Georgian Military Road runs between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz via main range of Kavkasioni (gorge of river Darial). The road stretches some 208 km and today is one of the segments of European expressway 117. Darial road (under this moniker it was mentioned by Greek historian Strabo and Roman naturalist Pliny in I c.) was known from the times immemorial. By means of this road Georgia established political, economic and cultural relationships with its Northern neighbors. Using this road, David Aghmashenebeli (the Builder) resettled Kipchak tribe in Georgia (1118-1120), through this road Tergdaleulebi made a major coup in a domestic life of XIX c. Georgia.

In different times Georgian Military Road was the source of inspiration for Pushkin, Lermontov, Griboedov, Mayakovski and other outstanding figures.

The biggest part of the Georgian segment of the road crosses the territory of Kazbegi municipality. Its administrative center, settlement of Stepantsminda, ancient town and the most important center of Georgia’s historical and geographic region – Khevi, is located in the foot of mountain Mkinvartsveri (5033 m) known under sobriquet ‘Khevi Bride’.

Mkinvartsveri is traditionally the first important peak for the Georgian mountain climbers. On the mountain, from the side of Gergeti glacier, on the altitude of 3680 m, is located meteorological station where mountaineers enjoy a shelter. A visitor is amazed to see an artificial Bethlehem cave inside 80 m rocky wall on the altitude of 4100 m that was used as a site of worship for centuries as well as a vault for safe-keeping sacred religious items and treasures. There are numerous mineral water springs on the territory

of municipality. There are many spots with Narzantype mineral water outlets in the gorges of rivers Bidari, Truso and Ukhati. Stepantsminda itself also belongs to

the resort areas. In 1976, aiming at protection and distribution of flora and fauna of Khevi, Kazbegi Preserve was founded. Preserve nearly stripped of forests is a natural habitat of rare species, like East-Caucasus goat, antelope, wild goat, brown bear and others. On the territory of Preserve are distributed also birds from the ‘Red List’ of Georgia: gyps, Caucasus black cock, Caucasus snowcock, bearded vulture, mountain eagle and others.

 

1. Stepantsminda and Mkinvartsveri.

2. In Kazbegi Municipality, near village of Juta, in summer eco-tourist camp ‘Zeta’ (2300 m) is being operated. To the South from the camp is situated Chaukhi mountainous

massif interesting for mountaineers and mountain tourists. Chaukhi peaks are not high but technically very difficult to tackle. From ‘Zeta’ walking paths cross over to the

North through Kibishi pass to the Eastern Kavkasioni’s beautiful Khde gorge; through Bursachiri pass you can get to Gudamakari gorge; Khevsureti is situated beyond the

South-Eastern Roshki pass.

 

Location: right bank of river Tergi’s upper flow, central part of Greater Kavkasioni, foothill of mountain Kazbegi

Distance: 150 km away from Tbilisi

Sea level: 1880 m

Landscape: mountainous

Climate: middle mountain (upper belt), winter cold, dry, with stable snow cover, mean temperature in January -5,2 degrees centigrade; summer cool, mean temperature in

August 14,4 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 786 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 72%

Duration of annual sunny light: 2232 h

Natural treatment factors: middle mountain upper belt climate and carbohydrate, chloride-hydro-carbonate, calciumsodium mineral waters with general mineralization 1,5-2

g/dm3, on the left bank of river Tergi, 2 km away from Stepantsminda downtown, in the settlement of Pansheti

Types of treatment: passive climate therapy, mineral water drinking

Diseases for treatment: cardiovascular, respiratory, alimentary tract and nervous system diseases, iron-deficit anemia.