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Date of the journey:- October 2019
Distance travelled:- 85 miles
From Mtskheta, we were heading back up into the mountains, to the town of Stepantsminda. Travelling from Mtskheta to Stepantsminda on public transport meant that we had to go into Tbilisi first. Leaving Hotel Magdalena, we walked back up to the main street to get a marshrutka into the Tbilisi Didube marshrutka terminal. A 20-minute journey, costing 0.75 GEL per person.
Tip
Do not confuse the Didube marshrutka terminal with the Didube Bus Terminal. They are not the same and are in different locations. The marshrutka terminal is adjacent to the Didube Metro station. The Bus Terminal is adjacent to Didube Train Station. They are 500m apart.
On arrival at the Didube marshrutka terminal, we easily found the marshrutka bound for Stepantsminda. The 2 hr 45-minute journey to Stepantsminda cost 10 GEL per person.
Following the traditional route used by invaders and traders throughout the ages. The Georgian Military Road runs the 220 kilometres between Tbilisi in Georgia and Vladikavkaz in Russia.
Passing the Zhinvali dam and reservoir. Before going through the town of Pasanauri and then onto Mtiuleti. Following the Tetri Aragvi River. Climbing up the mountain past the large concrete Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument. Built in 1983 to commemorate relations between the two countries and the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk. After the monument is the ski resort of Gudauri. Overdeveloped, with at least half a dozen large hotels under construction. Over the Jvari Pass at an altitude of 2,379 meters (7,815 feet), it gives a clear view of Mount Kazbek and Stepantsminda.
The marshrutka stops at the Kazbegi Bus Stop in Stepantsminda. Our accommodation, the Baqari Inn, booked through Booking.com, was a 10 min walk away.