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Horse Riding Tours · Stepantsminda

Up to Gergeti on horseback

A 2.5-hour ride from Stepantsminda up to Gergeti Trinity Church, about 2 hours of it in the saddle, with a local guide and a helmet. Pick it instead of the 4x4: a trail through the trees on the way up, the road on the way down, and Kazbek in front of you the whole time.

Horseback Ride to Gergeti Church

About this experience

You meet the guide and the horses in Stepantsminda, at the meeting point the listing calls Horse Riding Kazbeg. Arrive 10 minutes early: the group waits up to 10 minutes after the start, then leaves. Coming by car? The guide helps you find parking. The listing limits the group to 10 riders.

After a short introduction and riding instructions you get a helmet and set off. The way up follows a mountain trail toward Gergeti Trinity Church, at 2,170 m, with Kazbek (5,054 m, per Georgia Travel) and the valley below. You get time at the church for photos, then ride down by a different route along the road. Guests describe it as about half trail through the forest and half road.

No riding experience is needed, but the listing is clear about the ground: steep, narrow and uneven sections up, a long downhill back, so be at ease with heights. Closed-toe shoes with firm soles are required. The guide speaks basic English and Russian, enough for riding instructions. Riders must be 6 or older and 95 kg (209 lbs) or less, and the ride is not recommended for people with serious mobility, balance or back problems.

  • About 2 hours on horseback up to Gergeti Trinity Church
  • A trail up and the road down, two views of the valley
  • Mount Kazbek ahead of you most of the way
  • Calm local horses, no experience needed
  • Helmets and a local guide included

How the day runs

  1. StartStepantsminda

    Meet the guide 10 minutes early. A short introduction and riding tips, then helmets on.

  2. The ride upThe mountain trail

    Steep and narrow in places, through the trees toward the church.

  3. At the topGergeti Trinity Church

    Time for the church and photos, with Kazbek behind it. Ask the guide to take yours.

  4. The ride downBy the road

    A different route back, a long steady downhill.

  5. After 2.5 hoursBack in town

    The ride ends in Stepantsminda.

Gergeti Trinity Church on a green ridge with KazbekMount Kazbek at sunrise

What's included

Included

  • About 2 hours of horseback riding
  • A horse for each rider
  • Helmets
  • Local guide
  • Stop at Gergeti Trinity Church
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Getting to Stepantsminda from Tbilisi: the ride starts in town

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want to reach Gergeti without the 4x4 or the walk
  • You are a beginner who is fine with heights
  • You are staying in Stepantsminda for a night or more
  • You travel with older kids: the minimum age is 6

Skip it if

  • You are on a day trip from Tbilisi: the tour with the 4x4 included gets you up to the church
  • You have back, balance or mobility problems: the listing does not recommend the ride
  • You would rather walk to a waterfall: the Gveleti waterfall hike is a short gorge walk
  • You weigh more than 95 kg: the listing sets that as the limit

What guests say

★★★★★

Amazing, both horses and guides were very kind. We were a group of 5 with no experience with horses but there was no issues at all. The views were quite unbeatable as well. I recommend this strongly if you have the chance!

Nao · Sep 2026
★★★★★

A very nice horseback ride up to the church with a breathtaking view of the valley! Caucasian horses are very different; they have an atypical gait and are guided by voice commands. It's impressive! But there's no need to worry for beginners. Just let them know so that the procession is safe from the start, and everything will be fine! Thank you again for this unique experience!

Alison · Jul 2026
★★★★★

Beautiful and very calm horses, astonishing views and overall fantastic sureal experience!

Martin · May 2026
★★★★★

As an unexperienced rider, it was a experience worth remembering

Ákos · Oct 2026

Tips before you book

  • Come the day before, or stay the night. The listing warns that traffic from Tbilisi is hard to predict.
  • Wear closed shoes with grip. The listing requires them.
  • Tell the guide you are a beginner at the start. Guests say it makes the ride easy from the first minute.
  • Bring a warm layer. Stepantsminda is chilly at altitude, even in summer, per Georgia Travel.
  • Weighing the other ways up? Read our guide to the 4x4 up to Gergeti.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you need riding experience for the Gergeti horseback ride?

No. The listing says no experience is needed, but you should be comfortable with heights, uneven ground and steep mountain paths.

How long is the horseback ride to Gergeti Trinity Church?

About 2.5 hours, with around 2 hours of riding and time at the church.

Is there a weight or age limit for the horse ride?

Yes. The listing sets a maximum rider weight of 95 kg (209 lbs) and a minimum age of 6.

Where does the horse ride to Gergeti start?

In Stepantsminda. Arrive 10 minutes early: the group waits up to 10 minutes after the start, then leaves.

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About two hours on horseback from Stepantsminda up to Gergeti Trinity Church.

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About two hours on horseback from Stepantsminda up to Gergeti Trinity Church.

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