The Truso Valley Hike | A Scenic & Special Day Trip From Kazbegi Georgia
The scenic Truso Valley makes for an excellent day trip from the adorable mountain village of Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) Georgia. The best way to experience the gorge trail is to take the generally flat hike, which follows along a dirt road and the beautiful Terek River.
Hikers will appreciate this valley filled with other worldly formations, abandoned hamlets, vividly colored mineral water springs, and dramatic mountains. Casually stroll past not one, but two monasteries. The grand finale of the Truso Valley is the crumbling hilltop fortress of Zakagori, where you can find friendly Georgian border guards. The end of the hike marks the border of occupied South Ossetia, where curious eyes can see Russian tents not too far off in the distance.
Included in this Truso Valley hike travel guide is a map with highlights of this gentle gorge hike, how to reach the Truso Valley from Kazbegi, tips about visiting the Zakagori Fortress, and the total cost to hike in the Truso Gorge.
Here’s how to enjoy a scenic day trip to the Truso Valley from Kazbegi.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Truso Valley Hike Map & Logistics
- How to Reach Truso Valley from Kazbegi
- Kazbegi Travel Guide
- The Stunning Truso Valley Hike to Zakagori Fortress
- Zakagori Fortress
- Cost of the Truso Valley Hike
- Truso Valley Hike | Scenic & Worthwhile Day Trip from Kazbegi
✈ Georgia Itinerary Planning | 3 Adventurous Weeks in Georgia
Truso Valley Hike Map & Logistics
This trail map follow along the dirt road. However, it’s possible to hike on the opposite side of the Terek River, past the Abano Mineral Lake. The trail begins near Truso Camping & Cafe and will meet up with the road near the St. 12th Apostles Fathers Monastery. To make the most of the day trip, take one route on the way to the Fortress, and the alternative on the way back.
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail.
Truso Valley Hike Details
- Out & Back Trail
- The start of the trail-head is in the tiny village of Kvemo Okrokana
- Difficulty: Easy, the trail is mostly flat and follows along a dirt road
- Total Mileage: A little over 12 miles
- One-way Mileage: Around 6 miles
- Excursion Duration: 4 – 6 hours
- Trail Markers: The trail is very trafficked, and look for the red and white markets along the route
- Truso Valley Day Hiking Essentials
- First-Aid Kit
- Water & Snacks
- Trekking Poles, if you love them
- Hiking Shoes or Trail Runners
- Layered Clothing and possibly a rain jacket
- Small bills for food or beverages along the route
🥾 Personal Hiking Notes | It took me around 4 hours in to complete the Truso Valley hike. I hiked out, climbed around the fortress, and over halfway on my return, I hitched a ride back to the taxi that was waiting for me
The hike follows a dirt road. As the hike becomes more popular, the cars that share the road will also increase. The good news about the car traffic is, it is possible to hitch a ride out or back if you are pressed on time.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
How to Reach Truso Valley from Kazbegi
The Truso Valley trailhead is past the Kobi Cable Car in the village of Kvemo Okrokana. Most taxis or shuttles will drop at the start of the trailhead. The valley is only a 15 mile drive from Kazbegi and turns off the main Georgian Military Highway that connects Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and beyond into Russia.
By Shuttle
Two companies run shuttles from Kazbegi to the start of the Truso Valley trailhead in Kvemo Okrokana.
Mountain Freaks
Mountain Freaks, which is located a block before the Kazbegi bus stand, offers two daily shuttles from April 15 – October 31. Their shuttle bus departs in front of their shop, here. During the high season, it is essential to stop-in or call to book the shuttle at least two days in advance. There are only 7 seats on the shuttle bus and they fill up fast! The shuttle bus needs a minimum of 3 passengers to run daily.
🚌 Shuttle Logistics | Kazbegi to Truso Valley Trailhead | Round-Trip Ticket Cost: 45 GEL ($15 USD) | Shuttle Times: 9:00 (Return at 16:00) / 11:00 (Return at 18:00) | Duration: +/ – 40 minutes from Kazbegi office to the Truso Gorge trailhead | Verify the shuttle schedule for Mountain Freaks here
Mountain Travel Agency (MTA)
Mountain Travel Agency (MTA) is located across the street from the Tourist Information Center in Kazbegi and also offers one daily shuttle. I could not personally connect with them, but their Facebook page provides detailed information about their shuttle buses and contact information.
🚌 Shuttle Logistics | Kazbegi to Truso Valley Trailhead | Departure Location: 28 Kazbegi street Round-Trip Ticket Cost: 25 GEL ($8.50 USD) | Shuttle Times: 10:00
By Taxi
If all of the shuttles full, it’s possible to take a taxi to the Truso Valley trailhead. The encouraging news is that if all the shuttles are booked, there will more than likely be other people to share a ride to the Truso Valley. The taxi stand is located right in front of the Tourist Information Center. The taxi drivers will drop off at Kvemo Okrokana and wait for you until your return.
🚌 Taxi Logistics | Kazbegi to Truso Valley Trailhead | Standard Cost: 90 GEL ($30.25 USD) | Try to find fellow travelers to split the cost
Useful Tips on Kazbegi Taxis
☛ Travel Tip | It is encouraged to barter with the taxi drivers
Be clear when negotiating with the taxi drivers. There were some discrepancies with the time-frame. In my opinion, it’s best to negotiate by hours and not specific times.
Taking a taxi allows for more flexibility and time to explore. Also, it was a bonus to hike in a smaller group, rather than being dropped off with the larger shuttle crowd. Due to our smaller group, we were able to interact with the border guards in a more personal manner.
Kazbegi Travel Guide
Visiting Truso Valley is best done as a day trip from Kazbegi, or Stepantsminda. While the mountain town is officially named Stepantsminda, it is commonly still referenced as Kazbegi. There are many things to do in Kazbegi, like hiking to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, or continuing onto the Gergeti Glacier. The small village has authentic places to eat and it is best to spend a few days exploring the area.
Kazbegi also offers many desirable day trips, like the Truso Valley, Juta Valley, or the Dariali Gorge.
➜ Find the best places to stay in Stepantsminda
Popular places to sleep in Kazbegi include: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi and Vache Hotel. Personally, I loved the hospitality and coziness at Guesthouse Ketino Sujashvili.
The Stunning Truso Valley Hike to Zakagori Fortress
A hike through the Truso Valley engages all the sense. Expect to smell sulfur wafting throughout the in the air. See the vividly colored mineral rich springs dotting the landscape. Walk alongside shepherds herding their sheep; their cracking whips echo throughout the whole valley, bouncing off the barren mountains.
Walking through this valley is like stepping back in time. Pass by outdated vehicles. I couldn’t help but wonder if they even work anymore, or if they ever did. Look for a man selling herbal tea along the route near Ketrisi, encouraging you to sip the warm beverage and contemplate what life was like here, not too long ago. It’s easy to get lost in the silence, the deafening void of abandonment.
After the village, cross a bridge and follow along past a small St. 12th Apostles Fathers Monastery. Farther up the road, find the Abano Monastery. Soon, the distant views of the Zakagori Fortress will come into view.
Zakagori Fortress
Zakagori Fortress sits perched on a hilltop, and the crumbling structure seems to be the perfect contrast to the grand, towering mountains. Upon arrival to the Zakagori Fortress, it’s impossible to miss the Georgia border guards keeping a watchful eye below the hill in the stone ruins. The border guards are armed with large guns, and a jovial dog keeps them company.
At first, the border guards can seem intimidating, but then they warm up, ever so slightly. I brought my passport, but was not asked to show it. They may inquire where you came from. Our accents were enough validation, and we were permitted to climb around the ruins.
The views from the top of the fortress are incredible. Don’t be alarmed if some of the guards unobtrusively follow behind. They are working, and patrolling the border along South Ossetia. They also enjoy practicing their English.
On an interesting side note, it is possible to look out in the not so far distance and see Russian soldiers patrolling the area. It is quite bizarre to see their tents pitched farther out in the valley. As the area becomes more touristy, I am curious to see how the border situation will continue to unfold.
It is forbidden to walk further into the occupied Russian territory without a permit
Etiquette With Border Guards
The Border Guards do have large guns draped around their shoulders and dressed in military uniforms. Upon our arrival, I asked for a photo. I mean, a man standing with the wilderness backdrop and a rifle slung around his neck would make an excellent photo. His reply was a gruff “NO,” but I figured it best to ask.
The guards became quite friendly with us as we walked around the fortress. They were curious, and were wanting to practice their English. Eventually, they asked if they could take photos with us. I am sure it is interesting for them to see people from all over the world that are starting to visit this beautiful region in Georgia.
Cost of Truso Valley Hike
The Truso Valley hike is a super budget friendly day trip from Kazbegi. It’s free to walk the simple trail and visit the fortress. There was a man selling tea in Ketrisi and sometimes the monastery sells items like wine “by donation.”
| EXPENSES | GEL “Lari” (ლ ) | USD ($) |
| Taxi to Truso Valley Trailhead (Divided by 3) | 90 ლ (Personal Cost 30 GEL) | $30.25 (Personal Cost $10) |
The Truso Valley hike can be done for as little as $10 per person!
Truso Valley Hike | Scenic & Worthwhile Day Trip from Kazbegi
In conclusion, hiking the Truso Valley makes for a terrific day trip from Kazbegi. With two shuttles and plenty of keen taxi drivers, it is fairly straightforward to reach the trailhead near the abandoned village of Kvemo Okrokana.
The Truso Valley hike itself is mostly flat, but incredibly diverse, creating feelings of nostalgia from a time not too far gone. The dirt road can be a little distracting, but it also offers the possibility to hitchhike back to where the taxi is waiting. Marvel in the scenery, pass by the colorful water springs, a mineral lake, and hike up the hilltop fortress. Chat with the border guards, but most importantly, allow yourself to be transported back in time through the simplicity of the deserted valley.
Have you visited Truso Valley? Did you love the unique Truso Valley hike it as much as I did? How did you feel about this magical valley? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
Hi Megs! Super helpful post! I plan to do this hike this September. Just wanted to ask what time did you start from the trailhead? Thank you.
Thanks Ron! I believe I arrived to the trailhead around 9:30 a.m. I was back in the afternoon to catch a late lunch during a festival! Enjoy Truso Valley!
Hi Megs. me and my wife planing to visit next week(20 Oct). Just wondering how the weather look like in October?
Hey Kinan- Thanks for reading and I absolutely love the Kazbegi region! I completed this hike the end of September and had no problems, but the weather in the mountains is constantly changing. A super resourceful group that came in handy to me is: https://www.facebook.com/caucasustrekking/
Hikers share up to date information, trail closures, weather updates, road closures, and even people looking for hiking buddies or sharing cars/taxis.
Enjoy!
hi Meg,
Did you encounter/see any Shepard dogs during your hike in the valley. What are the chances of tourist/hikers running into them. I’ve read they can be very aggressive and territorial. Any tips or advice?
Hey Dan-
I did encounter shepherd dogs on the trail in Truso Valley, but I was fortunate that they were with their shepherds and not aggressive. Most shepherd dogs will almost always have a shepherd… always wait until you see the shepherd before proceeding. In Truso Valley, I had no aggressive encounters with dogs. The border control usually has a dog and it’s pretty friendly.
I did encounter some rogue shepherd dogs in the nearby Juta Valley. On that route, I had to detour around one. Never turn your back to them…. back-up moving backwards and reroute with caution.
There was another one in Juta Valley that would not back down, but luckily it was near the passport checkpoint and the soldiers offer to give me a lift to avoid him, which was an experience in itself. The dog had broken off of a metal chain and it was dangling around its neck and wandered far from its home.
Truso Valley is quite trafficked, especially with the daily shuttles from Kazbegi. If riding the shuttle, you will be hiking in a small group. Never hike alone.
Enjoy Georgia & Safe Travels