabitants of Khevi.

You can taste many interesting traditional dishes in the traditional cuisine of Kazbegi, which are dominated mostly by flour and dairy products. However, meat-based dishes, especially Mokhevuri Khinkali, are also very famous and favorite dishes for everyone.

In ancient times, the Mokhevian people ate flour-based dishes: barley, kersvili (mixture of barley and rye) corn (Mchadi), and wheat flours. They used to bake both with yeast and without (water-based bread). The baking technique is very interesting. They baked bread on stone slabs or right next to the Keria fire slate. Nowadays, they are also baked in special stone ovens, as well as on stone or refractory bricks.

• Mokhevian traditional baked dishes are:
• Kada Guliani - cheese and clarified butter inserts are placed in the dough;
• Khabidzgina, Khachopuri, Mhlovani - with cheese and potatoes, cottage cheese, stuffed with various herbs;
• Shamakrula (with potato inserts);
• Jimlovana (with mushroom, baked in the clarified butter).

The following boiled dishes are also prepared:

• Khampala (corn flour-based dough rolls boiled in water);
• Fushruli and Atria (made with dough, boiled in milk);
• Makhokhi (cornflour is acidified in the traditional way and boiled);
• Nakhshiora (fried sheep tail fat);
• Khavitsi (flour, clarified butter);
• Ajijika (raw cheese boiled in clarified butter);
• Erbohali (Roasted corn flour mixed with clarified butter).

Alcoholic drinks in Kazbegi are traditionally made vodka from barley and corn, as well as from various fruits, they also make traditional beer.