Driving the wild Georgian Military Road to Jvari Pass
Georgia, europe
39.2 km
2,395 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Jvari Pass, or Cross Pass as it's also known! This incredible mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,395 meters (7,857 feet) in the Stepantsminda District of Georgia. You'll find it snaking through the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, nestled between the Gudauri and Kobi ski resorts.
Keep an eye out for the obelisk marking the summit, but the pass gets its real name from a cross made of red stone, placed there way back in 1824. This historic route forms part of the Georgian Military Road (E117), a 39.2 km stretch from Kvemo Mleta to Arsha, with roots dating back to ancient times as a path for traders and invaders!
Be warned, the road surface can be a bit rough in places, swapping pavement for gravel thanks to the elements. It’s a busy route, often shared with large trucks, and it can get pretty steep with gradients hitting 9% in sections.
Perched high on the Caucasus Mountains, the Jvari Pass is the road’s highest point. Avalanches are a known hazard here, but don't worry, they've built galleries to keep the road open for most of the year. Also, while the altitude is high, you shouldn't have issues unless you're planning on some high altitude hikes.
But the real reward? The views! Expect breathtaking mountain scenery and air so fresh it'll take your breath away. Gaze upon the majestic Mt Kazbek, and keep an eye out for the vibrant orange mineral waterfall cascading down the mountainside. You'll also pass the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, a relic from 1983. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Where is it?
Driving the wild Georgian Military Road to Jvari Pass is located in Georgia (europe). Coordinates: 42.4934, 43.3428
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,395 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4934, 43.3428
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