Gudauri – Tbilisi
Lomisi Monastery
The first attraction on the way from Gudauri to Tbilisi. The starting point – Lomisi Church is located just at the end of the serpentine descent, after the bridge on the right side. The ascent to the monastery takes on average 2 hours in summer and 3 hours in winter (you can ski/snowboard back down). According to tradition, the first thing to do is to enter the church and ask if the monks need something to be lifted up (usually bread, cereals or other food). The monastery itself is located at an altitude of 2200 meters and is considered to be the most inaccessible in Georgia (altitude difference is about 700m).
Distance (from Gudauri): 10 km
Walking route: 3-5 hours (2 ways)
Visit duration: 5 hours
Pasanauri (summer – rafting)
Pasanauri is considered to be the birthplace of khinkali, that is why there are quite a few restaurants in the village that are popular among tourists and not only. However, since recently, many have noticed that the quality of food in these places has somewhat deteriorated. It is probably not worth visiting this location for the sake of eating, but you can stop along the way or add it to your route. Also, in summertime such active entertainment as rafting is available here. All necessary equipment is provided for rent. Rafting takes place with an experienced instructor. Moreover, in Pasanauri you can ride the Zip-line.
Distance (from Gudauri): 30 km
Visit duration: 2 hours
Price: from 80 GEL/per person (rafting)
Ananuri Fortress
In the middle of the way between Gudauri and Tbilisi, right next to the main road, there is the Ananuri fortress. The fortress is located in a very beautiful place – the confluence of two rivers – Aragvi and Vedzatkhevi. Entrance to the territory is free. Inside there are three temples and a tower. You can also climb the fortress wall and find a good photo angle. There are many kind street dogs near Ananuri, they are not aggressive at all and will be very happy about any food.
Distance (from Gudauri): 30 km
Visit duration: 2 hours
Entrance fee: free of charge
Ginvali Water Reservoir
Zhinvali water reservoir is located near the fortress. There are plenty of photo stops around the perimeter. There are places for picnics, camping and fishing. Zhinvali is one of the largest water reservoirs in Georgia. Another attraction is the flooded Jvarpatiosani Church, which is visible only 6 months a year, and the rest of the time is under water.
Distance (from Gudauri): 60 km
Visit duration: 1 hour
Mtskheta
The oldest city and the first capital of Georgia which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Mtskheta is located just 20 km from Tbilisi and has a history of over 2500 years. Temples belong to the major attractions here, the main of which is Svetitskhoveli. There are many restaurants in the city that serve very tasty and high-quality Georgian dishes at an affordable price. Also, along the way you will find a large number of souvenir shops where you can buy gifts for every taste.
Distance (from Gudauri): 90 km
Visit duration: 2 hours
Entrance fee: free of charge
Jvari Monastery
Located on the top of a mountain above Mtskheta. The observation deck offers a fantastic view of the city and the confluence of the two rivers Kura and Aragvi. Jvari Monastery is situated not far from the main road and next to Tbilisi. We strongly recommend to include it into your itinerary. In our subjective opinion, it is one of the best viewing platforms in Georgia
Distance (from Gudauri): 90 km
Visit duration: 1 hour
Entrance fee: free of charge
Gudauri
PRIVATE SPA GOODAURA:
Good Aura Hotel
Included: outside swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room
Price:
1- 3 people – 300 Gel
4-7 people – 400 Gel
8-12 People – 500 Gel
12-15 People – 600 Gel
Visit duration: 1 hours 45 min
Massage :
– Sport ( 1 hour) – 170 gel
– Swedish ( 1 hour) – 170 gel
– Relax (1 hour) – 140 gel
– Back (30min) – 100 gel
Promotion : Transfer to the SPA is free from any place in Gudauri.
Contact number for reservation
+995 571 503 011 (Viber, Telegram WhatsApp)
Baths
Tsar Bani
The highest Russian baths in the world. The complex has 3 baths. Each bath can comfortably accommodate up to six people.
Included: traditional Russian bath
Price:350 GEL/4-6 people
Additionally: individual steam bathing – 70 GEL/per person; tea (black/ginger/mountain herbs) – 10 GEL
Visit duration: 2 hours
Paragliding
In recent years, the number of companies providing paragliding services has significantly increased in Gudauri. But quantity does not always mean quality. In Georgia, there is still no mandatory certification for tandem flights with tourists. When choosing a paragliding school, pay special attention to the certification of pilots, their experience and the number of flight hours.
Location: peak of Kudebi (in winter), Arch of Friendship (in summer)
Included: paragliding flight with an instructor
Price: 300 GEL/flight
Additionally: transfer to the starting point, rent of an action camera (included in the price or paid by agreement).
Snowmobiles (winter)
A snowmobile can be used for a variety of purposes. If all or certain cable cars are closed, this is an option to temporarily replace the lift as well as when you don’t really like walking to the starting points of freeride routes situated away from the cable cars. And of course, snowmobiles can be rented for recreational purposes. One can ride through the fields of snow with an experienced instructor. Please pay attention that unaccompanied snowmobiles are not given for rent.
Location: near the first lift “Pirveli”, near the gondola lift “GoodAura” (New Gudauri).
Price: from 50 GEL/lift, hourly rental by agreement.
Quad bikes and buggies
In the Gudauri region the relief and nature are amazing. Everything is conducive to small off-road tours on quad bikes and buggies. Guides will help you choose a suitable route from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Please, follow the instructions of the instructor. Lightweight and easy to handle quad bikes sometimes behave completely unpredictably. Safety is paramount.
Location: near the first lift “Pirveli” (winter), near the Arch of Friendship (summer).
Price:from 200 GEL/per person
Visit duration: 1.5 hours
Heli-skiing
Heliksir is the largest operator of heli-skiing and heli-boarding tours, established in 2009 and based in the Caucasus Mountains – Gudauri, Georgia. The company uses powerful Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopters with European pilots and only experienced certified guides.
Included: transfer to the take-off area, avalanche equipment, guide services
Price: from 200 EUR/flight
Hiking
There are many hiking routes in the vicinity of Gudauri. You can start with the simplest walks along the cable cars. There are also options to go to Lomisi (see the description above) and climb to the same-name monastery or towards Kazbegi – two more wonderful places will be described below – the Truso valley and the highland village of Juta (see the description below). For safety reasons, it is not advisable to hike alone. Always take an adequate supply of water and essentials with you.
Location: vicinity of Gudauri
Price: free of charge or payment to the guide by agreement
Visit duration: unlimited
Gudauri – Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
Arch of Friendship
It is located very close to Gudauri on the Georgian Military Highway in front of the Cross Pass. The arch is known not only for its appearance, but for its observation deck, from where views of the gorge and mountains open. Regarding the local infrastructure, tents with coffee and snacks are opened here. In summer, it serves as a launch pad for paragliders. They also offer quad bike rentals and horseback riding.
Distance (from Gudauri): 7 km
Price: from 90 GEL for a car (2 ways)
Visit duration: 0.5 hours
The village of Juta (summer)
The village of Juta is one of the highest mountain settlements in Georgia (2200m) second only after Ushguli in Svaneti. In summer, when the weather is good, you can even get here by passenger car. Part of the road after the exit from the Georgian Military Highway is asphalted, later it is covered by the fine gravel. Hiking trails of varying length and complexity start from the village. The nearest point with a beautiful view on Chaukhi mountain is about 40 minutes away.
Distance (from Gudauri): 45 km
Walking route: from 2 hours
Price: from 300 GEL per car (2 ways, waiting time included)
Visit duration: from 4 hours
The Truso Valley/Gorge (summer)
The Truso Gorge (also known as the Narzan Valley) is not much of a tourist route due to the lack of infrastructure and permanent settlements. It stretches for 30 km from the Georgian Military Highway. The last point that can be visited without pass controls (it is a border zone) is 14 km away. It will be difficult to get here by a passenger car without four-wheel drive. The best solution would be to take an experienced driver with a 4×4 car.
Distance (from Gudauri): 10 km
Jeep tour: from 4 hours (2 ways)
Price: from 350 GEL per car (2 ways, waiting time included)
Visit duration: 5-8 hours
Horseback riding (summer)
Near the Arch of Friendship and in the village of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), horseback riding is offered to those who wish to fully plunge into the atmosphere typical for the mountainous region. The cost and quality of this service is rather doubtful, but a short half-hour ride will be a nice complement to all the above-described activities. The price, as usual, depends on the ability to negotiate.
Starting point: the Arch of Friendship, Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
Price: negotiable
Visit duration: from 0.5 hours
Gergeti Trinity Church
One of the most popular tourist places in Georgia. Gergeti Church is located near the village of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) at an altitude of 2200 meters. In summer, the ascent to the church passes along a fairly good concrete road, while in winter, people are lifted up the mountain in the off-road vehicles (you can say by force). One of the most gorgeous views in all of Georgia opens from the observation deck. It’s a must-see place.
Location: Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
Distance from Gudauri: 42 km
Jeep tour: from 200 GEL per car (2 ways, waiting time included)
Price: negotiable
Visit duration: 2 hours
Gveleti waterfall (summer)
If you have already set aside a day to see Kazbegi in summer, then another place where you can go especially without deviating from the route is the Gveleti waterfall. In fact, there are two waterfalls – one small and the second large. It is much easier and faster to get to the small one. The hike will take from 1 hour 2 ways. The height of the waterfall is 25 meters.
Location: Stepantsminda (Kazbegi))
Distance from Gudauri: 42 km
Walking route: from 1 hour (2 ways)
Price: from 250 GEL per car (2 ways, waiting time included)
Visit duration: 2 hours
Rooms Hotel
At the end of the route in Kazbegi, you can visit the hotel-restaurant “Rooms Kazbegi”. It is especially good on a sunny day. The terrace offers beautiful views on the top of Kazbeg mountain. If you are staying in Gudauri, you can also come here just for dinner. We strongly advise you to arrive here before sunset.
Location: a restaurant with a terrace and the best view on Kazbeg mountain
Distance from Gudauri: 37 km
Price: from 150 GEL for a car (2 ways, waiting time included)
Visit duration: 2 hours