
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
hardA memorable road trip to Gap of Dunloe in Kerry
🌍 Ireland
The Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland, is a mountain pass that’s not for the faint of heart! Perched at 246m (807ft) above sea level, this scenic route might churn the stomach of those prone to car sickness, or those uncomfortable with narrow mountain roads. Stretching 9.6 km (5.96 miles) from Dunloe to Hollywood in the southwest, the paved road is...let's just say it's showing its age. Be prepared for a white-knuckle drive along single-track roads with hairpin bends and bridges that feel barely wide enough. Nestled between two majestic mountain ranges, the road isn’t forgiving, with steep sections hitting a 19% gradient! Passing other vehicles can be a real challenge, and you'll likely find yourself sharing the road with horse-drawn traps. Traffic jams involving cars and horses are surprisingly common. Larger vehicles should think twice before attempting this route. If you're a nervous driver or unaccustomed to extremely narrow roads, you might find it hard to appreciate the scenery. Cyclists, be warned, there have been accidents. The Gap of Dunloe is a major tourist hotspot, especially in summer, thanks to its location among Ireland's highest peaks. Consider leaving the driving to the locals – you'll enjoy the views far more without the stress! Five stunning lakes dot the landscape within The Gap. Daytime drives are possible but not recommended, as the area teems with walkers, cyclists, and those iconic jaunting cars. The Gap of Dunloe is a highlight of the Ring of Kerry, a world-renowned scenic drive loved by locals and tourists alike.
hardWhere is Col de Tramassel?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Col de Tramassel (aka Col de Burauou), a wicked peak tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées, France. We're talking about the Occitanie region in the southwest, so you KNOW the scenery is killer. The peak sits pretty at 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level. When you get to the top, you'll find a huge parking lot (it's the Hautacam ski station) and a restaurant – fuel up, you'll need it! From there, you can head to an unpaved and challenging climb. The road itself is a blast, a short but sweet 1.3km (0.80 miles) stretch that'll have you grinning ear to ear. It's got three wide hairpin turns, and yeah, it climbs – a 106-meter gain, so the average gradient hits about 8.15%. Get ready for some seriously stunning Pyrenees views!
hardWhere is Passo Cereda?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Passo Cereda, perched at a cool 1,361 meters (4,465 feet), straddling the line between Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto in northern Italy. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure on Strada Statale 347 (SS347). The road's typically smooth, but heads up – some curves get seriously narrow, especially winding through villages. Blind corners are the name of the game here, so keep your eyes peeled! Clocking in at 31 kilometers (19 miles), this east-to-west route starts near Fiera di Primiero (in Trentino) and ends close to Gosaldo (in the Province of Belluno). The whole time, you’re cruising along the southern slopes of the Pale di San Martino mountains. Seriously epic scenery, folks!
moderateA defiant road to Col des Cortalets
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Cortalets: A Wild Ride in the French Pyrenees Ready for an adventure? Head to the Pyrénées-Orientales in southern France and tackle Col des Cortalets, a seriously impressive mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,050m (6,725ft). Starting from the small town of Fillols, this route is a mixed bag—part gravel, part pavement—that climbs a staggering 1,500+ meters. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The surface is rough and uneven, with loose gravel lurking everywhere, especially along the roadside. You'll also encounter some gnarly rippled pavement sections caused by frost heaves (yeah, that's when the ground freezes and thaws seasonally—fun times). A 4WD vehicle is pretty much essential if you want to tackle this one safely. Mother Nature's got the final say here too. The pass can close without warning whenever snow decides to block access, so check conditions before you head out. The payoff? Stunning Pyrenean scenery and the kind of road that'll make for an unforgettable story. Just respect the terrain, keep your speed in check, and watch out for those sudden loose-gravel sections that can catch you off guard. This mountain pass is definitely one for experienced drivers who crave a proper challenge.