Trip to the Holy Trinity Church in Gergeti, Caucasus

A trip from Stepantsiminda to the church in Gergeti under Mount Kazbek

Starting point

The centre of Stepantsiminda in the northern part of Georgia.
 

Description of the hike

After spending a few days around Stepantsminda today, we also went to one of the most famous destinations in the area - the Church of the Holy Trinity in Gergeti. Although it is possible to get to the church by taxi from Stepantsminda, we wanted to walk so we set off on foot.

From the square in Stepantsminda we continued to the village of Gergeti. The road climbs slightly, but it's not too bad. After the last houses in Gergeti, however, the path picks up sharply at the rocks. You can also use the trail along the stream to get to the church, but we followed the hiking trail, which followed the rocky ridge, fairly. So sometimes we had to use our hands, but it was without exposed sections. Above the rocky passage, the trail continues to climb very steeply. We reached the church when the clouds had already covered Mount Kazbek, which was a bit of a shame. Of course, the church was crowded with people who had driven up here.

After visiting the church, we headed back. We crossed the meadow to the trailhead, which descended steeply into the valley. There were also steps built to make walking more comfortable. A pleasant surprise awaited us about halfway down, as we came across a refreshment stand. We had a beer and continued our return to Stepantsminda. The trail led through a pleasant pine forest, and later we descended through a meadow between houses. In Gergeti we joined the road and returned to Stepantsminda.
 

Difficulty

Although it is not a long hike, it is necessary to overcome quite a bit of elevation gain on a short section. In addition, we chose a route for the climb that was also slightly technically demanding. In places there are rocks and it is necessary to hold on to them. It is possible to go around this section on a more comfortable trail.
 

Water availability

On the trail we came across a refreshment only on the descent from the church. We didn't see any possibility to refresh ourselves at the church.
 

Sleeping options

We had accommodation in Stepantsminda.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not go over any peak. From Gergeti Church there are great views of the valley of Stepantsminda and the mountain ridge above the town. In good weather, Mount Kazbegi is also as close as the eye can see.
 

Danger

Except for a short section on a rocky ridge, this is an easy hike. The rocky ridge is not a problem either, but in about two places you have to hold on lightly with your hands. This part of the trail can be avoided by following the classic trail along the creek. Otherwise there is no problem.
 

Food

We didn't come across any refreshments with food on the route. There are plenty of pubs in the town of Stepantsminda.
 

Attractions

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Gergeti was built in the 14th century above the town of Stepantsminda. It was originally part of a village, which has now disappeared. The church has a separate tower with a bell tower. Due to its isolated location, it has become a symbol of the whole Georgia. During the USSR era, all religious activities in the church were forbidden. Nevertheless, the church was a very popular destination. That is one of the reasons why the Soviet authorities had a tourist cable car built to the church from the town of Stepantsminda. However, this angered the townspeople and they destroyed the cable car. Today it is possible to reach the church on foot or by car on the newly built road.