‘Kazbegi’ – Serenity amidst Mountains

Birthday Plan with Bestie

Let’s plan a destination birthday for your 40^th! As I said this to my bestie, the mother of a four-year old and infant twin girls, I had my own reservations at heart. She concurred immediately with a smile. After a lot of discussion, we decided to visit Georgia, a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. My bestie lives in Dubai and with three little ones, Georgia sounded reasonable. It was near to Dubai and there was a three-hour direct flight to Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi. Within a month we planned our itinerary.

The Journey – Tbilisi > Kazbegi

Our Air Arabia flight G9293 from Sharjah, landed in Tbilisi around 16:30 pm. Thankfully, there was no time difference between the cities, so there was no chance of jet lag. Our plan was to drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi straight from the airport. Our driver and guide came to receive us at the airport, loaded our bags in the 7-seater vehicle and we commenced our 3 hour journey. The weather was warm, less humid. We had our warm clothes handy as Kazbegi was going to be cold. After a pit stop for snacks in Tbilisi, we again hit the road. Soon it was dark, the traffic was heavy considering September was a peak tourist season. We saw a huge moon come out of the sky; it was mesmerizing. Most of the road was well built, with some parts being rocky.

As we left behind the beautiful city of Tbilisi, the weather started changing, the traffic was less, but the moon was still with us. It felt as if the moon is travelling with us to Kazbegi. The road slowly became hilly with twists and turns. Some turns were steep. We took another short break to stretch our legs and get some food. I had planned surprises for my bestie and was hoping we reach Kazbegi on time. The journey felt long but the moon made me smile. We could feel the chill in the air and see the silhouettes of the mountains around us. It was dangerously beautiful. Around 20:30 pm we arrived at the famous ‘Rooms’ hotel in Kazbegi.

The Rooms Hotel – Kazbegi

After the check-in formalities, as I entered my room and opened the balcony door, I could see the silhouette and shadow of the huge Caucasus Mountain ranges. The moonlit top of the famous mount Kazbegi was visible in the dark and a sight that cannot be expressed in mere words. The Caucasus ranges were rocky, rough and huge, I felt insignificant in comparison.

The hotel’s design reflected the country’s Asian and European heritage. As you enter the hotel, there is a big lounge and balcony with fireplaces, couch and vintage posters accompanied by the majestic mountain view. This remote retreat was designed by two young Georgian architects. The hotel’s geometric structure with balconies and sun terraces are always facing the mountains. The food menu in the in-house restaurant comprises of traditional Georgian dishes inspired by the mountains.

After we checked-in, within a few hours the clock struck midnight, I surprised my bestie with a cake organised by the hotel and my room decorated with balloons, streamers, flowers, and gifts. She was overwhelmed. After enjoying the delicious chocolate cake and the Georgian wine, we went back to our rooms to get our first night’s sleep. 

Walking around Kazbegi

The next day we wanted to keep it simple and relaxing. We woke up and went for breakfast downstairs. The view was mesmerizing, the breakfast buffet was delicious and worth mentioning the cheese and the yogurt. We had a stomach full of food while enjoying the heartfelt view. Sheer bliss! After breakfast we decided to walk around Kazbegi and explore the town. We walked down to the town centre and then decided to hike to the very famous Maisi restaurant for our lunch.

Kazbegi is also known as Stepantsminda. The hike was steeparound the hills but the scenery kept us going. There was a point when we were exhausted and lost but the lovely locals guided us well. We reached Maisi restaurant.

The hike was worth the location and the home cooked food. Amidst the mountains, we sat having freshly baked bread and Khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread and staple food) and a glass of Georgian wine. Never ever have I tasted such amazing wine. My tiredness from the hike, vanished in no time.

After a sumptuous lunch, we decided to cab it back to the hotel and rest for a bit. In the evening, we dressed up for a birthday dinner at the restaurant in the Rooms hotel itself. We ordered some delicious local dishes and enjoyed the night in a cosy and personal way.

Let’s see Kazbegi

The next day after the same delicious breakfast, we were all set to see Kazbegi. Our driver and guide arrived on time and we commenced our journey. Our first stop was the famous Gergeti Trinity Church. When we had the first glimpse of the church from far away, we knew we are going to have the best experience.

The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri and under the Mount Kazbegi/Kazbek. It is located in the most isolated location, amidst the scenic mountains, which makes it the most visited tourist destination in Kazbegi. As you enter the church, you are welcomed by an air of spirituality and peacefulness. Once you enter, you see people praying, with tears in their eyes and deep emotions in their heart. As I entered, I prayed for a friend, who had recently passed away. For a brief second, I almost felt his presence inside the church, it was the most memorable moment for me. I knew there was some divine presence in that church. After coming out of the church, I felt lighter, happier and at peace.

Next stop was Dariali Monastery Complex located near the Russian-Georgian border. We saw the border and considering the war situation, felt a little scared and a little adventurous. This monastery is beautifully situated by the Dariali Gorge and amidst the mountains. The architecture even though newly built, emulates the feel of ancient monasteries. From the monastery, the view of the mountains is exceptional. After spending some time here, we went to have lunch.

On our way to lunch, we stopped by a river stream, the terek river. The water was chilling yet refreshing. Sitting by the stream of water, alongside my bestie, amidst the Caucasus ranges, felt eternal.

As our car passed the roads surrounding the mountains, the views kept getting better. We soon reached a beautiful, picturesque restaurant named, the ‘Cozy Corner’, Kazbegi. We ordered grilled chicken, lamb, rice and freshly baked local bread, alongside some wine. The food was delicious and the location of the restaurant added to the ambience. Late in the afternoon it was getting cooler as the sun’s rays were becoming soothing than strong. We decided to make one last stop to the ‘Loane Natlismcemeli’ monastery before the kids got tired.

The monastery was amidst the Kazbegi mountain ranges, had a main church and some smaller churches. Tourists often hike to this place, the landscape was ethereal, dangerous yet stunning. Worth our visit. What a magnificent way to end our day.

The next day, it was time for us to leave the serene town and drive off to Tbilisi. We had fallen in love with these majestic mountains, yet every beautiful thing comes to an end. But we were excited to see Tbilisi. So, the journey continues. See you Kazbegi, until next time….promise to come to this place during winter to see a different kind of beauty with the snow covered mountains.