Stepantsminda’s greatest draw is Kazbegi Peak, which has always
attracted the interest of mountain lovers. The town is located along
the banks of the Terek River, 157 kilometers (98 mi) to the north of
Tbilisi at an elevation of 1,740 meters (5,710 feet) above sea level.
Stepantsminda’s climate is moderately humid with relatively dry, cold
winters and long and cool summers.
According to tradition, Stepantsminda, literally "Saint Stephan", was
named so after a Georgian Orthodox monk Stephan, who constructed a
hermitage at this location on what later became the Georgian Military
Highway. It came under the control of a local feudal magnate, the
Chopikashvili clan, who were in charge of collecting tolls on
travelers in the area in the late 18th century.
After the expansion of the Russian Empire into the Kingdom of Georgia
in the early 19th century, the people of the region revolted against
Russian rule. However, the local lord Gabriel Chopikashvili, son of
Kazi-Beg, remained steadfast in his loyalty to Russia and helped to
suppress the revolt. In return, he was promoted to officer in the
Russian Army. He adopted the surname Kazbegi, and the village under
his control was also frequently referred to as "Kazbegi". In 1917-1918
Stepantsminda was taken by Germany, Turkey and The Whites, bar the
last who stayed until 1922. The name was officially changed to Kazbegi
under Soviet rule in 1925. Gabriel Chopikashvili-Kazbegi's grandson
was the famed Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi, who was born in this
town. In 2006, the town reverted to its original name of
Stepantsminda.
Stepantsminda is known for its scenic location in the Greater Caucasus
mountains, and is a center for trekkers and mountain climbing. Local
attractions include the Kazbegi Museum and Ethnographic Museum in
town, and the Gergeti Trinity Church outside of town, as well as Mount
Kazbegi itself and the alpine meadows and forests of the surrounding
Kazbegi Nature Reserve.
Attractions and sport facilities Stepantsminda along with Kuro and
Shino glaciers, Horse-riding, Paragliding, Bike-riding, Gergeti Sameba
Church, Natural mineral waters, Mount Kazbek climbing, Glaciers,
Waterfall Gveleti.
There are many tourist routes starting from Stepantsminda. You can
hike, travel with car, or take a jeep tour, depending on which
direction you choose. However, there are a few must-see places.
Best period to visit: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
• Gergeti Trinity Church
• Mount Kazbek | Mkinvartsveri
• Betlemi cave
• Trusso Valley
• Gveleti Waterfall
• Gergeti Glacier