Tikmataji Pass
Georgia, europe
N/A
2.073 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Tikmataji Pass! This beauty sits right on the border between Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli in southern Georgia, topping out at a cool 2,171 meters (7,122 feet).
You'll find it chilling in the Javakheti Plateau, part of the Lesser Caucasus mountains. The asphalt ribbon winds and climbs, making it one of Georgia's highest paved routes. Think hairpin turns, steep climbs, and views that'll make your jaw drop as you connect Tsalka with Ninotsminda.
Word to the wise: this isn't the road to mess with in bad weather. Snow can strike anytime, and those icy patches can be sneaky! You’ll also be sharing the landscape with the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway.
Seriously, though, make the drive. It's a lonely, gorgeous landscape of roads, grasslands, mountains, and the stunning Paravani Lake, the country's largest, not far from the pass itself. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled – there's even a 4,000-year-old burial mound hiding somewhere in the lake! Just don't expect to see it clearly - the lake is shallow, but murky. Photo ops galore up here, so don't forget your camera!
Where is it?
Tikmataji Pass is located in Georgia (europe). Coordinates: 42.6488, 43.2710
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2.073 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.6488, 43.2710
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the wild 4x4 road to Qafe Barit in northern Albania
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Qafë Barit in Albania's Shkodër County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a legit mountain pass sitting pretty at 968m (3,175ft) above sea level. Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved, rugged experience on the SH43. Picture this: a narrow, steep track that's seen better days. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically a requirement. This wild ride stretches for 20.3km (12.61 miles), carving its way from Fushë-Arrëz to Kimëz in a north-south direction. Get ready for some epic views and a true off-the-beaten-path adventure!
hardLac de Pramol
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Maurienne Valley in the French Alps, heading towards a hidden gem called Lac de Pramol. This high-altitude lake sits pretty at 1,728m (that's 5,969ft!), just a hop, skip, and a jump past les Karellis ski resort. The road? Oh, it's a sweet, paved climb. Starting in Saint Jean de Maurienne, you've got about 18.8 km of winding asphalt ahead of you. You'll gain 1,168 meters in elevation, averaging around 6.2% grade – with some punchy sections hitting 11%! It’s usually a chill drive; not too much traffic unless it's a Saturday during ski season. And the reward? The serene waters of the lake perfectly mirroring the dramatic Croix des Têtes, which happens to be France's biggest limestone cliff. Trust me, you'll want your camera ready for this one!
moderateWhere is Col du Poutran?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Col du Poutran is calling! This high-altitude gem sits way up in the French Alps, in the commune of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards. You'll find it snuggled in the southeastern part of France, and at the summit, you'll be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's an adventure. The entire route to the top is paved, but it's seen better days with some rough patches. It's a narrow climb stretching roughly 11.2 kilometers, heading south to north from the D927. Here's a fun fact: You can find the road at the top of the ski resort of Les Sybelles cable car to the Grande Rousses. Keep an eye out for cyclists, too! This area has a major pull for cycling enthusiasts, thanks to the legendary Alpe d'Huez nearby.
moderateThe road to Kaprun reservoir, a chillout in high mountains
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen: Alpine Adventure Awaits Perched at a breathtaking 2,038 meters (6,686 feet) in Austria's Salzburg region, the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen reservoir is a hidden gem tucked into the eastern Alps within the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park. The drive here is an exhilarating experience along the Mooserbodenstraße, a fully paved mountain road built back in 1938. Fair warning though—this route is only passable from late June or early July through late October, as heavy snow transforms it into an impassable ribbon of white during the colder months. Starting from Lärchenwand Schrägaufzug Bergstation, you'll climb 6 kilometers (3.72 miles) through upper Kaprun Valley, gaining 417 meters of elevation along the way. The average gradient sits at about 7%, but don't let that fool you—the road ramps up to a jaw-dropping 17% in sections, making for some seriously steep switchbacks that demand respect and attentive driving. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. The combination of extreme steepness, high altitude, and narrow hairpin turns means you'll need nerves of steel and solid driving skills. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards are spectacular Alpine views and the satisfaction of conquering one of Austria's most impressive mountain roads.