Georgia: Not so remote Kazbegi

From Alaverdi, we headed north back into Georgia. Since Armenia and Azerbaijan are at war with each other, their common border is closed. Thus we had to go back to Georgia, in order to cross into Azerbaijan, which turned out to be moot, as all Azerbaijan land borders remain closed to incoming visitors, but not outgoing, since Covid (more later). After the border crossing we took a bus to Tbilisi, rode the Metro several stops, then took a bus north into the Caucasus Mountains to Kazbegi.

Since we already had Magical Mestia on the itinerary, I hesitated putting yet another visit to the Caucasus mountains. Was I glad I did! The ride from Tbilisi to Kazbegi on the Georgia Military Highway (dates back to the 1800s), by way of the Jvari Pass (2379 m.a.s.l) was super scenic and interesting. Along the way, we passed numerous white water rafting joints and also ski resorts. There were Chinese construction teams working alongside Georgians on new roads, viaducts, and tunnels. Hundreds of trucks were parked waiting to enter Russia, as Kazbegi is only 14 km from the border, owing to the ongoing Russia Ukraine War. Now I understand that the long line of trucks we saw going between Trabzon to Batumi near the Turkey Georgia border must have been heading this way.

Kazbegi (1740 m.a.s.l) itself is towered over by Mount Kazbek at (5054 m.a.s.l), and which straddles the Russian-Georgia border. We made the requisite trek to the Gergeti Trinity Church for even better views (1st below).



On the road from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.






The Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument near Gudauri, Georgia is a must stop for some folks.


North of the Freindship Monument, hundreds of trucks were parked waiting to enter Russia.


Our hotel room in Kazbegi had great views to Gergeti Trinity Church (left) and Mount Kazbek (right). At sunset (1st below). At sunrise (2nd below).




The walk up to Gergeti Trinity Church was fairly easy on a well-troden path, and we enjoyed the 360 views of the church, of Mount Kazbek, and of Kazbegi town below.
















On the way back to town, we took the paved road.




One last awesome sunset.