Day 2: Mtshekta & Kazbegi

Day 2: Mtshekta & Kazbegi

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The second day of our visit to Georgia, we decided first to go up to Mtskheta which is an ancient town located about 20km from Tbilisi. This town is very important to the Georgian nation due to its high importance in Georgian history and Orthodox Christianity. Mtskheta was the site of Georgia’s adoption of Christianity.

The tour started with a drive to Mtskheta Church of Holly Cross, which was one of the greatest religious sites and a center of pilgrimage for Christian nations of the Caucasus. The view from the top was spectacular and green.

View from the Holly Cross
Mtshekta, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

After this point, we were en-route to Kazbegi, which is located on the banks of the Thergi River and is about 157 km north of Tbilisi. We went through what is called the Georgian Military Road. The Georgian Military Road is the historic name for a major route through the Caucasus from Georgia to Russia. Our first stop in this road was the Ananuri Fortress. This fortress is about 72 KM from Tbilisi. 

History fact (Ananuri Fortress): Ananuri was a castle and seat of the Dukes of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty that ruled the area from the 13th century. The castle was the scene of numerous battles. The fortress remained in use until the beginning of the 19th century. In 2007, the complex has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site program. 

Anunari Fortress
Mtshekta, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

Demitrit told us that we could go up the fortress by foot. I was hesitant at first but then thought why not. It was a very narrow staircase and a lot of ruined parts as well. At the top all you can see is the sky above you and if you peak in through the gun holes you could see the picture below.

Military tower, Anunari Fortress
Mtshekta, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

View from the gun hole, Anunari Fortress
Mtshekta, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

We went down and continued our tour to Kazbegi. On our way we stopped to what is a natural fountain of pure drinking water. I didn’t try it due to its high concentration of Sulphur, but apparently its good and refreshing.

Fresh water
En-route Kazbegi, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

After a few turns and up roads, we reached Stepantsminda, which is the foot of Kazbegi mountain. I was too tired to take any photos. The weather is cooler and the mountain views are amazing. Kazbegi mountain is known to be a ski destination to many people around the world. In Stepantsminda you could enjoy a walk along the local shops, eat, paraglide (which my father did not let me do), or go further up to Tsminda Sameba.  Going up to the church you would need to rent a 4-wheel drive with a skilled driver. These could be found all over the town.

Tsminda Sambea
Kazbegi, Georgia
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Local shops
Kazbegi, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

Local shops
En-route Kazbegi, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

The ride back to Tbilisi was right after lunch at Café 5047m. Which we again enjoyed the lovely Kachapori dish and a salad. On our way back my mother mentioned to Demitrit that she would love to see some folklore. He immediately made a reservation at 8 pm for dinner and a show. 

We left the hotel by 7:30 and reached at the place before time. The restaurant is called Mravaljamieri. It included dinner and about a 30-min Georgian folklore/traditional dance, we really enjoyed it!

Part of the traditional dancing at Mravaljamieri
Tblisi, Georgia
Hind Al Ameri

End of day 2.

Hind's Travel Advice:

Never say I am too lazy to go to a certain place while traveling, you might never visit that country again!

Happy traveling!

Hind