Where is Tskhratskaro Pass?
Georgia, europe
79.2 km
2,471 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Samtskhe–Javakheti region of Georgia, ready to tackle the Tskhratskaro Pass. This baby climbs up to 2,471m (8,106ft) above sea level, and let me tell you, it's a RIDE.
You'll find it snaking through the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve in the southern part of the country. And get this – there's a police checkpoint at the summit, like, in the middle of nowhere. Time to get your papers in order!
Now, about the road itself: it's 79.2 km (49.21 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road adventure, connecting Akhalkalaki and Borjomi. We're talking loose rocks, super narrow sections, and some serious drop-offs. M-20, as it's known, is technically open to all vehicles, but trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. The first part is manageable, but it gets gnarlier as you climb. Also, pro tip: fuel up and stock up on snacks beforehand, because there are zero services along the way.
Heads up: this pass is in the Trialeti mountains, so avoid it during bad weather. Avalanches, blizzards, and landslides can shut it down in a heartbeat, not to mention the sneaky ice patches.
But is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane. You'll be glued to the road, but try to sneak a peek at the Borjomi-Bakuriani landscape, the Greater Caucasus, Mount Elbrus, and the unreal Tabatskuri Lake. Seriously, bring your camera! You'll need those epic shots to prove you survived.
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 79.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,471 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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