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
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to Get by Car to Lac d'Aumar, One of the Highest Paved Roads in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Lac d'Aumar: A High-Altitude Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, near the Spanish border, Lac d'Aumar sits pretty at 2,192 m (7,191 ft) above sea level. This pristine mountain lake—sometimes called Lac d'Aumer—lies just east of its neighbor, Lac d'Aubert, in the Occitania region. The Route des Lacs, combining the D177 and D929 roads, is your fully paved ticket to this alpine gem. But don't let the pavement fool you—this drive is seriously exhilarating. We're talking steep climbs, relentless curves, and hairpin turns that'll keep you gripping the wheel. The finale? Pure magic. As the cliff-hugging road wraps around the dam, you'll tackle some genuinely thrilling switchbacks that make the whole journey worthwhile. Starting from Aragnouet, you're looking at a 15.7 km (9.75-mile) push uphill with a staggering 1,097 m elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.98%. Some sections hit a punchy 15% gradient, so this isn't a leisurely cruise. This isn't just any mountain road—it's one of the highest paved routes in the entire French Pyrenees, sitting even higher than the legendary Col du Tourmalet. That altitude comes with a trade-off: the road is typically closed during winter, so plan your visit for warmer months if you want to experience this spectacular drive.
hardButtertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Yorkshire Dales in northern England, and you stumble upon Buttertubs Pass. Jeremy Clarkson called it "England's only truly spectacular road," so you know it's going to be good. This baby's located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The name comes from these crazy cool, 65-foot-deep limestone potholes near the top. Legend has it that farmers used them as natural fridges for their butter on market days! The road itself is called Cliff Gate Road (B6270) and it's totally paved. It winds for about 5.5 miles (8.85km) between Hawes and Thwaite. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is a bonus. Heads up, though: this road isn't for the faint of heart! You've got a serious 400-foot drop on one side, super tight bends, and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 20%! And it can get slick when it's wet. Plus, the wind at the top can be wild, so hold onto your hats! But trust me, it's worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking. This drive has it all: steep climbs, fast descents, challenging corners, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. It's no wonder it's been featured on the Tour de France, Clarkson's Car Years, Top Gear, and Wheeler Dealers! Seriously, if you're looking for an epic drive in the UK, Buttertubs Pass needs to be on your list.
moderateWhere is Plateau de Beille?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, cycling fans, picture this: the legendary Plateau de Beille, a ski resort nestled high in the French Pyrenees. We're talking serious elevation here! This isn't just any climb; it's *the* climb, one of France's most iconic! Find it in the Ariège department, down in the southwestern part of the country, practically winking at Andorra. Trust me, the views from the top of this Nordic ski station are killer. The road? Smooth as butter, fully paved, and ready for action. It's known as the D522, and it's a beast. Expect some seriously steep sections; we're talking double-digit gradients and hairpin turns that’ll make you sweat. So, how long is this leg-burner? We're talking a 15.8 km (9.8 miles) grind, with a whopping 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) of elevation gain. That puts the average gradient at around 7.9%! Ouch! Why all the hype? Well, the ascent to Plateau de Beille is a Tour de France classic. This climb has seen legends crowned, and is often compared to Mont Ventoux because of its similar stats. If you're looking for a Pyrenean challenge, this is it. Heads up: this is the Central Pyrenees, so while the road is generally open year-round for ski resort access, winter can be brutal. For the best conditions, aim for late April to the end of October. Get ready for an epic ride!
hardCol de Platé
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de Platé is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a high-mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,362 meters (that's 7,749 feet!) in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France. Now, picture this: a gravel service road that's rocky, bumpy, and ready to test your off-roading skills. This isn't a road for the faint of heart! You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this steep, unpaved trail. And, pro tip: avoid it completely in winter when it becomes totally impassable. Imagine conquering this beast, though! Just remember, if heights make your palms sweat, maybe sit this one out. Wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy slip-n-slide, especially as you near the top of those ski slopes. But, if you're an experienced wheeler looking for a challenge with insane views, Col de Platé might just be your next unforgettable adventure.