The Truso Valley runs east from Kazbegi toward the South Ossetian border and is one of the region's least-visited and most dramatic hikes. The Terek River cuts through it, passing travertine terraces — pale orange mineral formations built up by iron-rich springs — and the ruins of medieval fortresses standing on ridges above the valley floor.
The full walk to the mineral springs and back is around 20 kilometres; allow a full day. You pass through several abandoned villages and the scenery gets progressively wilder the further in you go. Take a 4WD to the trailhead at Ketrisi to save time, or walk the whole distance from the road junction near Kazbegi.