Getting Aroundin Stepantsminda

Transport

Getting around Stepantsminda

Stepantsminda itself is compact enough to walk, although steep gradients make some accommodation less convenient than it appears on a map. The town lies about 157 kilometres north of Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, a drive of roughly three hours in good conditions, though traffic, freight queues, snow and weather can make it considerably longer. Marshrutka minibuses run from Didube station in Tbilisi through the day, most frequently in summer and on a thinner timetable off-season; you pay the driver in cash, seats are not reserved and departures can be dropped when too few passengers show up, so arrive early in peak months. Shared and private taxis cover the same route at higher cost with more flexibility. Gergeti Trinity Church is reached on foot or by a paved access road. Juta, Truso, Sno, Dariali and other regional sights normally require a taxi, private vehicle or organized excursion, and several of those approaches still reward high clearance. Fuel is available in Stepantsminda and at points along the highway, but fill up before long valley excursions rather than assuming a pump nearby.