
Can I drive to Ushguli?
Georgia, europe
92.3 km
2,411 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Georgia, ready for an adventure, and Ushguli is calling your name. Nestled way up in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, this village is the highest continuously inhabited spot in Europe, chilling at a cool 7,910 feet above sea level.
So, can you drive there? Technically, yes, but hold your horses (or should I say, your SUVs?). The 57-mile "road" from Tsageri is mostly unpaved. We're talking a bumpy, rocky, river-crossing kind of adventure. You'll want that SUV, a spare tire (or two), and a full tank of gas because this isn't your average Sunday drive. Some might even argue it's more of a walking path than a road!
The views though? Totally worth it. Think towering mountain peaks, vibrant valleys, and glimpses of ancient glaciers. It's a photographer's dream.
Keep in mind, this route is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Timing is everything!
Heads up: This road isn't for the faint of heart. You'll be hugging the Patara Enguri River the whole way. It can get pretty dicey after heavy rain, and there's a real risk of rock slides. Expect steep drops and a generally rough ride.
The good news? The, ahem, "security concerns" you might have heard about seem to be a thing of the past. You can usually travel safely and even offer a ride to a friendly local.
Oh, and the highest point of this "road" reaches a whopping 8,595 feet. Buckle up!
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 92.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,411 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardNavigating the Rugged Slopes: Col de la Lezette Road Guide
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Lézette Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Lézette sits pretty at 1,786 meters (5,859 feet) above sea level in the heart of the Alps. This is the real deal for mountain pass enthusiasts. The Route des Crêtes is your ticket to the summit, and here's the good news: it's mostly unpaved but totally doable in a regular passenger car. Starting from Les Saisies via the D218B road, you're looking at a quick but punchy 1.8 km (1.11 miles) climb that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The elevation gain? A solid 126 meters with an average gradient of 7%—but heads up, some sections ramp up to a gnarly 13.4%, so take it at your own pace. The real rewards? Stunning alpine views that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. Once you reach the top, there's a generous parking lot and Le Benetton restaurant where you can refuel and catch your breath. If you're feeling extra adventurous, a minor gravel road continues beyond the pass toward Col de la Légette for those seeking even more exploration. This is quintessential French Alps driving—challenging enough to feel accomplished, accessible enough to actually enjoy the journey, and surrounded by some seriously gorgeous scenery the whole way up.
extremeForcella Àuta/Alta
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Àuta/Alta: A Mountain Pass Adventure Ready for some serious Alpine thrills? Forcella Àuta/Alta is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,984m (6,509ft) in the heart of the Dolomites, northeastern Italy's crown jewel. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is seriously steep and narrow—we're talking single-lane-in-places tight, with some sections dropping hundreds of meters straight down and absolutely zero guardrails to catch you. It's an old military road with serious personality. The good news? They resurfaced it a while back, so it's actually in pretty decent shape. Most of the route is nicely asphalted, though you'll encounter some wild 29% gradient ramps with loose gravel sitting right outside your tire tracks—keep your wits about you on those stretches. Starting from Misurina, you're looking at a 5.3km climb to Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana (or 6.3km if you're tackling the full gravel section to the mountain's top). Along the way, you'll conquer three passes—Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo, and finally Forcella Àuta—while the dramatic Tre Cime di Lavaredo beckons nearby. Pro tip: bring your camera! Beyond the insane scenery, this area is soaked in World War I history. Monte Piana is scattered with relics from the Italian-Austro-Hungarian conflicts, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs and tourists alike. Absolutely worth the adrenaline rush.
hardA wild gravel road to Lagada Beach in Greece
🇬🇷 Greece
# Kakia Lagada: Greece's Hidden Gem Beach Nestled on the eastern shore of Kythera—a charming Greek island with Ionian roots—lies Kakia Lagada, a secluded paradise that'll make your Instagram feed jealous. Picture-perfect sandy shores, crystalline waters, and views that'll take your breath away. But here's the thing: if white-knuckle cliff driving and narrow winding roads make you nervous, this one might not be for you. Getting there is definitely an adventure. From Ag. Pelagia, you're looking at just 2.8 km of rough, unpaved road that demands respect and careful navigation. The route winds through the dramatic Paleochora canyon before depositing you at this hidden slice of heaven. Lucky for you, there's a parking area right at the beach entrance. Once you arrive, though? Pure bliss. The beach comes fully equipped with a well-stocked canteen, loungers, umbrellas, and—if you're feeling sporty—regular volleyball tournaments. Come winter, the canyon's runoff creates a stunning lagoon right behind the beach, transforming the whole landscape into something even more magical. It's narrow, it's rugged, and it definitely isn't your typical tourist beach. But for those willing to brave the drive, Kakia Lagada rewards you with exactly what most travelers are searching for: authenticity, natural beauty, and a place that feels genuinely undiscovered.
hardWhere is the 64H-1 road in Russia?
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventurers, picture this: Russia's Sakhalin Island, way out east where the Tatar Strait meets the Sea of Okhotsk. That's where you'll find Road 64H-1, a 623km (387-mile) beast stretching north to south from Nogliki all the way to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Word to the wise, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking remote! You'll need to be totally self-sufficient to tackle this one. What’s the road like? Expect mostly paved sections, but be warned, you'll hit some corrugated bits and plenty of potholes on the unpaved sections. Keep your speed down to stay safe! But hey, all that work comes with a serious reward – unbelievably gorgeous coastal views that'll make every bump and rattle worth it. So get ready for an unforgettable Russian road trip!