
Datvisjvari Pass is Georgia's Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
Georgia, europe
42.5 km
2,689 m
moderate
Year-round
Welcome to Ugheltekhili Dat'visjvari, or 'Bear Cross Pass' as it's known locally, a hidden gem nestled in Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. This beast sits at a whopping 2,689m (8,822ft) above sea level!
The pass gets its quirky name from a massive marble cross that marked this spot back in the Russian Empire days.
The Shatili road, as it's called, stretches for 42.5 km (26.40 miles) from Godani, leading to the remote and historic village of Shatili, practically spitting distance from the Russian border. But the adventure doesn't end there! The road continues to Mutso and even wilder villages tucked away in the Andaki valley.
Keep in mind, you'll typically find this beauty snowed in from October until May.
The views? Absolutely breathtaking! But don't let the scenery distract you too much, because this unpaved road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking serious drop-offs, ancient villages clinging to the mountainside, and fortresses that will transport you back in time. You'll need a trusty 4x4, nerves of steel, and a healthy respect for those steep 10% inclines. Plus, be prepared for possible river and waterfall flooding. It’s an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping adventure you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
Datvisjvari Pass is Georgia's Ultimate Off-Road Adventure is located in Georgia (europe). Coordinates: 42.6589, 43.7045
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,689 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.6589, 43.7045
Related Roads in europe
extremeCollade de la Roquette
🇫🇷 France
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collade de la Roquette, a wild ride in the French Pyrénées-Orientales, practically spitting distance from Spain and Catalonia. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,076m (6,811ft), so be prepared for some thin air! Now, getting there is half the adventure. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, folks. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and definitely a no-go in winter. Seasoned off-roaders will be in heaven, but if you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. At the summit, you'll find the Refuge du Pla Guillem, a cozy mountain shelter with views that'll make your jaw drop. Just a heads up, though: if heights aren't your thing, maybe don't look down! Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. And if it's been raining, that muddy road can get pretty slick. But hey, that's all part of the fun, right?
hardWhere is Col Saint Martin?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, wind in your hair, headed for Col Saint Martin. This baby climbs to a cool 1,500 meters (that's 4,921 feet!), and the views? Seriously epic. It's a key part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, so you know it's gonna be good. The road itself, the M2565, is all paved and stretches for about 21.8 km (13.54 miles) from Rimplas to Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Some sections are practically carved into the mountainside – talk about dramatic! Be ready for some serious twists and turns, and a few hairpin bends thrown in for good measure. It's a bit of a climb, with gradients hitting up to 9.1% in places. This road's so iconic it's even been featured in the Tour de France! Get ready for an amazing drive.
hardA mule track to Col d’Artzatey in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Artzatey If you're looking for an authentic mountain adventure that straddles two countries, Col d'Artzatey delivers exactly that. This scenic pass sits pretty at 662 meters (2,171 feet) and marks the border between Spain's Navarre region and France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques, tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees. Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical paved highway. The route is a genuine mule track, which means you're looking at an unpaved, rough-and-tumble drive that really only works with a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. It's narrow, winding, and demands respect, especially after rainfall when things get seriously tricky. The actual drive from the parking area at Col de Mehatche Pass to the summit is mercifully short at just 1.3 kilometers, which is good news considering the challenging terrain you'll be navigating. This is the kind of mountain pass that rewards adventurous drivers willing to take the road less traveled—literally.
hardA very steep road to Ronda in the canton of Vaud
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Rionda: Switzerland's Ultimate Mountain Challenge Rionda is an iconic Alpine peak towering at 2,157m (7,076ft) in Switzerland's Vaud canton, sitting pretty near the French-Italian border with sweeping views over Martigny. Fair warning: the climb from Lavey-les-Bains is legitimately one of the most brutal mountain roads you'll encounter anywhere on Earth. Starting from the small municipality of Lavey-Morcles (just 442m elevation), you're in for a 15.3km (9.5 miles) white-knuckle ascent that'll gain you 1,715 meters with an eye-watering average gradient of 11.2%. The road surface switches between paved and unpaved sections, and here's the kicker—except for a brief reprieve around km 8 and the final kilometer, you're never dealing with anything gentler than 10%. The first stretch tricks you into thinking it's manageable. Don't be fooled. Things get seriously steep, seriously fast, and stay that way as you navigate an endless series of numbered switchbacks climbing through Lavey-Morcles. It's relentless, it's grueling, and it's absolutely unforgettable. One heads-up though: there's reportedly a locked barrier at around 1,750m where a car park sits, which may restrict vehicle access to the summit. Worth checking conditions before you make the drive up—you don't want to come all this way only to hit a dead end!