Tikmataji Pass
Georgia, europe
N/A
2.073 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Tikmataji Pass! This beauty sits right on the border between Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli in southern Georgia, topping out at a cool 2,171 meters (7,122 feet).
You'll find it chilling in the Javakheti Plateau, part of the Lesser Caucasus mountains. The asphalt ribbon winds and climbs, making it one of Georgia's highest paved routes. Think hairpin turns, steep climbs, and views that'll make your jaw drop as you connect Tsalka with Ninotsminda.
Word to the wise: this isn't the road to mess with in bad weather. Snow can strike anytime, and those icy patches can be sneaky! You’ll also be sharing the landscape with the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway.
Seriously, though, make the drive. It's a lonely, gorgeous landscape of roads, grasslands, mountains, and the stunning Paravani Lake, the country's largest, not far from the pass itself. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled – there's even a 4,000-year-old burial mound hiding somewhere in the lake! Just don't expect to see it clearly - the lake is shallow, but murky. Photo ops galore up here, so don't forget your camera!
Where is it?
Tikmataji Pass is located in Georgia (europe). Coordinates: 42.6488, 43.2710
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2.073 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.6488, 43.2710
Related Roads in europe
hardSommet de l'Eychauda
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamt of conquering a peak in the French Alps? Then Sommet de l'Eychauda needs to be on your radar. We're talking a whopping 2,639 meters (8,658 feet) up in the Hautes-Alpes department, so yeah, it's high! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth asphalt – you'll be tackling a gravel track that's rocky, bumpy, and will definitely keep you on your toes. It’s essentially a chairlift access trail. This bad boy is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Prepare for a seriously steep climb, one of the highest roads in the whole country. And the views? Totally worth it. But be warned: the wind is no joke up here. Seriously, it howls year-round. And even in summer, don't be surprised if you get a dusting of snow. Winter? Let's just say you'll need more than just a cozy sweater. This place is BRUTAL!
hardALP-822 in Almeria is not your road if you don't like heights
🇪🇸 Spain
# ALP-822: Spain's White-Knuckle Coastal Masterpiece Nestled in the dramatic eastern reaches of Almería, Andalusia, ALP-822 is the kind of road that'll either make you feel like a fearless adventurer or grip the steering wheel so hard your knuckles turn white. No in-between. This 10.8 km (6.71 miles) ribbon of asphalt stretches west to east from Níjar to San José, and honestly? It earned its 2015 recognition as one of the world's best roads for good reason. Just know what you're signing up for if you're queasy about heights. The road is mostly unpaved, winding its way along the coast while cutting through the Sierra de Alhamilla range like it's got something to prove. You'll climb to 189m (620ft) above sea level, with some sections hitting a brutal 16% gradient that'll test both your car and your nerves. Fair warning: trucks and trailers are restricted here, especially on weekends and during summer months—and the road can close without warning whenever weather decides to throw a tantrum. Carved through Europe's only warm desert climate, this isolated stretch delivers jaw-dropping geological scenery that looks almost alien. Prepare for powerful coastal winds and those heart-stopping barrier-free stretches. Budget around 90 minutes to crawl through safely—the road's barely wide enough for two cars to pass. Oh, and yeah, this is where they filmed Indiana Jones and The Never Ending Story. Pretty cool, right?
hardWhere is Theodulpass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Theodulpass, perched on the border of Switzerland and Italy, is a true high-altitude stunner at 3,336m (10,944ft)! Also known as Colle del Teodulo, Col de Saint-Théodule, and Theoduljoch, this incredible spot connects Valais in southern Switzerland with Italy's Valle d'Aosta. You'll even find the Rifugio del Teodulo, a mountain hut built way back in 1920, watching over the pass. Sadly, you can no longer drive to the very top, as the old unpaved road—once the highest drivable point in the Alps—is now closed to motorized vehicles. But cyclists, listen up! In perfect midsummer conditions, you can still conquer this beast! Starting from Breuil-Cervinia in the Aosta Valley, the climb stretches for 10.5 km (6.52 miles), with a whopping 1,308 meters of elevation gain. Prepare for an average gradient of 12.45%, but don't get too comfy – some sections are brutally steep, maxing out at a crazy 30%! The surface is loose and rocky, getting even gnarlier as you climb higher. This eastern Pennine Alps adventure is only possible for a tiny window in late summer (think late August). But if you catch it right, the views are worth every grueling pedal stroke!
extremeWhy was Strada delle 52 Gallerie built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, ready for an adventure, and someone tells you about the Strada delle 52 Gallerie – the Road of 52 Tunnels. This isn't just any hike; it's a historic military trail carved into the Pasubio mountains during World War I. Why build a road through solid rock? Well, this area, straddling Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto, saw some serious action. They needed a supply route safe from enemy fire, and this incredible feat of engineering was the answer. Think steep cliffs, deep canyons, and rugged terrain – intense! The trail itself is about 5.3 km (3.29 miles) long, winding its way from Bocchetta di Campiglia. But here's the kicker: almost half of that distance is underground, snaking through 52 tunnels drilled straight through the mountain. These aren't just holes in the rock; they're numbered, named, and range from tiny to the monster #19 tunnel with a helical path, a whopping 318 meters long. Expect a serious workout as you hike. You'll be climbing, sometimes steeply, and the temperature can change dramatically from bottom to top. Bring a good headlamp – those tunnels get dark. The path can be uneven and slippery in spots. But trust me, the views are insane, and reaching the Refuge Achille Papa at the end for a well-deserved break is epic. This road is for hikers only now; cars are banned because, let's be honest, it's narrow, cliffy, and a bit too exciting for four-wheeled vehicles. In winter, forget about it – snow and ice make it way too dangerous. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It's a challenging but unforgettable trek through history and stunning scenery. Just be prepared, be careful, and get ready to be blown away!