How to Get from Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) to Gveleti Waterfall
Gveleti waterfalls at a glance
- Where: close to Gveleti village, in a side branch of the Dariali Gorge
- Distance: about seven kilometres from Stepantsminda
- Waterfalls: two, a large one and a small one
- Between them: about 750 metres
- Trailhead: a turnoff from the Georgian Military Road
- Way-finding: signposts, and a stone with a red arrow at the fork
- Public transport: none to the trailhead
Facts come from Georgia Travel, Atlas Obscura and TripLinkHub; checked on 4 November 2026.
Ways to get there compared
| Option | Price basis | Door to door | Waiting during the walk | Combine with other sights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public transport | — | No; there is no public transport to the trailhead | — | — |
| Taxi in Stepantsminda | Per trip, agreed on the spot | To the trailhead | Agree it in advance | Only if you arrange it |
| Private car with driver | Per whole car | Yes, from your hotel to the trailhead | Free | Yes, same driver, free stops |
In short: there is no public transport to the falls, a local taxi means agreeing on price and waiting on the spot, and a private car is booked in advance, priced per whole car, with free waiting and free stops elsewhere in the gorge.
Why visit Gveleti waterfalls?
Gveleti is one of the easiest nature walks around Stepantsminda and a great contrast to the busy viewpoint at Gergeti. The falls hide in a narrow side branch of the Dariali Gorge, close to Gveleti village, and you only see them when you are almost there.
The big reward is that there are two waterfalls, not one. The large Gveleti waterfall drops from a steep cliff into a rocky pool, and the small one sits in a shaded canyon about 750 metres away. Seeing both makes a satisfying half-day trip, and the views back over the valley and the Caucasus peaks on the return are a bonus.
What to see on the walk
The trail starts at a turnoff from the Georgian Military Road and is signposted. A dirt track leads up the valley to a fork, where a stone with a red arrow shows the way: the right-hand path goes to the large waterfall, and the left-hand path goes to the small one.
The path to the large waterfall follows a stream, crosses a small footbridge and climbs over rocks, so wear shoes with a good grip. Near the falls the air is cold and damp from the spray. Then go back to the fork and visit the quieter small waterfall before you return to the car.
Who should take a private transfer
- Staying in Stepantsminda: the driver takes you to the trailhead and waits for free while you walk.
- Combining sights: add Dariali Monastery further up the gorge with the same driver; stops are free. See the Kazbegi to Dariali route page.
- Families and small groups: the price is per whole car, not per person, and a child seat is available on request.
- 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.
- Shoes: the last part of the trail is rocky; wear hiking shoes or trainers with a good grip.
- Weather: this is a mountain gorge, so bring a warm, waterproof layer and check the weather before you go.
- Time: allow a couple of hours for both waterfalls, plus the drive.
More in Kazbegi
Gveleti 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 waterfalls.
- 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.
Can I get to Gveleti waterfalls by public transport?
No. There is no public transport to the trailhead; the falls are about seven kilometres from Stepantsminda, so you need a car to reach the start of the trail.
Checked on 4 November 2026. Sources: Georgia Travel, Atlas Obscura and TripLinkHub.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.