Gveleti Waterfalls Walk in the Dariali Gorge
A short, rocky walk up a side gorge of the Dariali to two waterfalls, the bigger one about 25 m high. About 4 km return with both falls, roughly 280 m of ascent and 1.5 to 2 hours, 15 minutes by car from Stepantsminda.
Gveleti WaterfallPhoto: georgia.travelNorth of Stepantsminda the Tergi river cuts through the granite walls of the Dariali gorge on its way into Russia. Just before the gorge closes in, a small stream drops into it from the east past the hamlet of Gveleti, and a path follows that stream up to two waterfalls. It is the shortest proper walk in the Kazbegi area and a good plan for an arrival afternoon, a rest day, or a morning when cloud hides Kazbek and there is no point climbing for the view.
The first part is easy: a dirt track and then a path beside the stream, crossing it on a small footbridge. At a fork, a short branch leads to the Small Gveleti Waterfall. The main path carries on to the Big Gveleti Waterfall, which drops about 25 m off a sheer cliff into a pool of boulders. The last ten minutes or so climb steeply over rocks, roots and rough steps. That final section is the only real effort, and the reason we tell parents to keep small children close.
On our scale it is a 1: under 300 m of climbing and well under 3 hours. Combine it with Dariali Monastery, 4 km further up the main road, for a half day, or with the walk to Gergeti Trinity Church for a full and varied day.
Highlights
- The Big Gveleti Waterfall dropping about 25 m into a boulder pool
- The quieter Small Gveleti Waterfall on a short side branch
- Granite walls of the Dariali gorge on the drive in
- Easy pairing with Dariali Monastery, the last stop before the border
Trail facts
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
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Stage by stage
| Day | From → to | Distance | Up | Down | Hours | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gveleti bridge on the Military Road → Fork below the falls | ~0.8 km | ~+80 m | −0 m | 0.25 h | ~1,640 m |
| 1 | Fork → Small Gveleti Waterfall and back to the fork | ~0.8 km | ~+50 m | ~−50 m | 0.25-0.5 h | ~1,700 m |
| 1 | Fork → Big Gveleti Waterfall | ~0.8 km | ~+150 m | −0 m | 0.25-0.5 h | ~1,850 m |
| 1 | Big Gveleti Waterfall → Gveleti bridge | ~1.6 km | +0 m | ~−230 m | 0.5 h | ~1,850 m |
01Bridge to the forkGveleti bridge on the Military Road → Fork below the falls · ~0.8 km · 0.25 h
Leave the main road at the bridge and follow the dirt track east into the side valley, past a few houses. The track narrows into a path beside the stream. Watch for loose stones and for the occasional car that still drives the first part.
01Detour to the Small Gveleti WaterfallFork → Small Gveleti Waterfall and back to the fork · ~0.8 km · 0.25-0.5 h
The left branch reaches the smaller fall in 5 to 10 minutes. It is a quiet spot and often has nobody else there. Return to the fork the same way.
01Fork to the Big Gveleti WaterfallFork → Big Gveleti Waterfall · ~0.8 km · 0.25-0.5 h
The main path crosses the stream on a small footbridge and climbs through trees, then steepens over boulders and roots for the final stretch. You come out in a rocky bowl at the foot of the fall, where spray drifts across the stones. Stay on the dry rocks and away from the base of the cliff.
01Back to the roadBig Gveleti Waterfall → Gveleti bridge · ~1.6 km · 0.5 h
Go back down the same path. Take the steep rocky part slowly: it is more awkward going down than up, especially when wet.
Practical information
Getting there
There is no bus to the trailhead. Take a taxi or 4x4 from the main square in Stepantsminda north along the Military Road toward the Dariali border post, about 7 km and 10 to 15 minutes. A return trip with the driver waiting at the bridge was usually 30 to 50 GEL per car in 2026 (around $11 to $19); add about 20 GEL if you also want to stop at Dariali Monastery. Walking along the road from town is not recommended: it carries a constant stream of heavy trucks heading to and from Russia and there is no pavement. To get to Stepantsminda from Tbilisi in the first place, the Didube minibus was 15 to 20 GEL a seat in 2026 (roughly $6 to $7).
Getting back
Return to the bridge on the same path, then drive back to Stepantsminda. Arrange the waiting time or a pick-up with your driver before you leave, because empty taxis rarely pass this stretch of road.
Water
Bring a bottle from Stepantsminda; there is nothing to buy at the trailhead. The stream beside the path looks clean but flows past pasture, so treat it before drinking.
Phone signal
Usually a signal on the main road at the bridge. In the narrow side gorge near the falls it drops in and out.
Nearest help
Dial 112. Stepantsminda, with its clinic and police, is 10 to 15 minutes back down the road. The walk is short enough that a slightly injured walker can normally be helped back to the car.
Permits
No permit and no entry fee in 2026. The trailhead is on the road to the Russian border crossing at Dariali, so carry your passport in case of a police check, and do not photograph border or security installations further up the road.
Gear and safety
What to bring
- Shoes with a good grip; trainers are fine in dry weather, light boots after rain
- Light rain jacket: the spray at the big fall soaks you on windy days
- Warm layer, as the gorge is shady and cool even in summer
- Water and a snack
- Passport
Stay safe
- Rocks near both falls are wet and slippery all year. Do not climb on the boulders below the big fall or stand right under it: stones can fall from the cliff.
- After heavy rain or at peak snowmelt the stream rises fast; turn back if the path is flooded.
- Do not walk along the Military Road from Stepantsminda. Heavy trucks use it all day and there is no verge in places.
- Winter: the falls freeze and the path becomes a sheet of ice. Do not go without spikes and local advice.
- Emergency number: 112.
- Shortest: skip the small fall and go straight to the big one, about 3 km return and an hour on foot.
- Half day: add Dariali Monastery, about 4 km further north on the main road, for 30 to 45 minutes. Keep your passport handy and turn round before the checkpoint.
- Full day: walk up to Gergeti Trinity Church in the morning and visit Gveleti in the afternoon when cloud builds on Kazbek.
- Bigger walk: the Truso valley, 20 minutes south of Stepantsminda, gives a long, gentle day in an open valley.
Emergency number in Georgia: 112. Tell your guesthouse your plan before you set off.
Places on and near the route
Tours that include this trail
Gveleti Waterfalls Walk in the Dariali Gorge: FAQ
How long is the Gveleti waterfall hike?
About 3 km return to the big waterfall, or about 4 km if you also visit the small one. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours on foot, plus the 15-minute drive each way from Stepantsminda.
Is the Gveleti waterfall walk suitable for children?
Yes, for children who are steady on their feet. Most of the path is easy, but the last stretch to the big fall is steep and rocky, so hold small children's hands there and near the water.
How do I get to Gveleti waterfall from Stepantsminda?
By taxi or 4x4 from the main square, about 7 km north toward the Dariali border post. In 2026 a car there and back with waiting costs roughly 30 to 50 GEL. There is no public transport to the trailhead.
Is there an entrance fee for Gveleti waterfall?
No. There was no fee at our last check in 2026.
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
Read our guide
Photo: georgia.travelEverything for a trip to Stepantsminda: the drive up from Tbilisi, the climb to Gergeti, day walks in Juta and Truso, beds, food and winter road advice.
Photo: georgia.travelWhere to walk in Georgia's mountains and forests, when the passes open, how hard each trail is, what permits you need and how to stay safe, with tables of top walks and treks.
