Is Zekari Pass unpaved?
Georgia, europe
39.2 km
2,157 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Georgia, straddling the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, lies Zekari Pass. Forget pavement – this is a 39.2 km (24.35 miles) unadulterated off-road experience connecting Sairme and Abastumani, a former Soviet resort area nestled in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
This isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking 2-3 hours of slow going on a seriously rough track, best tackled in a capable 4x4. Heavy rains? Forget about it. You'll be stuck.
But if you're brave enough, the views are insane. Think sprawling mountain vistas from a max elevation of 2,275m (7,463ft) and a pass at 2.157m (7,076ft). Plus, you'll find cool shepherd camps dotting the landscape. And near the pass is the Georgian Academy of Sciences observatory (the first high-mountain one in the USSR, BTW) which you can access via cable car.
Keep in mind, though, Zekari Pass is generally snowed in from October to June. So plan your trip accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable Georgian adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,157 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardIs Przełecz Przysłup paved?
🌍 Poland
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Przełęcz Przysłup in Poland's Subcarpathian Voivodeship! This mountain pass tops out at 617 meters (2,024 feet), nestled in the scenic Sanocko-Turczańskie Mountains. The DK28, as it's known, is completely paved and generally in great shape, making for a smooth ride. You'll likely encounter some fellow travelers, especially cyclists, so keep an eye out since there's practically no shoulder. But don't let that deter you! This route is seriously fun, with some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 13.2%! Prepare for hairpin heaven. It's one of the longest stretches of switchbacks in Poland! We're talking around a dozen 180-degree turns, perfect for that drone shot you've been dreaming of. This gem is tucked away in southeastern Poland, running for about 19.8 kilometers (12.30 miles) between Sanok and Tyrawa Wołoska. And the cherry on top? Epic panoramic views of the Bieszczady mountains await you at the summit. Trust me, the drive is worth it!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the Pas de Bellecombe
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're on Réunion Island, ready for an epic adventure to Pas de Bellecombe, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,361m. The road you'll be cruising is Route Forestière 5 du Volcan, aka Volcano Road. It's paved, but hold on tight – it's a steep climb! Pro-tip: sun protection is a must. The lava reflects like crazy, so you'll want sunscreen and a hat, even if it seems clear. And be prepared for the weather to change on a dime; fog can roll in fast. Give yourself plenty of time to be safe! The road stretches for 22.6 km, climbing 743m. That’s an average gradient of 3.28%. When you get to the top, there's a parking lot and even a snack bar! The view over the northeast part of the caldera is incredible. Just a heads up, the final stretch is on a decent gravel road, so be ready for that.
hardDriving the challenging road to Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse on Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up! Today we're heading to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse in Scotland. Yes, *that* Mull of Kintyre, the one Sir Paul sang about! This isn't just any lighthouse; it's steeped in history, being the second ever built in Scotland. Originally erected in 1788 and revamped in 1824, it's a proper landmark with a poignant memorial to a tragic 1994 helicopter crash nearby. You'll find this beauty perched high—240 feet above sea level, to be exact—about 9 miles southwest of Campbeltown. Keep your eyes peeled; the area's teeming with wildlife! The coastal views are seriously breathtaking. Now, let's talk about the road. The journey kicks off near Campbeltown, and it's about 7 miles to the final parking area, with the last 1.2 miles being on a private road where you'll have to park and walk (unless you're there for a special event). And, I won’t lie, this isn't a Sunday drive. It’s a narrow, single-track road that demands your full attention. It's paved, but incredibly steep in sections, maxing out at a crazy 20.4% gradient! Think switchbacks and seriously intense climbs. The views of the moors and valleys are incredible, but if you’re scared of heights, maybe sit this one out. Leave the large vehicles and caravans at home, too; they just won't cut it here. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the reward is SO worth it!
moderateWhen was the road to Col de la Forclaz built?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Col de la Forclaz is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,532m (5,026ft) in the Swiss Alps. We're talking Valais region, right near Martigny – so Switzerland at its finest. This road has some serious history, once used by mules and even smugglers heading between Switzerland and France. The road as we know it started taking shape in 1827, with a tunnel added later on. The Route de la Forclaz is totally paved and well-kept, making it a smooth ride. It's about 21.5 km (13.35 miles) long, winding from the French border all the way to Martigny-Combe in Switzerland. At the top, you'll find a hotel-restaurant that's been around since about 1830. Heads up – it can get pretty busy up there. This road is not for the faint of heart! It's a Tour de France favorite because it's steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.1% in places. But trust me, those short, sharp climbs are totally worth it for the views. Generally, you can drive the pass year-round. But keep an eye on the weather during winter. It can get dicey, and temporary closures are common. Snow chains or winter tires are usually a must-have during the colder months. Get ready for an epic drive!