Georgia · Religious & Spiritual

9-Hour Gudauri Ski Resort Tour from Tbilisi with Jvari and Ananuri

9 Hours Round trip from Tbilisi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Admire the confluence of two rivers from the VI-century Jvari Monastery
02 Gaze at the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir between the mountains
03 Explore the medieval Ananuri Fortress, once known as the "Key to Aragvi river"
04 Spend time at Gudauri Ski Resort with views of the Great Caucasus mountain tops
05 Choose to ride the cable car or try skiing with rented equipment and an instructor

Escape the heat and spend a day in the snow-covered mountains of Georgia on a journey from Tbilisi to Gudauri. Along the way, visit the VI-century Jvari Monastery, admire the blue-green waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir, and explore the medieval Ananuri Fortress. The experience combines memorable mountain landscapes, Georgian history, and time at Gudauri Ski Resort, where you can simply enjoy the Great Caucasus views or try skiing for an additional payment.

Escape the heat and spend a day in the snow-covered mountains of Georgia on a journey from Tbilisi to Gudauri.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Tbilisi, Gudauri, Mtskheta

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Jvari Monastery and Views over Mtskheta

We meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the tour. It is recommended to start at 09:00 or even at 08:30 because the daylight period is short in winter and sometimes it is shortened by cloudy weather. An early start allows us to avoid the boring traffic jams that are common during the morning hours in the capital.
The first stop is after 30 minutes at Jvari Monastery. This complex dates back to the VI century AD. Its construction is connected with the political powers that were influencing the countries of the Caucasus during that period. The monastery is situated on top of a mountain and impresses visitors with tremendous views of the confluence of two rivers, Baginti Mountain, which was the citadel of ancient Georgian kings, and the picturesque valley with the red roofs of the ancient Georgian capital, Mtskheta. Here, you can take memorable pictures and learn facts from ancient Georgian history.

Day 02

Zhinvali Reservoir and Mountain Views

The next stop is after 40 minutes at the Zhinvali Reservoir, with its hydroelectric dam measuring 102 meters in height and 450 meters in length. It was constructed on the Aragvi River in 1986 and formed the Zhinvali Reservoir. The reservoir is of great importance for the water supply of the city of Tbilisi, providing drinking water to about half of the population of the capital.
The expansive space and the blue-green rippling water between the mountains create amazing views. As a result, it has become a highly attractive tourist location on the road to Gudauri. There are several stops equipped for photo shooting, and in addition, there are small markets with souvenirs, coffee on sand, and snacks. It is a nice place to stop and enjoy views of the mountains reflected in the turquoise water.

Day 03

Ananuri Fortress on the Aragvi Route

It takes just 10 minutes to get to the Ananuri Fortress from the Zhinvali stop. This medieval Georgian fortification was known in the past as the "Key to Aragvi river." The buildings included in the complex are the upper and lower fortress, fence, towers, Church of the Mother of God, Church of the Deity, "Mkurnali" Church, bell tower, octagonal cell, and reservoirs.
The fortress looks spectacular against the turquoise background of the Zhinvali Reservoir. Here, we learn more about the medieval period in Georgian history and how rich families used the geographical advantages of the region to enlarge their power and exterminate other feudal clans.

Day 04

Gudauri Ski Resort and Great Caucasus Views

Finally, we get to the Gudauri ski resort, situated at 2196 meters above sea level. Due to its modern infrastructure, this resort attracts both beginner skiers and lovers of high-extreme activities.
The natural conditions of Gudauri were the primary prerequisite for establishing a ski resort here. The first ski lift was built in 1988. Today, there are 14 ski lifts, and most of them are built by the world-famous ski lift manufacturer, "Doppelmayr." The bottom ski lift is at 1993 meters MSL, and the upper one is at 3276 meters MSL. The opening hours for the ski lifts are from 10:00 to 16:30.
Gudauri ski tracks are for everyone, regardless of skiing ability level. The overall length of the ski tracks is 70 kilometers, including 20 ski tracks. The skiing tracks are divided by level of difficulty. There are appropriate ski tracks for beginners, intermediate, advanced, and professional skiers. Gudauri Ski Resort is also a favorable place for skiers who love freeriding.
You will have the opportunity, for an additional payment, to rent ski equipment and an instructor to try skiing yourself. Or you can simply take the cable car lifts to go up and enjoy tremendous views of the Great Caucasus mountain tops. Drink tea or coffee in the local tavern, or have lunch with exciting views of the mountains.
At the end of the day, we drop you off at your hotel in Tbilisi or any other location in the city center.