Where is Roki Tunnel?

Where is Roki Tunnel?

Russia, europe

Length

58 km

Elevation

3,000 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

The Roksky Tunnel is a wild ride, perched way up at 2,130m (6,988ft) on the border between Russia and Georgia in the mighty Greater Caucasus Mountains!

This isn't just any shortcut; it's a 3,730-meter (12,240 ft) long tunnel blasted through the mountains back in 1984. Forget the old Roki Pass, which was only open in the summer and sat way up at 3,000 meters.

The Transcaucasian Highway runs right through it, connecting Gori in Russia with Java in Georgia, over a stretch of 58km (36 miles). Word to the wise: this road can be a beast in winter. Avalanches are a real threat, so closures are common.

More than just a road, this tunnel is the lifeline between North Ossetia–Alania in Russia and South Ossetia, a breakaway region of Georgia. Legend has it, it's not just cars and trucks that use this route, but maybe other "goods" too!

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Road Details

Country
Russia
Continent
europe
Length
58 km
Max Elevation
3,000 m
Difficulty
moderate

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