# ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช Gudauri โ€” Georgia > Gudauri is the ski resort Israelis have adopted as their own: two hours north of Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, at 2,200 m, with wide, open pistes that are perfect for beginners and families, and lift passes and lessons at prices the Alps can only dream of. Over Hanukkah, the winter break and Purim the hotels fill with Hebrew, the instructors shout "pizza" in our language, and aprรจs-ski rolls from a hot khachapuri on the slope to the hotel bar. Non-skiers get a proper snow holiday: the Friendship Monument and its famous viewpoint, a tandem paragliding flight over the resort, Ananuri Fortress on the way up and a snowy day in Kazbegi 40 minutes away. All of it a direct three-hour flight from Tel Aviv, visa-free and without emptying your savings. ## Quick facts - **Country:** Georgia - **Currency:** GEL (โ‚พ) - **Time zone:** +1 ืฉืขื” ืžื•ืœ ืชืดื (UTC+4) - **Language:** ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ืช ยท ืื ื’ืœื™ืช ื•ืจื•ืกื™ืช ื ืคื•ืฆื•ืช ื‘ืชื™ื™ืจื•ืช - **Power plug:** C / F ยท 220V (ื›ืžื• ื‘ื™ืฉืจืืœ, ื‘ืœื™ ืžืชืื) - **Visa for Israelis:** ืื™ืŸ ืฆื•ืจืš ื‘ื•ื•ื™ื–ื” ืœื™ืฉืจืืœื™ื, ืขื“ ืฉื ื” ืฉืœืžื” ืขื ื“ืจื›ื•ืŸ ื‘ืชื•ืงืฃ - **Safety:** ื‘ื˜ื•ื—ื” ืžืื•ื“, ื’ื ื‘ืœื™ืœื”. ื”ื–ื”ื™ืจื•ืช ื”ื™ื—ื™ื“ื”: ื›ื‘ื™ืฉื™ ื”ื”ืจื™ื - **Main airport (IATA):** TBS - **Trips from:** โ‚ช3,490 / 6 nights - **Traveler rating:** 4.8/5 ## Best time to visit - **Recommended months:** December, January, February, March - **Peak season for Israelis:** Israelis pack Gudauri over Hanukkah, the January-February winter break and Purim, when hotels and Hebrew-speaking instructors sell out months ahead. Snow is best in January-February, while March brings sunshine, longer days and cheaper packages. ## Weather by month Measured in Gudauri. | Month | Avg. temp | Conditions | | --- | --- | --- | | ื™ื ื• | -3ยฐC | Cool | | ืคื‘ืจ | -3ยฐC | Cool | | ืžืจืฅ | 0ยฐC | Cool | | ืืคืจ | 5ยฐC | Cool | | ืžืื™ | 10ยฐC | Cool | | ื™ื•ื  | 14ยฐC | Cool | | ื™ื•ืœ | 17ยฐC | Recommended | | ืื•ื’ | 17ยฐC | Recommended | | ืกืคื˜ | 13ยฐC | Cool | | ืื•ืง | 8ยฐC | Cool | | ื ื•ื‘ | 2ยฐC | Cool | | ื“ืฆืž | -2ยฐC | Cool | ## Where to stay - **New Gudauri** โ€” Best for: Families, groups and anyone who wants true ski-in/ski-out. The new complex at the lift base, with Gudauri Lodge, Loft Hotel and the Redco apartments, rental shops like Ridestation, a supermarket and cafes steps from the piste. The most convenient place to step out on skis in the morning and come back to the apartment for lunch, and where most Israeli families cluster over Hanukkah. The downside: a built-up, fairly dense complex, with a less village-like feel in the evening. - **Upper Gudauri: the Marco Polo and Kokhta area** โ€” Best for: Couples, fans of classic ski hotels and spa lovers. The original resort on the Military Highway, with Marco Polo, Rooms Hotel Kokhta and Alpina right by the Gudaura lift and the main ticket office. This is where the hotels with heated pools, bars and fireplaces are, and there is more life at night than in New Gudauri. Pricier, and from some hotels you cross the road or walk a few minutes to the piste. - **Lower Gudauri** โ€” Best for: Budget travelers, younger crowds and groups happy with a shuttle. The original village down the road, with guesthouses, Gudauri Inn, Carpe Diem and cabins 30-40 percent cheaper than the hotels above. The vibe is Georgian and homely, food is cheaper and the hosts make khachapuri in the morning. You need a shuttle or a 5-10 minute drive to the lifts every morning, and in a storm it feels far. - **Kobi** โ€” Best for: Peace-seekers, experienced skiers and couples after lower prices. A small village beyond Jvari Pass, from which the cable car rises straight to the resort's high runs, with new hotels and lower prices than Gudauri. Genuinely quiet, an open view toward Kazbek and a short hop to Stepantsminda. Few restaurants, no nightlife, and when the pass closes in a storm you are cut off from Gudauri for a day. - **Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)** โ€” Best for: Those mixing skiing with scenery, non-skiers and romantic couples. The mountain town facing Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity, 40 minutes from Gudauri, with Rooms Hotel Kazbegi and its famous terrace, cozy guesthouses and Cafe 5047. Ideal if you want a day or two of skiing and a day or two of scenery, jeeps and hot springs. In winter the drive to the slopes depends on the weather at the pass, so it is not for those who come only to ski. - **Tbilisi as a base** โ€” Best for: Anyone after a taste of skiing, kosher-keepers and nightlife and casino fans. Sleep in the Old Town or Vera, close to Chabad and the kosher restaurants, and go up to Gudauri for a day or two with a driver. You also get Tbilisi at night, the casinos and the sulfur baths. Two hours each way is long, longer in snow, so this is an option for a taste rather than a full ski holiday. ## Getting around - **Airport to city:** Tbilisi Airport is about 120 km from Gudauri, and the drive up the Georgian Military Highway takes two to two and a half hours, more in snow. Easiest is a pre-booked private transfer through the hotel or VAYULOR: โ‚ช250-450 for a regular car, โ‚ช500-700 for a minivan with a group and gear, and in winter it is worth paying a little more for a 4x4. An unbooked taxi from the airport costs roughly the same after haggling, and a marshrutka from Didube station is about โ‚ช25 per person but takes three hours and is no fun with skis. - **Do you need a car?** No. In winter the road to Jvari Pass ices over, chains are sometimes mandatory and the police close it in storms, so a rental car suits experienced snow drivers only. Most Israelis arrive by transfer, get around the resort on foot, by lift and by hotel shuttle, and hire a 4x4 driver for the Kazbegi day (โ‚ช350-500 per day). In summer a rental car does pay off, since Truso, Khada and Kazbegi are then an easy drive. - **Transport tips:** Bolt and Yandex do not operate in Gudauri, so for a ride between Lower and New Gudauri ask reception for a local driver (โ‚ช20-40) or the hotel shuttle. The lifts themselves are the best transport between New Gudauri and Upper Gudauri with gear, and the Kobi cable car saves the drive over the pass. Check the Jvari Pass status every morning on the Georgian Roads site before setting off for Kazbegi. ## What it costs (for Israeli travelers) - **Round-trip flight from TLV:** โ‚ช900-1,700 (more at Hanukkah) - **5-7 night ski package:** โ‚ช3,500-6,500 pp (half board) - **Daily ski pass:** โ‚ช90-140 (cheaper multi-day) - **Daily gear rental:** โ‚ช60-110 (ski or snowboard) - **Ski lessons:** โ‚ช150-280 group per day ยท โ‚ช180-300 private per hour - **Mid-range hotel nightly:** โ‚ช350-700 (double room) - **5-star / ski-in hotel nightly:** โ‚ช700-1,400 - **Restaurant meal:** โ‚ช45-90 (per person) - **Local beer / coffee:** โ‚ช12-20 / โ‚ช8-14 - **Airport transfer:** โ‚ช250-450 per car (4x4 more) - **Daily budget per person:** โ‚ช350-600 (excluding flight and hotel) - **Family of 4, 6 nights:** โ‚ช18,000-30,000 (all in) ## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community - **Chabad house:** Gudauri has no Chabad house and no synagogue. The nearest is Chabad Tbilisi on Kote Afkhazi Street in the Old Town, two hours away, with a daily minyan, Shabbat meals and a kosher restaurant, and that is where to arrange things before heading up. During Hanukkah and Purim weeks organized Israeli ski groups sometimes bring a rabbi or set up a minyan in the hotel lobby, so ask the group organizer. โ€” Rating 4.6/5 (518 reviews) ยท Address: 7 Bambis Rigi St, T'bilisi 0105, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15616153973011682131) ยท [Website](http://chabadtbilisi.ge/) - **Kosher food:** There is no kosher restaurant in Gudauri, and most observant Israelis solve it one of two ways: organized groups pre-order kosher meals from Chabad Tbilisi or bring a mashgiach into the hotel kitchen over Hanukkah, while independent travelers take an apartment with a kitchenette in New Gudauri and stock up at Carrefour in Tbilisi Mall and the Spar up top. In restaurants you can manage vegetarian: lobio, pkhali, badrijani, mchadi, salads and dairy khachapuri, but remember the kitchen is not kosher. Frozen kosher meat is picked up from Chabad Tbilisi on the way up. ## Attractions - **Gudauri Ski Resort** (Duration: Full day) โ€” Rating 4.6/5 (4,652 reviews) ยท Address: Redco New, Gudauri 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5532182678945321452) ยท [Website](http://www.gudauriski.ge/) - **Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument** (Duration: 30-45 minutes) โ€” Rating 4.8/5 (9,883 reviews) ยท Address: FFR3+R4V, ื’ืื ื™ืกื™, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=839339850595573692) - **Jvari Pass** (Duration: 20-30 minutes) โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (568 reviews) ยท Address: GF43+2MJ, E117, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9763792004343199842) - **Kobi-Gudauri Cable Car** (Duration: 1-2 hours) โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (314 reviews) ยท Address: Kobi-Gudauri, Kobi, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4513153034459974273) ยท [Website](https://gudauri.ski/) - **Fly Gudauri** (Duration: 30-45 minutes) โ€” Rating 4.9/5 (227 reviews) ยท Address: ski lift, GoodAura Gondola Lift, Gudauri 1800, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8375453030027766304) - **Gudauri Snowpark** (Duration: 2-3 hours) โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (7 reviews) ยท Address: FFVV+MVQ, Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6672227995377068998) - **Ananuri Fortress Complex** (Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour) โ€” Rating 4.6/5 (15,845 reviews) ยท Address: 5P73+G5H, Ananuri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16064550412089135502) ยท [Website](http://www.heritagesites.ge/) - **Zhinvali Reservoir** (Duration: 20-30 minutes) โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (4,393 reviews) ยท Address: 4QW8+62R, Aranisi, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15023903247383672577) - **Gergeti Trinity Church** (Duration: Half to full day) โ€” Rating 4.8/5 (10,216 reviews) ยท Address: MJ6C+V4J, Kazbegi, Oni, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6180293617488451368) - **Truso Valley** (Duration: 4-6 hours) โ€” Rating 4.9/5 (227 reviews) ยท Address: HFJ7+CQ, Kvemo Okrokana, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17961605713861979930) - **Khada Valley** (Duration: 3-4 hours) โ€” Rating 4.9/5 (23 reviews) ยท Address: GG2R+288, Tskere, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14905637524455068860) - **Lomisi Monastery** (Duration: 4-5 hours (hike)) โ€” Rating 5/5 (3 reviews) ยท Address: QVM5+Q4F, Mukha II Turn, T'bilisi, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9453255550345517945) ## Restaurants - **Drunk Cherry Gudauri** (ืžืจื›ื– ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™, ืขืœ ื”ื›ื‘ื™ืฉ ื”ืจืืฉื™, โ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” The restaurant every Israeli in Gudauri ends up at at least once: bubbling Adjarian khachapuri, cheese or mushroom khinkali, lobio in a clay pot and skewers off the grill. By evening it turns into the liveliest aprรจs-ski in the resort, so book a table. โ€” Rating 4.5/5 (2,637 reviews) ยท Address: New Gudauri Block 4 Gudauri, 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9782577344516832662) ยท [Website](http://drunkcherrygudauri.com/) - **SKIO** (ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™ ืขื™ืœื™ืช, โ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” The restaurant ski instructors rank as Gudauri's best: Georgian-Western, steaks, pastas and khachapuri, with a lunchtime happy hour and a designer-chalet feel. Book ahead in the Hanukkah weeks. โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (269 reviews) ยท Address: Skio, แƒ’แƒฃแƒ“แƒแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8666903008972428956) ยท [Website](http://www.skio.ge/) - **Glintwine** (ื ื™ื• ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™, ืžื•ืœ ืจื›ื‘ืœ ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื”, โ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” A big Georgian restaurant opposite the gondola with giant tables for groups: khinkali, khachapuri, skewers and mulled wine that warms you after the slopes. Israeli groups' pick for a first night. โ€” Rating 3.1/5 (258 reviews) ยท Address: FFCR+7W3, Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2132068636290493699) - **Ati Ambavi** (ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™ ืขื™ืœื™ืช, โ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” The resort's top-rated chef's restaurant: modern Georgian, quality fish and meat, fine wines and prices to match. The vacation's celebration dinner, for couples and anyone marking a birthday on the mountain. โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (303 reviews) ยท Address: Gudauri Hotel Lane, Stepantsminda, Stepantsminda, แƒ’แƒฃแƒ“แƒแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12585608212903461888) ยท [Website](https://instagram.com/ati_ambavi?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) - **Rooms Hotel Kokhta** (ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™ ืขื™ืœื™ืช, ืกืงื™-ืื™ืŸ, โ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” The most indulgent dinner in Gudauri: a roaring fireplace, huge windows facing the peaks, Georgian wines and a chef's menu of fish, steaks and modern takes on Georgian classics. Worth booking even if you are sleeping elsewhere. โ€” Rating 4.4/5 (684 reviews) ยท Address: Kokhta Dziri, Bakuriani 1204, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9915344127423104047) ยท [Website](https://silkhospitality.com/kokhta-bakuriani/) - **Chalet Gudauri** (ื ื™ื• ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™, ื‘ื ื™ื™ืŸ ืื˜ืจื™ื•ื, โ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” A refined Georgian restaurant in New Gudauri's Atrium building, with a famous borscht, hot soups, khachapuri and grilled meats. Warm and easy for a family evening after a cold day on skis. โ€” Rating 4.6/5 (588 reviews) ยท Address: New Gudauri, Block Atrium; -1 floor New Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12235911277014190551) ยท [Website](http://gogudauri.com/) - **Friends Gudauri** (ื ื™ื• ื’ื•ื“ืื•ืจื™, ื›ื™ื›ืจ ื”ื’ื•ื ื“ื•ืœื”, โ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” A friendly Georgian spot by the gondola plaza with live music some evenings, khinkali, lobio and grill at fair prices. Israelis like it because it's close to the apartments and works for a group of ten. โ€” Rating 3.7/5 (351 reviews) ยท Address: ะะพะฒั‹ะน ะ“ัƒะดะฐัƒั€ะธ, ะฝะฐะฟั€ะพั‚ะธะฒ ะ“ะพะฝะดะพะปั‹, ะ“ัƒะดะฐัƒั€ะธ 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13333737747023583462) - **Rooms Hotel Kazbegi** (ืกื˜ืคื ืฆืžื™ื ื“ื” (ืงื–ื‘ื’ื™), 40 ื“ืงื•ืช ื ืกื™ืขื”, โ‚ชโ‚ชโ‚ช) โ€” Georgia's most famous terrace, facing Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity: lunch of khachapuri, trout, salads and local wine on the Kazbegi day trip. Arrive before 13:00 to grab a table outside. โ€” Rating 4.5/5 (5,497 reviews) ยท Address: 1 V.gorgasali St, Stepantsminda 4700, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3989614361985718486) ยท [Website](https://roomshotels.com/kazbegi/) ## Nightlife - **Drunk Cherry Gudauri** โ€” Aprรจs-ski with DJs โ€” Rating 4.5/5 (2,637 reviews) ยท Address: New Gudauri Block 4 Gudauri, 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9782577344516832662) ยท [Website](http://drunkcherrygudauri.com/) - **Black Dog Gudauri** โ€” Bar & dance floor โ€” Rating 4.4/5 (291 reviews) ยท Address: 1 Road to Gondola Lift, Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7852863340071447160) - **Gudauri Travel Bar** โ€” Cocktail bar โ€” Rating 4.7/5 (88 reviews) ยท Address: Block 1, New Gudauri Apartment 403 - Two-Bedroom Apartment, Gudauri 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=18186119665268774454) ยท [Website](https://www.instagram.com/gudauribar/) - **Grizzly Bar** โ€” Sushi & cocktail bar โ€” Rating 4.4/5 (134 reviews) ยท Address: New Gudauri Loft 1, Gudauri 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5978965318560689140) ยท [Website](http://newgudauri.com/) - **Friends Gudauri** โ€” Live music โ€” Rating 3.7/5 (351 reviews) ยท Address: ะะพะฒั‹ะน ะ“ัƒะดะฐัƒั€ะธ, ะฝะฐะฟั€ะพั‚ะธะฒ ะ“ะพะฝะดะพะปั‹, ะ“ัƒะดะฐัƒั€ะธ 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13333737747023583462) - **Gudauri Hut** โ€” On-slope bar โ€” Rating 4.5/5 (277 reviews) ยท Address: S-3, แƒ’แƒฃแƒ“แƒแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜ 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11739749710100568919) ยท [Website](http://gudaurihut.com/?lang=english) - **Alpina Hotel Gudauri** โ€” Aprรจs-ski bar โ€” Rating 3.9/5 (380 reviews) ยท Address: แƒก3, Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9630847510682669919) ยท [Website](https://hotelalpina.ge/) - **Rooms Hotel Kokhta** โ€” Fireplace bar โ€” Rating 4.4/5 (684 reviews) ยท Address: Kokhta Dziri, Bakuriani 1204, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9915344127423104047) ยท [Website](https://silkhospitality.com/kokhta-bakuriani/) - **Loft Hotel Gudauri** โ€” Bar โ€” Rating 3.9/5 (728 reviews) ยท Address: 4702 Gudauri St, Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4703110744637629620) ยท [Website](http://gudauriloft.ge/) - **Carpe Diem Gudauri** โ€” Bar-restaurant โ€” Rating 4/5 (597 reviews) ยท Address: Gudauri, 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11841348422474677822) ยท [Website](http://www.carpediem.ge/) ## Shopping - **Spar** (Market, Area: New Gudauri) โ€” New Gudauri's supermarket: water, snacks, fruit, cheese and basics for apartments with a kitchenette. Fills with Israelis in the evening, so shop after skiing, not before. โ€” Rating 3.6/5 (62 reviews) ยท Address: ื’ืื ื™ืกื™, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5392596994575503269) - **Nikora** (Market, Area: Gudauri, on the main road) โ€” A Georgian minimarket chain with a branch on the road: local chocolate, wine, bread and staples, plus an ATM worth using since Gudauri has few. โ€” Rating 4.1/5 (66 reviews) ยท Address: แƒก3, Ganisi 4702, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=222341410968988648) ยท [Website](https://nikorasupermarket.ge/) - **Tbilisi Mall** (Mall, Area: Tbilisi, Digomi, on the road to Gudauri) โ€” The mall on the northern exit of Tbilisi, right on the way to Gudauri: Zara, H&M, LC Waikiki, sports stores and Carrefour to stock up before heading up the mountain. โ€” Rating 4.6/5 (16,539 reviews) ยท Address: 213th km, 0131, David Aghmashenebeli Alley, T'bilisi, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=507565911838060203) ยท [Website](https://www.tbilisimall.com/en) - **Carrefour** (Market, Area: Tbilisi, inside Tbilisi Mall) โ€” The Israelis' stop on the way up: water, dried fruit, cereals, tins and imported products with kosher symbols, at prices well below the minimarkets in the resort. โ€” Rating 3.8/5 (13 reviews) ยท Address: Block 2, Four Seasons, Gudauri, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8615991994843070131) - **East Point** (Mall, Area: Tbilisi, near the airport) โ€” The big mall next to the airport, perfect for last-minute shopping before the flight home: Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Mango and sports stores for cheap ski wear. โ€” Rating 4.6/5 (18,215 reviews) ยท Address: 0182, 2 แƒแƒš.แƒ—แƒ•แƒแƒšแƒญแƒ แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒซแƒ˜แƒก แƒฅ, T'bilisi, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3630290012034911497) ยท [Website](https://eastpoint.ge/) - **Galleria Tbilisi** (Mall, Area: Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue) โ€” A central Tbilisi mall for the city day: fashion, cosmetics, a cinema and a food court, walking distance from the Old Town. โ€” Rating 4.5/5 (16,343 reviews) ยท Address: 2/4 Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi 0168, ื’ืื•ืจื’ื™ื” ยท [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4214633192325107298) ยท [Website](http://www.galleria.ge/) ## Suggested itinerary 1. **Day 1: Land in Tbilisi and head up the mountain** โ€” Land in Tbilisi, stop at Carrefour in Tbilisi Mall on the northern exit for water and snacks, and take the Georgian Military Highway. Pull over for the Zhinvali Reservoir viewpoint and a short walk around Ananuri Fortress before the light goes. Reach Gudauri, rent your gear that same evening at Ridestation and finish with khinkali at Drunk Cherry, because tomorrow you ski early. 2. **Day 2: First ski day in New Gudauri** โ€” Start at 09:30 on the gentle New Gudauri slopes by the Gudaura lift, with a group lesson or a pre-booked private instructor, before the snow softens. Lunch in the sun on the Alpina terrace or at the Gudauri Hut cabin without taking your boots off. A few more runs in the afternoon, aprรจs-ski at the Alpina bar, then dinner at the hotel and an early night, because the altitude shows on day one. 3. **Day 3: The summits, the Kobi cable car and spa** โ€” On a clear morning take the first lifts up to Sadzele and Kudebi, where above 3,000 m Mount Kazbek peeks over the clouds, and ski the long runs down before they get chopped up. At midday ride the cable car down to Kobi village on the far side of the mountain and back up after lunch. End the day in the heated pool and spa at Rooms Hotel Kokhta, then a chef's dinner by the fireplace. 4. **Day 4: Kazbegi day trip** โ€” Book a 4x4 driver for 08:30 and cross Jvari Pass, stopping at the Friendship Monument for the famous valley viewpoint while the sun is still low. In Stepantsminda ride a jeep up to Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most beautiful sights in the Caucasus under snow, and come down for lunch on the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi terrace facing the mountain. Head back to Gudauri before dark, since the road ices over, and keep the evening for khachapuri at Cafe 5047 on the way or at the hotel. 5. **Day 5: Paragliding, snowpark and snowmobiles** โ€” Book a tandem flight with Fly Gudauri for the morning, when the wind is calm, and see the whole resort and the Military Highway from above in 20 minutes you will not forget. Then back on skis: teens to the snowpark, beginners to another lesson, and non-skiers on a snowmobile tour or a snowshoe walk in the Khada Valley. A relaxed evening at the Monte Hotel restaurant or the healthy kitchen at Quadrum. 6. **Day 6: Last runs and an evening in Tbilisi** โ€” Ski a final half day, return the gear and the pass card for the deposit, and leave Gudauri by 12:00 to reach Tbilisi with margin before the flight. In the city pre-book a soak at the Abanotubani sulfur baths, wander the Old Town and take the cable car up to Narikala for sunset. A kosher dinner at Chabad Tbilisi or a Georgian restaurant, then on to the airport. ## VAYULOR tips - ๐ŸŽฟ Rent your gear the evening you arrive, while the New Gudauri shops are open until about 20:00 with no queue, instead of losing the first Hanukkah morning to boot fittings. - ๐ŸŽซ Buy a multi-day pass at the main ticket office by the Gudaura lift rather than a day ticket every morning, and keep the plastic card since its deposit is refunded at the end. - ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ Hebrew-speaking instructors are gone a month before Hanukkah and Purim, so lock one in through the hotel or VAYULOR before you fly and ask for a morning slot, when the snow is still firm and pleasant. - โ˜€๏ธ At 2,200 m the sun bouncing off the snow burns even when it is cold: SPF 50, goggles, plenty of water, and layers rather than one heavy coat, because at the 3,000 m summit the wind cuts. - โš ๏ธ Do not follow tracks that leave the marked piste, especially behind Kudebi and Sadzele: it is genuine avalanche terrain, and freeride is done only with a local guide and avalanche gear. - ๐Ÿš• Bolt does not operate in Gudauri, so book the airport transfer in advance and get around the resort with hotel shuttles or a local driver the reception calls for you. - ๐Ÿ’ต Carry lari in cash for rental deposits, small places and tips, since Gudauri's few ATMs run dry on Hanukkah weekends; withdraw in Tbilisi or at the airport. - ๐ŸŒจ๏ธ A storm can shut Jvari Pass and the upper lifts for a day, so never schedule the flight home on the morning of a forecast storm, and leave for Tbilisi on departure day by 12:00 with margin. - ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Standard travel insurance does not cover ski injuries; add a winter-sports extension that includes on-piste rescue and evacuation, because a rescue or helicopter in the Caucasus costs thousands of dollars. - โœก๏ธ There is no Chabad and no kosher restaurant in Gudauri, so order meals from Chabad Tbilisi before heading up, or take an apartment with a kitchenette in New Gudauri and stock up at Carrefour on the way. ## Frequently asked questions **Do Israelis need a visa for Gudauri?** No. Israelis enter Georgia visa-free for up to a full year with a valid passport, and Gudauri sits on the main road from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, with no border crossings. **How do you get to Gudauri from Israel, and how long does it take?** Fly direct from Tel Aviv to Tbilisi with El Al, Israir, Arkia or Georgian Airways in about three hours, then a two to two-and-a-half hour transfer to Gudauri up the Georgian Military Highway, โ‚ช250-450 per car. **When is the best time to visit Gudauri, and when is peak?** Gudauri's ski season runs from December to early April, snow is best in January-February, and March brings sunshine and cheaper packages. The Israeli peak is Hanukkah, the January-February winter break and Purim, when you book months ahead. **How many days do you need in Gudauri, and what do you combine it with?** Five to six nights is the right number for Gudauri: three or four ski days, a Kazbegi day and a rest day. Most Israelis add a night in Tbilisi at the start or end for the Old Town, the baths and kosher food at Chabad. **Is Gudauri suitable for beginners and families with kids?** Gudauri is one of the most beginner-friendly resorts in Europe: wide, gentle pistes in New Gudauri, ski schools with Hebrew-speaking instructors and lessons at a third of Alpine prices. Kids from age 4-5 learn here in three days, and hotels like Gudauri Lodge and Marco Polo are set up for families. **How much does a ski holiday in Gudauri cost?** A 5-7 night Gudauri ski package with flight, half-board hotel and pass usually costs โ‚ช3,500-6,500 per person, and a family of four does six nights for โ‚ช18,000-30,000 including gear and lessons. A day pass is โ‚ช90-140 and gear โ‚ช60-110 per day. **Do you need a rental car in Gudauri?** Not in winter: the road to Jvari Pass ices over and closes in storms, so most Israelis reach Gudauri by private transfer and get around on foot, by lift and by hotel shuttle. For Kazbegi hire a 4x4 driver for the day. Bolt does not operate in the resort. **Is there kosher food or a Chabad in Gudauri?** No, Gudauri has no Chabad and no kosher restaurant. Israelis solve it by ordering meals from Chabad Tbilisi before heading up, joining an organized group that brings a mashgiach to the hotel over Hanukkah, or taking an apartment with a kitchenette in New Gudauri and stocking up at Carrefour and Spar. **Are there casinos and nightlife in Gudauri?** There are no casinos at all in Gudauri; the nearest are in Tbilisi, two hours away, such as Shangri La and Casino Adjara. Gudauri nightlife is aprรจs-ski: the Alpina bar, Drunk Cherry, Gudauri Hut and the bars at Marco Polo and Rooms Kokhta, and it winds down around midnight because everyone skis in the morning. **What should I pack for Gudauri?** For Gudauri pack thermal layers, waterproof ski jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, goggles, a face mask for the summit wind, SPF 50 and snow boots for the evening. Skis, boots and helmets are rented on site for โ‚ช60-110 a day, so there is no point hauling them. **How do I stay connected in Gudauri?** Simplest is to buy a Georgia eSIM on VAYULOR before flying and land connected, since Magti and Silknet coverage is good across Gudauri and the lifts. Signal fades in the Truso Valley and on parts of the road to Kazbegi, so download offline maps. **Is Gudauri safe, and what insurance do I need?** Gudauri is very safe and Israelis feel at home there; the real risk is on the piste and the snowy road. Take travel insurance with a winter-sports extension that covers rescue and evacuation, since a ski injury or helicopter rescue in the Caucasus is not covered by a standard policy. ## Book through VAYULOR - [Flights to Gudauri](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/flights/gudauri) - [Vacation packages to Gudauri](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/packages/gudauri) - [Hotels in Gudauri](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/hotels/gudauri) - [eSIM data for Gudauri](https://vayulor.com/en/esim) - [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/gudauri) - [ื”ืžื“ืจื™ืš ื”ื–ื” ื‘ืขื‘ืจื™ืช](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/georgia/gudauri.md) _Last updated: 2026-09-06_ _Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) โ€” an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._