We saved the best for last……the grand Caucasus Mountains!!!! Approximately 80% of Georgia is made up of mountains. There is something grandiose about this mountain range, absolutely breathtaking. There are various ski resorts in the area but we went in October which was still early for the season. We did experience a white out snow storm on our 2nd day in Kazbegi, which closed the roads and delayed our return to Tblisi. It takes @ 2 1/2 hours from Mtskheta and @ 3 hours driving from Tblisi. If you go in October or later, be ready for mountain driving in the snow and have 4 wheel drive.

The Rooms Hotel: I would highly recommend staying here, it’s the same owner as the Rooms Hotel in Tblisi. This hotel is absolutely beautiful, it sits perched on a mountain with spectacular views of the mountains. It has everything you need and more: an indoor pool, a gym, an outdoor jacuzzi, amazing breakfast buffet, a spa, delicious food and a range of outdoor activities. The lobby is warm and inviting with bookshelves, fireplaces, a bar and board games. We ate all of our meals at the hotel due to the snowstorm and were not disappointed.

  • Hotel lobby
  • view from hotel

Sights:

*Hiking: I would highly recommend doing the hike we did but hopefully with better weather. Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church @ 10 minute drive and park your car. From the church follow the path in the valley past the large parking lot towards the glacier. Many people hike the glacier which will take @ 8-11 hours but we only made it to the bottom of the glacier due to a snowstorm that hit while we were on our hike. The hike can be quite dangerous with snow. It took us @ 7 hours for the entire loop from the church to the bottom of the glacier and back. It was extremely difficult due to the weather conditions and not being prepared but worth the views and experience. The kids definitely complained about the cold and some steep ascents but reaching the bottom of the glacier gave them a sense of accomplishment and in the end they said it was their favorite part of the trip.

  • Gergeti Church

*Gveleti Falls: We didn’t get to do this because of the snowstorm; however, I’ve read it’s worth the trip. You can either drive there from the hotel which is @ a 15 minute drive or you can hike/horseback/bike there.