A Local’s Guide to Gudauri – Discover Hidden Gems Beyond the Slopes
While most visitors come to Gudauri for skiing, those who look beyond the slopes find a region full of culture, history, and quiet beauty. If you want to experience Gudauri like a local, skip the generic tourist checklist and dive into these lesser-known activities and spots recommended by the team at Hotel Carpe Diem.
Whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, these experiences will give your trip a truly personal touch.
🥾 1. Hike to Lomisi Monastery
Perched high above the Aragvi Valley, Lomisi Monastery is one of the region’s most spiritual and scenic landmarks. The hike is about 2–3 hours uphill, and while it’s not for beginners, the payoff is incredible: sweeping mountain views, wildflowers, and an active monastery that dates back centuries.
Locals often visit the site for spiritual reasons, especially during the annual Lomisoba festival in spring.
🍲 2. Eat Like a Local: Village Cuisine Experiences
While the restaurants in Gudauri offer delicious Georgian dishes, nothing beats a home-cooked meal in a local village. Through Hotel Carpe Diem, you can book a visit to nearby local homes or family-run guesthouses to try:
- Freshly made khinkali
- Homemade cheese and wine
- Wild herb teas and traditional desserts
These food experiences are not touristy—they’re authentic and warm, like sitting at your grandmother’s table.
🧗 3. Rock Climbing and Ziplining in Aragvi Valley
Just a short drive from Gudauri, the Aragvi Gorge offers a hidden playground for thrill-seekers. Local guides offer rock climbing routes and zipline rides over the river. This spot is relatively unknown to international travelers and offers a more raw, untouched experience compared to Gudauri’s main attractions.
🕍 4. Visit the Forgotten Fortress of Khada Gorge
Hidden behind the slopes of Gudauri is the Khada Gorge, also called the “Valley of 60 Towers.” Here, ancient stone towers and abandoned fortresses whisper stories of medieval Georgia. Few tourists make it here, making it a perfect quiet half-day trip.
You can reach it via a short off-road drive and moderate hike.
🎭 5. Local Events & Seasonal Markets
Ask our front desk about seasonal markets or cultural events happening during your stay. From folk music concerts to local handicraft fairs and wine tastings, there’s always something unique happening if you know where to look.
🧘♂️ 6. Outdoor Yoga & Meditation with a View
Want a peaceful moment in nature? Our hotel offers outdoor yoga sessions on our summer terrace, or you can find your own quiet corner on the mountainside for meditation. Many locals say Gudauri has a spiritual energy that promotes healing and reflection.
🚗 How to Explore Like a Local
- Rent a 4×4 and explore backroads
- Talk to your hosts – Georgians are famously hospitable
- Learn a few Georgian phrases – even simple greetings go a long way
- Stay at a local hotel like Carpe Diem that supports the local community
👣 Experience the Real Gudaur
For travelers who want more than just a ski resort, Hotel Carpe Diem Gudauri offers personalized recommendations, guided tours, and the inside scoop on where locals actually go. Come explore beyond the guidebook and take home real memories.