Gveleti Waterfalls

A side valley off the Dariali gorge north of Kazbegi holds two waterfalls, a small lower one reached in a few minutes and a larger upper fall of around twenty-five metres that drops into a narrow rock amphitheatre after a walk of about half an hour on a rough path along the stream. The gorge is tight and green and the noise carries well before the fall comes into view. It is the standard short walk from Kazbegi for anyone not going high, and it fits easily beside a visit to the Dariali monastery complex further up the road. The path involves stream crossings and is slippery when wet.

What you actually see

• The upper fall in its amphitheatre - around twenty-five metres into the rock bowl.
• The short lower fall - reached within minutes of the road.
• A tight green side gorge - the walk in along the stream.
• Stream crossings on the path - the rough approach to the upper fall.

When to go

May to October; the path is icy and dangerous in winter. Two to three hours including travel from Kazbegi. Flow is strongest with spring snowmelt.

Honest expectations

The path is rough, wet and slippery with stream crossings; proper shoes matter. It is close to the border and the road is subject to checks. Parking at the trailhead is informal and charged. It is busy in summer.

Nearby

Dariali gorge is north; Kazbegi lies south.