Approaching the Church Closest to the Sky in the World | Georgia

| Georgia. “Kazbegi, you are like the crown of an emperor, shining with eternal brilliance.” The winter Kazbegi is covered in snow, and the Gergeti Trinity Church is indeed “the church closest to the sky in the world” as it is described. In summer, the green valleys are a paradise for hikers. The weather might be too clear before arrival, with much of the snow on Mount Kazbek melted away. I messaged my friend saying I was a few days late, and the mountain was bare~ The window of the guesthouse faced the church on the mountain top, and without seeing the sunlight gilding the mountain, I could only hope for another chance to visit. The entrance for hiking is right across the main road from the town bus station. Once you cross the Terek River, you are officially on the mountain trail. It took us less than an hour and a half to walk up the mountain at a leisurely pace. Seeing a building that looks like a ruined watchtower means you are on the right path. Don’t follow Google or Yandex maps; they only show the winding car roads. You can enter the church, but no photography is allowed. I only realized there was a sign at the door when I came out. The classic photo spot is along the main entrance of the church to the roadside. Of course, if you have enough time and energy, you can continue to explore, which I personally recommend doing in the summer. Most tourists travel to and from Kazbegi from Tbilisi, with a normal one-way fare of 15 lari. Pay attention to the departure times for the return trip. Although there is a timetable at the town bus station, it is only for reference. The last bus often leaves earlier. I also encountered road conditions that day, with a one-hour delay before reaching Gudauri. The next day, there was heavy snow, and friends who stayed there said the road was closed and no one could enter or leave. Additionally, the taxi fare in town to and from the mountain top is 40 lari per person. Walking saves money and feels more rewarding.