An epic road to Zagari Pass in the Caucasus
Georgia, europe
92.3 km
2,620 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up because Pereval Zagari in Georgia is NOT your average Sunday drive! We're talking a wild, high-altitude pass topping out at 2,620m (8,595ft). Located where Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti kisses Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, in Georgia's northwest corner, this route is...challenging.
Let's be real: the "road" is rough. Like, REALLY rough. Think unpaved, rocky, and possibly more suited for mountain goats than your hatchback. An SUV is practically mandatory, along with a spare tire and a full tank of gas. Some even say it's more of a muddy track than a proper road!
Clocking in at 92.3km (57.35 miles) from Tsageri to Ushguli (Europe's highest continuously inhabited settlement!), this trek takes around 5 1/2 hours if you take your time and soak it all in. And you'll want to! The scenery is jaw-dropping: think towering peaks, vibrant valleys, and the ghostly remnants of glaciers. The view from the top? Unreal! You'll be staring straight at the central Caucasus ridge, dominated by Ailama and Tsurungali peaks.
Heads up: this road is generally closed from late October until late June/early July because of snow. Even when it's open, expect a bumpy ride with rocks, streams, and some seriously steep drop-offs. This isn't a busy route, so be prepared. Recent news suggests past security concerns are no longer a worry, so you can focus on the incredible views... and maybe even pick up a hitchhiker or two!
Where is it?
An epic road to Zagari Pass in the Caucasus is located in Georgia (europe). Coordinates: 42.3734, 43.9750
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 92.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,620 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.3734, 43.9750
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