Gergeti Trinity Church is arguably the most iconic cultural and historical landmarks, not only Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), but in Georgia and it’s easy to get to from Alpine Lounge Hotel.
An incredibly beautiful medieval Georgian Orthodox church, it is a must visit when you come to Georgia and getting there from Alpine Lounge Hotel can be done by car or foot!
Built in the 14th century and at an altitude of just above 2, 100 meters above sea level, the church sits at the bottom of Mount Kazbek (elevation of the summit of Mount Kazbek is 5, 054 meter)!
Alpine Lounge Hotel and Gergeti Trinity Church in background lit up at night time
Should you drive or hike?
Both the drive and the hike are incredibly beautiful in their own right. But there are several things to consider here and firstly, safety.
While the hike is not difficult, it is not recommended without proper closed footwear like hiking shoes or boots. But you can make a good pair of sneakers work.
There are parts of the hike that have loose terrain, some larger, uneven rocks to step over and around and parts that are slightly steeper than your average building staircase so being physically fit is recommended if hiking.
The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Alpine Lounge Hotel depending on how often you stop to absorb the beauty constantly surrounding you!
Things to bring
- Bottle of water (Not sold at top. Bigger bottle if hiking)
- Warm or windproof jacket (can be very windy at top in colder months)
- Proper footwear (for the hike and the steep incline walk from church parking lot)
- Cash for souvenir shop at top and to tip your driver
- Camera for pictures
- A moment to take in the panoramic views of the Caucasus mountain range and the peak Mount Kazbek
The Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church (November)
Your trip starts with a walk down the neighborhood where Alpine Lounge Hotel is located towards the main road through the town of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). Then make your way north on the main road towards the bridge to cross the Terek River.
After this, you begin your incline up towards Gergeti Trinity Church through the village of Gergeti. You will be pass the homes of local villagers. You will see old vintage vehicles from what looks like the Soviet era.
After getting to the top of the village, you will get to a small parking lot and your hike up the mountain towards the church begins alongside a small stream in a ‘narrower’ section before it opens up to the large plain at the top.
You then begin to meander up the side of the mountain, humbled the vastness of the landscape and high rock walls. You can see what looks like quartz rock outcrops all the way up.
An immortalized old rock watchtower waits for you to pass before the landscape opens up and the peak of Mount Kazbek reveals itself (of course, this depends on the weather).
Once you get to the top, you will feel extremely accomplished! The hike is no easy, everyday trek! It is less busy than the drive and you will have moments to be alone in tranquility with the beautiful Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church above you.
The beauty of the church architecture and the panoramic views of the beautiful towns and mountain range will have you amazed and humbled!
Thank you for reading and we hope to see you for your visit at Alpine Lounge Hotel!