To the Caucasus mountains and back—Gudauri and Kazbegi. It was so cold!

Our meeting spot. Avlarbia Square and metro station

Zhinvali Reservoir—two pictures above. Zhinvali Reservoir is an artificial lake located on the river Aragvi, about 70 kilometers/40 miles from Tbilisi on Georgian Military Road. The reservoir plays a crucial role in the supply of water for Tbilisi.

Traveling further along the Georgian Military Road, which connects Tbilisi and Kazbegi, you come across the Ananuri fortress, nestled in the heart of Georgia.

If you’re a fan of history and culture, then you definitely shouldn’t miss visiting this fortress. This beautiful and captivating site is a gem of Georgian architecture located in a very beautiful gorge of the river Aragvi, that will leave you awestruck. It is still possible to see the Church of the Savior with its ancient frescos. I also captured goats crossing the road but, I couldn’t get my phone ready soon enough to catch the shepherd—cars screeching to a halt, dogs barking like crazy. Hey, goat crossing.

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The parts the Caucasus mountain range in Russia are known as the North Caucasus and the countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, are referred to collectively as the South Caucasus.

Mount Kazbek or Mount Kazbegi is a dormant stratovolcano and one of the major mountains of the Caucasus, located in Georgia, just south of the border with Russia. We were really close to Russia; kinda scary to think about.

Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular name for Holy Trinity Church near the village of Stepantsminda. The church is at an elevation of 2,170 metres (7,120 ft), under Mount Kazbek. I could hardly breath when I reached the church.

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Gudauri is a ski resort located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Kazbegi Municipality, also along the Georgian Military Road at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level and just below Mount Kazbegi.

Russian Georgian Friendship Monument (sounds like an oxymoron) is near the city of Gudauri. The view is breathtaking. A lot of opportunities to take pictures. A stopover place between Tbilisi and Kazbegi. It was cold today and VERY windy.

The Russian Georgia Friendship Monument serves as a historical marker, reflecting a complex past and the cultural ties between Georgia and Russia. While the relations between the two countries have experienced significant challenges, the monument remains a point of interest for those seeking to understand the region’s history and appreciate its natural beauty. The monument was erected in 1983 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk signed in 1783 between the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Georgia.

PS The Georgian Military Road also known as  MtskhetaStepantsminda-Larsi (Georgia–Russia border) is a road of international importance within the Georgian road network and runs from Mtskheta to the border with Russia near Stepantsminda, 139 kilometres/86 miles. After crossing the Georgian-Russian border the highway continues as A161 to Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s North Ossetia federal republic


2 responses to “To the Caucasus mountains and back—Gudauri and Kazbegi. It was so cold!”

  1. Wow, what to say. Extremely beautiful. I feel like I’m reading National Geographic. Don’t know how you do with the challenging spelling. You are amazing. I assume this was more than a day trip. Group tour? It looks very cold, but fascinating to see. And it is scary to be so close to Russia. Hope you are feeling ok. Regards, Eileen

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    • Hi, Eileen. I’m having a great time. Love being able to see Mike (just about) daily. It was a tad scary being so close to Russia. Feeling good, fingers crossed for the next four weeks—trying to stay healthy. Getting ready for Thanksgiving? Best, —n.

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