6180 km: Georgia, Zminda Sameba

19 August 2019

Ananuri - Zioni - Zminda Sameba

Orux map screenshot: 
BLUE line is the planned route 
RED line is the actual route we drove

We spent 2 lovely days at Ananuri Lake and now it's time to drive further on. Our original planned destination was Schatili, also in the North region of Kaukasus,  but the roads are not asphalted and broken, so no chance to pass with our BlueBird. These roads need 4x4

This is the road to the main street

So we drive deep into Aragwi valley following the old Georgian military road. Beautiful with breathtaking views.

Pigs having fun beside the street...

..... and cows occupying the bridge

Vendors beside the street

After the skiing centre of Gudauri is the Monument of the Georgian -Russian friendship 1783 - 1983, very touristic ...

.....just 2km away on top of the pass a memorial cemetery for the German prisoners of war from WWII.

Lime sedimentation from the water running down the mountain

A one way bridge on the transit street to Russia

In Zioni we visit a small Basilica from 10th to 12th century. Not really  impressive,  but has good vibes.

A father with his 3 little daughters is singing with a beautiful voice a choral. First the girls are listening devotedly,  but than running around curious to detect everything. ( sorry for the bad quality of the pictures)

Beside the Church is a 6 floor fortified tower in pyramidal form.

The Monastery of Zminda Sameba is one of the highlights of Georgia and a perfect place to camp. On one side the monastery on 1850m and on the other side the snow coverd mountain Kazbek with 5047m.

Men as well as women are not allowed to enter the church with shorts

No more photos allowed inside the church

Searching for a good flat place to park, we finally find a beautiful area to stay over night with view to the monastery one side. ...

... and Kazbek on the other side

The little blue point is BlueBird 

After all the daily tourists leave and the bonfires of the lucky ones, who are equipped to stay over night are lightened, then the magic of this place appears. After sunset the temperature gets quickly down till 17° and we are happy to enjoy the warmth of the fire.
At 8.15pm the bell of the church bangs.... So special.

In the morning we get visitors ...

 ... and Tara gets visitors