
Is Zekari Pass unpaved?
Georgia, europe
39.2 km
2,157 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Georgia, straddling the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, lies Zekari Pass. Forget pavement – this is a 39.2 km (24.35 miles) unadulterated off-road experience connecting Sairme and Abastumani, a former Soviet resort area nestled in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
This isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking 2-3 hours of slow going on a seriously rough track, best tackled in a capable 4x4. Heavy rains? Forget about it. You'll be stuck.
But if you're brave enough, the views are insane. Think sprawling mountain vistas from a max elevation of 2,275m (7,463ft) and a pass at 2.157m (7,076ft). Plus, you'll find cool shepherd camps dotting the landscape. And near the pass is the Georgian Academy of Sciences observatory (the first high-mountain one in the USSR, BTW) which you can access via cable car.
Keep in mind, though, Zekari Pass is generally snowed in from October to June. So plan your trip accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable Georgian adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,157 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardProphet Elias Church
🇬🇷 Greece
# Prophet Elias Church Road Nestled in the rugged western reaches of Karditsa, Greece, this mountain chapel sits at a seriously impressive 1,743 meters (5,718 feet) above sea level—making it one of the country's highest accessible roads. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're driving straight into the clouds. Hugging the foot of the Pindus mountains, this route is definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking steep, narrow pavement that's seen better days—think weathered asphalt that'll test your driving skills. The good news? It stays open year-round, though winter weather might force brief closures when conditions get gnarly. The actual climb is delightfully compact at just 3.1 kilometers, but don't let that fool you. You'll gain 207 meters of elevation while navigating three sharp hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged with some seriously rewarding views. The average gradient sits around 6.67%—nothing too extreme, but paired with the narrow road and those tight bends, it demands respect and attention. Start from the Epar.Od. Karditsas-Argitheas road and prepare yourself for a genuinely thrilling ascent. This is quintessential mountain driving in Greece—beautiful, challenging, and absolutely unforgettable.
easyIs Hochtor Tunnel paved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, right on the border of Salzburg and Carinthia in Austria. You're surrounded by the majestic Hohe Tauern mountains, part of the main chain of the Central Eastern Alps. Suddenly, you plunge into the Hochtor Tunnel, which clocks in at 311 meters – the highest point on the whole road at a whopping 2,504 meters above sea level! This tunnel is totally paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. The road up to it from Pockhorn is a 17.4 km climb with an average gradient of 8%, so expect some serious uphill action as you gain 1,400 meters in elevation. The tunnel was built back in the mid-1930s. Keep in mind the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (and therefore the tunnel) is generally open from early May to the end of October. But, because you're way up in the mountains, always check conditions before you go – Mother Nature can be unpredictable at these heights!
hardPuerto del Escudo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto del Escudo: A Thrilling Alpine Challenge Nestled between Cantabria and Castile in Spain's scenic Luena valley, Puerto del Escudo sits at a serious 1,011m elevation—and trust me, you'll *feel* every meter of it. This mountain pass is no joke for drivers or cyclists alike. The fully asphalted N623 road is relentless, with steep sections that'll make your palms sweat. We're talking double-digit gradients throughout, with some brutal stretches hitting 12-13% (and the Cantabrian side can even spike to 15%). There's no mercy here—no flat sections to catch your breath between climbs. Winter closures are pretty common thanks to heavy snowfall, so plan accordingly if you're tackling this in colder months. The area's also notorious for thick mist and poor visibility, which definitely adds to the challenge. Big rigs dread this road for good reason. The pass has earned some serious cycling cred, having featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. You've got two main routes up: the shorter 4km grind from Corconte (158m elevation gain, averaging 4%) is deceptively tough in its intensity, while the longer 16km slog from Entrambasmestas (801m elevation gain, 5% average) tests your endurance in a different way. Whether you're driving or cycling, Puerto del Escudo demands respect and preparation.
moderateKaunertal Glacier Road: 26 km, 29 hairpin turns and 1,500 m change in elevation in the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kaunertal Glacier Road Ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure? The Kaunertal Glacier Road is calling! This incredible 26-kilometer journey takes you from the charming village of Feichten (1,273m) all the way up to the base of the ski area at a breathtaking 2,750 meters—making it the fifth highest paved road in the entire Alps. Built back in 1980 to bring the magic of glaciers within reach of everyday travelers, this road is an engineering marvel wrapped in stunning scenery. You'll tackle 29 hairpin turns as you climb 1,500 meters through some of the most jaw-dropping Alpine landscape you've ever seen. With an average gradient of 10% (maxing out at 12%), this isn't your typical leisurely drive—it's a thrilling climb that'll have your adrenaline pumping. Located in southwestern Tyrol near the Italian border, the road hugs the edge of the Gepatsch reservoir, creating dramatic vistas at every turn. The whole drive takes about 50 minutes, and along the way, you'll find 29 information panels sharing fascinating details about the region's nature, history, and culture. **What You Need to Know:** - Open year-round: June-August (7am-7:30pm), other months (7am-5pm) - Toll applies (though skiers with valid passes get free access) - Once you reach the top, the Karlesjoch cable railway whisks you even higher to 3,108m This is pure Alpine magic—don't miss it!