How to Visit Dariali Monastery from Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Short answer (2026/27): Dariali Monastery stands in the Dariali Gorge about 10 km from Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), at about 1,300 metres above sea level, and it is the first sight for travellers entering Georgia at the Kazbegi–Larsi border crossing. Construction began in 2005, the first church, of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, opened in 2011, and the monastery is open every day. The easiest way to visit is a private car with driver from your hotel in Stepantsminda, priced per whole car, with free waiting while you look around. See drivers and live prices on OrbiTrip’s Kazbegi–Dariali transfer page.

Dariali Monastery at a glance

Where: the Dariali Gorge, about 10 km from Stepantsminda
Altitude: about 1,300 metres above sea level
Location note: the first sight after the Kazbegi–Larsi border crossing
Construction began: in 2005
First church: the Archangels Michael and Gabriel church, opened in 2011
Plan: twelve churches in the complex
Main church: modelled on an 11th-century church in Nikortsminda
Building stone: grey-rose stone with a weathered look
Open: every day

Facts come from Georgia Travel, Georgia.to and Georgian Holidays; checked on 4 November 2026.

Ways to get there compared

Option	Price basis	Door to door	Waiting at the monastery	Combine with other sights
Shared minibus	Per seat	No; services towards the border are not planned around sightseeing	You wait for the next car or minibus	Difficult
Taxi app	Per trip	Yes, if a car is available in Stepantsminda	Usually not included	Hard to find a car for the way back
Private car with driver	Per whole car	Yes, from your hotel	Free	Yes, same driver, free stops

In short: shared transport is priced per seat but is not built for a stop at the monastery, a taxi app works one way but rarely for the return, and a private car is priced per whole car with free waiting and free stops in the gorge.

Why visit Dariali Monastery?

Dariali is one of the newest monasteries in Georgia, and one of the most dramatic in its setting. It sits deep in the Dariali Gorge between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus, close to the border with Russia. If you arrive in Georgia overland at Kazbegi–Larsi, it is literally the first building you see.

Although it is new, it does not feel new. Construction began in 2005 under the guidance of the Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and the main church is modelled on an 11th-century church in Nikortsminda. The architects used grey-rose stone, which gives the walls a weathered, old look. The monks who live here today took part in building and decorating the monastery, and the plan is to have twelve churches in the complex.

What to see

Start with the church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the first church of the complex, which opened in 2011. Look at the stonework and the decoration, much of which the monks made themselves.

Then take your time outside. The monastery is a working community with its own library, cheese production and wine cellar, and the views of the river valley and the mountains around it are some of the best in the gorge. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before photographing the monks.

Who should take a private transfer

Staying in Stepantsminda: a short trip to the monastery with the driver waiting for free.
Combining sights: add Gergeti Trinity Church or a stop elsewhere in the gorge with the same driver; stops are free.
Families and small groups: the price is per whole car, not per person, and a child seat is available on request.
Coming from the capital: you can also go straight from Tbilisi; see the Tbilisi to Dariali route page.
Early or late plans: the price is the same day and night.
Plans not fixed yet: booking is free, there is no prepayment, cancellation is free, and you pay the driver in cash (GEL, USD or EUR) after the ride.

Practical details

Pickup: from your hotel or guesthouse in Stepantsminda; give the exact address when you book.
Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
After you book: the driver confirms the request and sends you his contact, so you know who is coming and can message him.
Meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
Dress code: covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair.
Weather: this is a high mountain gorge, so bring a warm layer and check the weather before you go.
Time: allow about an hour at the monastery, plus the drive.

More in Kazbegi

Dariali fits easily into a day around Stepantsminda. See our Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) travel guide, the Gergeti Trinity Church guide and the Truso Valley day trip guide. To get to the mountains first, read the Tbilisi to Kazbegi transfer guide.

Why travel with OrbiTrip

Free stops on the way: viewpoints, churches or lunch.
Free waiting: take your time at the monastery.
Free cancellation: change plans without penalty.
Same price day and night: early or late, the price is the same.
Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
Reliability: For a confirmed booking, your driver is guaranteed to arrive; any necessary replacement driver is at the same price and with your agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Is the price per person or per car?

Per whole car, not per person.

Do I pay in advance?

No. There is no prepayment; you pay the driver in cash in GEL, USD or EUR after the ride.

Can I cancel?

Yes, cancellation is free.

Is Dariali Monastery old?

No. Construction began in 2005 and the first church opened in 2011, but the main church is modelled on an 11th-century church in Nikortsminda.

Checked on 4 November 2026. Sources: Georgia Travel, Georgia.to and Georgian Holidays.

OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.