Must-See Pit Stops from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi

There are four must-see pit stops to visit along the way from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). The quaint village of Sighnaghi, is the perfect hamlet to discover the Kakheti Wine Region. In the north of Georgia lies the dramatic mountainous village of Kazbegi. What lies between these two destinations is an epic and diverse “mini road trip.”

This day trip itinerary starts in the arid wine village of Sighnaghi. From there, it winds past multiple wine cellars (maranis), a monastery that was heavily influenced by wine, a fortress complex, and a controversial Soviet monument. Take the opportunity to explore dusty and quiet country roads that spiral all the way up the mountains in Northern Georgia.

So, savor those views, rock out with an epic playlist, and enjoy an eventful day exploring these must-see pit stops from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi.

Table of Contents

• Itinerary Practicalities: Sighnaghi to Kazbegi
• Schuchmann Wines Chateau
• Ikalto Monastery
• Ananuri Fortress Complex
• Gudauri Friendship Monument
• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
• Where to Sleep in Kazbegi
• Must-See Pit Stops from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi

Itinerary Practicalities: Sighnaghi to Kazbegi

There is more than one route to take from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi. We opted for the scenic route that bypasses Tbilisi, and instead went through the heart of the Kakheti Wine Region. This passes another famous wine village, Telavi, and follows the road north all the way to Kazbegi.

The countryside is breathtaking and this mini road trip has a diverse range of activities. This specific itinerary includes: Schuchmann Wine Chateau, Ikalto Monastery, Ananuri Fortress Complex, and the Gudauri Friendship Monument.

Driving Practicalities: Sighnaghi to Kazbegi

• Route Mileage: Just over 150 miles
• Drive Time: Approximately 5 hours with no stops.
• Personal Schedule:
  • Left the village of Sighnaghi @ 9:15
  • Arrival into Kazbegi @ 18:00
  • We took our time and enjoyed the pit stops, making this lazy trip about 9 hours.

Car Rental Tip: It is seriously handy to rent a car with 4 wheel drive. The twisty roads are steep. In my humble opinion, I think it’s an essential feature on any rental car for any of the roads in Georgia, especially for those wishing to explore outside of Tbilisi.

Schuchmann Wines Chateau

In the tiny village of Kisiskhevi, right before Telavi, sits the beautiful Schuchmann Wine Chateau.

The Chateau is peaceful and has lovely manicured grounds. The modern facilities are “state of the art,” but have that homey traditional Georgian feel. Behind the gates of the chateau, find rolling vineyards and restaurant with a lovely terrace. There’s also a hotel with an inviting pool, and believe it or not, a wine spa. Don’t miss the chance to stock up on wine and chacha from the wine shop, conveniently located near the exit.

Practical Info About Schuchmann Wines Chateau

This was a great place to stop for an hour or two to enjoy some wine and some Georgian food with contemporary flair. If you really want to “unwine” and slow down, there’s an opportunity to sleep here and enjoy the spa.

Wine Tasting at Schuchmann Wines Chateau

Schuchmann’s offers wine tastings, but please note that the wine connoisseur is usually not available before noon. If you arrive before that, it’s totally acceptable to have some generous wine pours at the breakfast buffet. It’s never too early for a glass of Kakheti wine!

The chateau offers both the traditional and European methods of wine. There are even some fun sparkling wines to taste if they’re in-stock. Unfortunately, we missed out on sampling these unique bubbles. Don’t refuse the free shot of chacha. If the sommeliers are pouring, take the opportunity to explore their wine portfolios through a tasting. Without reservations, it’s possible to try up to seven wines.

Reservations are required for any tastings above seven wines.

Revisit: Two Days Sipping Wine in Sighnaghi.

Schuchmann’s Hotel & Wine Spa

Want to try something a little different? Stay at the hotel and relax at the onsite Wine Spa. Located in the Chateau, the spa specializes in therapeutic wine treatments that use natural ingredients straight from the vineyard. Massages and wine treatments include access to the sauna.

A discount is applied at the spa for all guests sleeping at the Chateau. The more nights you sleep, the higher the discount code.

Don’t forget about the free wine tasting and the breakfast buffet included in the room price!

Check out availability for rooms and villas at Schuchmann Wine Chateau here!

Driving Practicalities: Sighnaghi to Schuchmann’s

• Distance from Sighnaghi: 40 Miles
• Drive Time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • This is a paved, main road from Sighnaghi to Schuchmann Wine Chateau.

Schuchmann’s is a little less advertised and off the main road. It can be found on google maps when driving. Arrive at a large gate, and be let in by the security guard.

Other Options on the Wine Route

On this route, there are multiple opportunities to visit a plethora of vineyards and Marani’s (wine-cellars). Look for the brown and white signage on the “wine route.” The road is well marked with these strategically placed signs, but because of the endless options, it’s best to have a loose itinerary.

Ikalto Monastery

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Ikalto Monastery has to be my favorite monastery in Georgia. Find it only 12 miles from the Schuchmann Wine Chateau on the road from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi.

Look for the ancient wine press and the many traces of traditional wine-making customs. There are remnants of old qvevri embedded in the ground, and it’s interesting to walk around the ancient clay containers. The qvevri range in size, and there’s a noticable contrast between all of these old vessels. The jars are scattered all around the grounds, almost as if it is a “qvevri graveyard.”

The main church was built sometime between the 8th and 9th century, but there are other small acient ruins throughout the grounds. Walking through these deserted grounds trasports you back in time.

Depending upon interest, it’s easy to spend as little as 15 minutes or over an hour and half wandering the small, but lovely grounds.

Practical Info About Ikalto Monastery

• Cost: It’s absolutely FREE to wander around the lovely Monastery grounds.
• Hours:
  • Daily 9:00- 18:00

Useful Tip: Watch for the older women selling hand-made knitted goodies in the parking lot. It’s quite a bit cooler in Kazbegi, so a warm wool hat can really come in handy! An awesome and practical souvenir for under $5, and it goes to the women actually making the products.

Driving Practicalities: Schuchmann’s to Ikalto Monastery

• Distance from Schuchmann Wine Chateau: 12.5 miles
  • Drive Time: 30 minutes, depending on traffic around Telavi

• Distance from Sighnaghi: 45 Miles
  • Drive Time: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes

Ananuri Fortress Complex

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Located on the Zhinvali Reservoir, the Ananuri Fortress Complex is another worthy pit stop from Kazbegi to Sighnaghi. It seems to be the “place” where every indiviual and tour company takes a quick pit-stop. Inside the fortress are two churches. Look for the faded frescoes still on the wall. One of the best highlights of the fortress is the multiple viewpoints.

Looking out into the Reservoir, it’s possible to see older rooftops that were claimed by the flooding reservoir. On a sunny day, the coloring of the Reservoir provides a breathtaking backdrop to the warm rich colors of the fortress. Scramble and climb around on the old walls. There’s no ledge or handrails, so be mindful of footing when climbing on the unpredictable stone walls.

Ananuri Fortress Complex is on the tentative submission list for a future UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t expect the same serenity as the previous Ikalto Monastery; however, it is worth a stop to wander around. The lighting is great in the afternoon sunlight

Depending upon interests, it’s reasonable to spend 30 minutes to over an hour here. If hungry there’s plenty of options for quick bite to eat. Plan on at least another 30 minutes if ordering fast food.

Practical Info About the Ananuri Fortress Complex

• Cost: It’s absolutely FREE to wander around the Ananuri Fortress Complex
• Hours:
  • Daily: 9:00- 20:00
• There is a public bathroom available for a small fee just outside the fortress.

This is an extremely popular pit stop, and almost gives off the vibe of a “rest stop.” It is a beloved break for bus and taxi drivers making their way to Kazbegi from either the wine region or Tbilisi. With that being said, there are plenty of vendors selling snacks, drinks, goodies, clothing, and even a food truck.

Driving Practicalities: Ikalto Monastery to Ananuri Fortress Complex

• Distance from Ikalto Monastery: A little over 50 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

• Distance from Sighnaghi: 100 Miles
  • Drive Time: Around 3 hours and 15 minutes

Driving Tip: It’s important to note this road can be a little bumpy, but easily manageable with a 4-wheel drive vehicle! Although a little longer, this route is incredibly scenic and worth the extra effort.

Taking the alternative route back towards Tbilisi means sacrificing Schuchmann’s and the Ikalto Monastery, my two favorite pit stops from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi.

Gudauri Friendship Monument

The Gudauri Friendship Monument is a typical, bright mosaic covered, Soviet style monument. It was given to Georgia as a gift from the Russians. The colorful monument is meant to honor the years of friendship between the Georgians and the Russians. Kind of ironic since Russia is still occupying two large sections of the country Georgia. Interestingly enough, the Soveits have even gone as far as to name it the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, a name not willingly acknowledged by the Georgians.

The Gudauri Friendship Monument has mixed reviews. It can be appreciated for its colorful mosaics, but a lot of people declare it an eye-sore to an otherwise breathtaking vista of the mountains. Whatever your take is, the scenery is beautiful and something about this region feels magical.

Practical Info About the Friendship Monument

• Cost: FREE to wander about the Friendship Monument.
• Parking: It does cost to park at the ticketed gate.
  • Because of this, we skipped the actual parking lot. I can not verify if there are parking fees.
  • I did see people parking outside of the lot along the street.
• Hours: 24 hours
  • Views and lighting are best at sunrise to the sunset.

Useful Tips

This Monument has become a popular pit-stop. Due to the crowds, we skipped the parking lot next to the monument and headed further up the hill. Drive past the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument and look for some empty pull offs a little further up the hill towards Kazbegi. The views of the valley are stunning, and only one other car parked next to us. We didn’t get up close to the monument, but we could appreciate it from afar. The best part was that the view panoramic view was a higher perspective.

We spent about 15 minutes taking photos, as the rain and clouds had started to cover the valley. Also, it’s important to watch the time. Darkness sweeps into the valley quickly.

In this area there are many companies offering paragliding, so if this peaks your interest arrive earlier, or set-up an appointment for a later date.

Speaking of Occupied Georgia….

One occupied section, South Ossetia, is relatively close to Kazbegi. It’s possible to actually hike to the occupied border in the Truso Valley. It makes as a nice day trip from Kazbegi, but be prepared to see border guards not letting visitors pass the crumbling Zakagori Fortress.

Driving Practicalities: Ananuri Fortress Complex to Gudauri Friendship Monument

• Distance from Ananuri Fortress Complex: 38 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Prepare for heavy traffic near the parking lot of the Monument.

• Distance from Sighnaghi: 135 Miles
  • Drive Time: Around 4 hours and 15 minutes

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

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Kazbegi is an epic home-base to do some jaw-dropping and diverse hikes. There is a chance to hike to Gergeti Trinity Church, probably one of Georgia’s most iconic images. With Mt. Kazbek towering in the backdrop, the church lures tourists and day trippers alike. If feeling adventurous, head past the church to the Gergeti Glacier.

From Kazabegi, there’s many worthwhile day trip options. A memorable day trip is to head to the nearby Truso Valley. In the valley, find otherworldly coloring, an abandoned fortresses, shepherds herding their sheep, and border guards on post at the border of South Ossetia.

Another easy day trip is to head to Juta, a small hamlet that boasts the lovely “Georgian Dolomites.” From here, adventure hikers should include the two day hike from Juta to Roshka via the Chaukhi pass.

As night falls, Kazbegi returns to being a sleepy village and the day trippers head back to Tbilisi. Kazbegi is incredibly special and one of my favorite regions in Georgia.

Travel Planning: Discover the highlights of Georgia with this 3 week itinerary

Driving Practicalities: Gudauri Friendship Monument to Kazbegi

• Distance from Gudauri Friendship Monument: 18 miles
  • Drive Time: 30 minutes, without stopping for photos and with no traffic in Kazbegi.

• Distance from Sighnaghi: 155 Miles
  • Drive Time: 5 hours with no fun pit-stops!

Where to Sleep In Kazbegi

Stay at Guesthouse Ketino Sujashvili in Kazbegi. Vera, the house mama, offers probably some of the best hospitality I had throughout my whole month in Georgia. She was up early cleaning, cooking homemade breakfast, and helping with itinerary planning. There is the benefit to store luggage for no additional cost. Vera even offers showers after check-out, and she really is just the sweetest. Seriously, stay here.

The property is a guesthouse with a kitchen in the downstairs. There are dorms and private rooms. A complimentary coffee and tea station are set up all day in the living room, another bonus of staying here. The guesthouse has two wonderful terraces, each with a different view. Mt. Kazbegi can usually be seen in the morning when it is in its full glory, avoiding the clouds.

Vera makes a traditional Georgia breakfast and it is a true feast. The food is delicious, and is a great value for the money. She allows you to take the leftovers for lunch on hikes. I never had to purchase any sort of lunch with Vera’s breakfast. The breakfast usually includes: fresh bread, eggs, tomato, veggies, cheese, homemade khinkali, and the best pancakes with yummy jam.

• Breakfast is 15 GEL ($5), but with the option to take leftovers for lunch, it’s worth every penny.

Check the availability for Guesthouse Ketino Sujashvili here.

Must-See Pit Stops From Sighnaghi to Kazbegi

The drive between Sighnaghi to Kazbegi was such a memorable, but jam-packed day of adventures. From sipping on wine, visiting a peaceful wine monastery, climbing walls at a beautiful fortress, and viewing a unique monument. Lets not forget about savoring the delightful scenery all the way into Kazbegi.

Find a way to rent a car, or do as I did, and hitch a ride with new companions that were met along the way. Adventuring with new travel friends can be one of the greatest rewards of the journey.

Georgia is such a beautiful and diverse country, make the effort to get off the beaten track and explore. This day of exploring the above must-see pit stops was one of my most sporadic, but memorable days in Georgia.

The rewards far outweighs the hassles

Have you visited Sighnaghi and Kazbegi in Georgia? Did you get to explore along this route from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi? Are these must-see pit stops included on your itinerary? Am I missing anything that you absolutely loved along this route? Let me know in the comments below!

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