Georgia: The Mountain of the Holy Sword
Deep in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia lie two legendary destinations. One is the "Broken Sword Mountain," where giant swords pierce the sky, known locally as the birthplace of the gods; the other is Mount Kazbek, where Prometheus was imprisoned in Greek mythology. Three days and two nights, about 800 RMB per person, to visit both places in one trip.
Broken Sword Mountain (Didgori Battle Memorial)
Its official name is the Didgori Battle Memorial, located about 20 kilometers from Tbilisi. Dozens of giant metal swords are planted on the hillside to commemorate the 1121 battle where Georgia, against overwhelming odds, defeated the Seljuk Empire in the "battle that founded the nation." The sword tips converge to form a cross, symbolizing faith and victory. Free admission. The wind on the mountain is strong, so wear a windbreaker.
Mount Kazbek
At about 5,000 meters high, it is Georgia’s third highest mountain and a dormant volcano. The small town at its base is called Stepantsminda, about a 3-4 hour drive from Tbilisi. When the mountain is covered in clouds and snow, it truly looks like a place where gods reside.
Gergeti Trinity Church
Built on a hillside at 2,170 meters elevation, it is known as "the church closest to God." It’s about a 1.5-hour hike from the town or accessible by 4WD vehicle. Standing in front of the church, the snowy peak of Kazbek rises behind you—this is the iconic shot featured on Lonely Planet covers.
Tbilisi Old Town
Take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for a panoramic city view. The Bridge of Peace looks like a glass butterfly resting. Hunt for Soviet-era treasures at Dry Bridge Market and bargain hard. Sulfur baths are a must in the old town; the underground hot springs have a strong sulfur smell but leave your skin silky smooth after soaking.
Mtskheta
The old capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the largest church in the country. It can be combined with a visit to Broken Sword Mountain on the same day since they are on the way.
How to spend three days and two nights
Day 1: Explore Tbilisi Old Town, take the cable car, and enjoy a sulfur bath.
Day 2: Morning private car to Broken Sword Mountain (1 hour one way, allow 3 hours round trip), afternoon visit Mtskheta to see the cathedral.
Day 3: Morning take a minibus from Tbilisi to Kazbek (15 GEL per person, about 4 hours), hike or drive up to the Trinity Church, return by evening.
Transportation tips
No public transport goes directly to Broken Sword Mountain; use Yandex Go taxi for about 100 GEL round trip (about 265 RMB). To Kazbek, take a minibus from Didube station for 15 GEL per person. Private car hire costs 150-170 GEL.
What to eat
Khinkali (Georgian dumplings) are pinched at the tail, bitten open to sip the soup inside first. Khachapuri (cheese bread) is served hot, cut open to let the egg yolk flow out. Churchkhela (walnut sausage strings) are coated in grape juice, street stalls sell them for 2 GEL each.
Important notes
· Chinese passport holders get 30 days visa-free entry
· Georgia uses the Lari (GEL), 1 GEL ≈ 2.6 RMB
· It’s much colder on the mountains than in the city, bring a jacket
· Broken Sword Mountain and Kazbek are in opposite directions, so split into two days
· The road to Kazbek is winding; take motion sickness medicine if needed
· No shops on the mountains, bring water and snacks
Cost breakdown (per person, three days two nights)
· Two nights in Tbilisi: budget hotel about 60 GEL/night × 2 = 120 GEL
· City transport + cable car: about 30 GEL
· Taxi round trip to Broken Sword Mountain: 100 GEL
· Minibus round trip Tbilisi-Kazbek: 30 GEL
· 4WD round trip up Kazbek: about 40 GEL
· Food: about 25 GEL/day × 3 = 75 GEL
· Entrance fees: Broken Sword Mountain free, churches free
Total about 395 GEL, roughly 1027 RMB. To keep under 1000 RMB, skip the 4WD on Kazbek and hike instead, saving 40 GEL (about 104 RMB), bringing total cost to around 920 RMB.
The giant swords of Broken Sword Mountain pierce the wind, and Kazbek’s snowy peak stands above the clouds. One tells a story of human victory, the other of divine punishment. Three days and two nights, under 1000 RMB per person, the epic feel of the Caucasus is worth it.