The town of Kazbeg - officially named Stepantsminda, but better known under the old name of Kazbegi, is a mountain town in the north of Georgia, popular for the trekking opportunities in the visually spectacular surrounding mountains. The town is 10 km south of the border with Russia, which is open again for some nationalities. On the western side of the river, the town is known as Gergeti, but for all intents and purposes of a visitor, it is one town. This pretty town is getting the increased attention it deserves, so there are increasing numbers of guest houses, restaurants and tourist facilities, but prices are inflated compared with the of the country.
