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Gveleti Waterfall

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

tourist-attraction

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Gveleti Waterfall, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, is set within the dramatic high-mountain landscape of the Greater Caucasus, near the town of Stepantsminda. The name 'Gveleti' translates to 'place of snakes' in Georgian, a name rooted in local folklore and the untamed nature of the surrounding gorge. The site actually features two main falls, known as Big and Small Gveleti, tucked away in a narrow rocky canyon. The Big Gveleti Waterfall plunges from a height of about 25 meters over dark basalt rocks and is accessible via a moderately easy hiking trail starting from the main road in the Dariali Gorge. The area is characterized by rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and the stark, majestic beauty typical of the Kazbegi district. Visitors often include the waterfall as part of a larger itinerary that includes the Dariali Gorge and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. The thundering sound of the falling water combined with the crisp mountain air provides a refreshing experience for hikers. Gveleti is a prime destination for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to experience the raw power of the Caucasian wilderness away from the more crowded tourist spots.

Location: Georgia
Top sights: view of church and mountains · Heritage Crafts Gallery-Studio “Mokheuri Teka” · Artsivistsveri
Nearby: Juta (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-10	-9	-4	1	7	11	15	14	10	5	-2	-7
Rain mm	38	32	55	65	89	89	62	55	54	60	44	33

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

This remarkable natural attraction is freely accessible year-round as an outdoor site. Visitors can explore the rugged surroundings and get quite close to the cascading water.

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Typical hours

Since it is an unmanaged natural site, there are no strict opening hours, but visiting during daylight is highly recommended for safety. Early morning has the best light and fewer crowds.

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Photography

The dramatic gorge and the powerful waterfall create spectacular photography opportunities. A wide-angle lens is very useful to capture the entire drop against the rocky backdrop.

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Time needed

Expect to spend about one to two hours in total for this excursion. This includes the hike to the waterfall from the nearest parking area, taking photos, and simply enjoying the view.

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Combine with

This trip is perfectly combined with a scenic drive through the sweeping Darial Gorge. You can also easily visit the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church overlooking the town of Stepantsminda.

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Getting there

The site is accessible via a trail branching off the main road through the Darial Gorge. Visitors usually arrive by car or taxi from Stepantsminda, followed by a relatively short uphill hike.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, as the trail can be quite rocky, uneven, and slippery near the waterfall. Bringing drinking water is also highly recommended during warmer months.

Geography

Coordinates

42.70580, 44.62250

Facts

The height of the Big Gveleti Waterfall is approximately 25 meters.
The name 'Gveleti' means 'place of snakes' in the Georgian language.
The waterfall is located near the historic Georgian Military Highway.
The hike from the parking area to the waterfall takes about 20-30 minutes.
The surrounding rocks consist primarily of dark volcanic basalt.
The site is situated at the foot of Mount Kazbek (elevation 5,047 m).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Darial Gorge3 km · EExplore →

Gergeti Trinity Church3 km · WExplore →

Sno Valley8 km · WExplore →

Mount Kazbek12 km · SExplore →

Juta17 km · NWExplore →

Gudauri24 km · SWExplore →

Truso Valley24 km · SExplore →

Vladikavkaz26 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Gveleti Waterfall (9)

view of church and mountains 🌿 nature

From here, you can capture the classic postcard view of the church on the hill and the high peaks.

Heritage Crafts Gallery-Studio “Mokheuri Teka”🎭 culture

An arts centre specializing in the traditional Georgian making of felt (teka) from sheep wool.

Artsivistsveri🌿 nature

A steep mountain peak near Stepantsminda that frequently serves as a destination for challenging hikes.

Village Futures Oldfamsheta🏺 historical

The abandoned ruins of the old Pansheti village, reflecting the historical lifestyle in the High Caucasus.

mt`avarangelozis eklesia ⛪ religious

This small Orthodox chapel stands at the edge of a gorge, offering silence and wide views of the mountains.

Alexander Kasbegi 🏺 historical

A monument honoring the famous Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi in the center of Stepantsminda.

elia cinascarmetqvelis eklesia 📍 landmark

A small stone church perched on a hill overlooking the Terek valley in the Khevi region.

bet`lemis eklesia 📍 landmark

A Christian place of worship situated in the high mountains of the Kazbegi region.

ioane nat`lismc`emlis saxelobis dedat`a monasteri 📍 landmark

An Orthodox nunnery known for its peaceful setting in the Georgian mountain landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the hike to Gveleti Waterfall?

The hike is relatively short and easy; it takes about 20-30 minutes from the parking area.

Are there multiple waterfalls in Gveleti?

Yes, there are the 'Big' and 'Small' Gveleti waterfalls, accessible via separate paths.

Where exactly is the waterfall located?

It is located in the Darial Gorge, about 7 km north of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).

What does the name Gveleti mean?

Gveleti means 'place of snakes' in Georgian, but they are rarely seen there.

Is special equipment needed?

Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the path is stony and can be slippery after rain.

Gveleti Waterfall: where is it located?

Gveleti Waterfall is located in Georgia.

Gveleti Waterfall: what is there to see?

Highlights include view of church and mountains, Heritage Crafts Gallery-Studio “Mokheuri Teka”, Artsivistsveri.

Gveleti Waterfall: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Gveleti Waterfall: why is it worth visiting?

Gveleti Waterfall, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, is set within the dramatic high-mountain landscape of the Greater Caucasus, near the town of Stepantsminda.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Gveleti Waterfall

Best time to visit & climate