
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
extremePas d’Arpilles: Driving the extreme 9.8% chairlift road in Valais
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Pas d'Arpilles: Switzerland's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Tucked away in the heart of the Swiss Alps within Valais's Pennine Alps, Pas d'Arpilles sits at a breathtaking 2,568m (8,425ft)—and trust me, the drive up there is just as intense as the elevation suggests. This isn't your typical scenic alpine route. The 9.2 km (5.7 miles) climb from Flanmayens is essentially a chairlift access road, maintained by service vehicles to keep the Crans-Montana ski resort running. But what a climb it is: you're looking at a punishing 903-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of 9.81%—and some sections hit 12%. Throw in 14 wickedly tight hairpin turns, and you've got yourself a serious off-road adventure that demands serious respect. The road surface is entirely unpaved: loose stones, exposed rock, and a constantly narrowing track as you push higher toward the limestone crags. It's relentless, with minimal forgiveness for mistakes and zero safety barriers to catch you if things go sideways. Your brakes and cooling system are going to work overtime fighting that vertical terrain. From the summit, the payoff is undeniable. You're gazing out over the Rhone Valley with views that stretch toward the iconic Matterhorn and Weisshorn in the distance. But don't get too comfortable—the isolation is total, and the wind here is absolutely relentless year-round. Here's the catch: this road only opens at the end of August. Even then, surprise snowstorms can transform the rocky track into an impassable nightmare in minutes. Winter? Completely buried under meters of snow. Experienced off-roaders only, and always check the weather before attempting this beast.
hardBallaghbeama Gap: Don’t Attempt This Drive with a Large Car
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! If you're heading to Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, and you're feeling adventurous, Ballaghbeama Gap is calling your name. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, though. Think super-twisty, single-track road carved right through the mountains! Clocking in at just over 10 miles, this route is a white-knuckle ride with seriously steep sections – we're talking almost 20% gradients! You'll be hugging the curves, praying you don't meet another car head-on (passing spots are your best friend here, so keep your eyes peeled!). Definitely leave the RV at home – small cars and confident drivers only, please. While the drive is challenging, the scenery is absolutely unreal. Expect breathtaking, isolated views that'll make you forget all about the near-misses. Just watch out for the local wildlife – sheep and mountain goats love to hang out on the road! Trust me, if you've got the mountain driving chops, this is one unforgettable Irish adventure.
moderateIf you love to drive you will love the road to Dobogókő
🌍 Hungary
Located on the boundary of Komárom-Esztergom and Pest counties, in northern Hungary, Dobogókő is a popular tourist area. Nestled in the Visegrád mountains within the Duna-Ipoly National Park, the road to the area is paved. There's a nice viewpoint on the top, called Dobogókő. Expect high traffic at holidays. The quality of the road is acceptable. The road to the summit runs from Pilisszentkereszt on the east and Esztergom on the west. Road suggested by: Bela Zsalakovics A busy road from Komló to Pécs Ranga László Way, a sensational road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardCol de la Chambre: this road is not for timid drivers
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Chambre Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Chambre sits at a seriously impressive 2,787m (9,143ft) above sea level. This is one of those Alpine passes that'll make your jaw drop. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical mountain road. Starting from Val Thorens, the roughly 4km (2.5-mile) route is completely unpaved and basically follows old chairlift service roads meant for serious 4x4 vehicles only. You'll encounter some gnarly sections with grades hitting 25%, so this is definitely not a leisurely summer cruise. The pass is only accessible during the warmer months, so plan accordingly. What makes it even more thrilling? Head southeast and you'll find Mont de Péclet (2,879m/9,445ft), another Alpine giant looming nearby. The road to get there winds along more unpaved ski-lift service tracks, climbing toward the cable car station. It's genuinely one of France's highest accessible roads—the kind of place where the views are absolutely unreal and your vehicle gets put to the test. This is pure Alpine adventure territory. High elevation, extreme terrain, and some serious driving chops required.