Where is Mamisoni Pass?

Where is Mamisoni Pass?

Georgia, europe

Length

33.6 km

Elevation

2,836 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Mamisonskiy Pass: Straddling the border between Georgia and Russia's North Ossetia-Alania, this high-altitude gem clocks in at a staggering 2,836m (9,304ft)! You'll find it nestled within the Racha-Lechkhum-Kvemo Svaneti Planned National Park.

The North Ossetian Military Road, dating back to the late 1800s, winds its way through here, connecting Kutaisi in Georgia with Alagir in Russia. But be warned, this 33.6 km (20.87 miles) stretch from Shovi, Georgia, to Kamskho, Russia, is not for the faint of heart.

Expect a completely unpaved track, barely wide enough for one vehicle in places, with hairpin turns and blind corners galore. The climb is seriously steep in sections, reaching gradients of up to 17%!

The pass is usually only open for a few months each year due to heavy snowfall. But for those brave enough to tackle it in a 4x4, the views from the top are incredible. Plus, you can even visit a weather station located near the summit at 2,847m (9,340ft). Just remember, you're right on the edge of Europe here, where the continent meets Asia!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Georgia
Continent
europe
Length
33.6 km
Max Elevation
2,836 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

The Ultimate Road Trip to Petrohan Pass in the Balkan Mountainsmoderate

The Ultimate Road Trip to Petrohan Pass in the Balkan Mountains

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, so you're heading from Sofia to northwestern Bulgaria (or maybe even Romania)? Then Petrohan Pass is your ticket! This paved beauty, also known as Route 81, clocks in at about 41 kilometers (25 miles) and snakes its way up to a cool 1,407 meters (4,616 feet) in the Balkan Mountains. You'll find it nestled right on the border of Montana and Sofia provinces. Keep in mind, while it's usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with closures and restrictions. Oh, and word on the street is they might be building a tunnel and widening the road sometime soon. Apparently, this project would shorten the trip by a whopping 70 km! The scenery is pretty epic, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Loch Ericht: the road drops down to the lakemoderate

Loch Ericht: the road drops down to the lake

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, picture this: you're in Perthshire, Scotland, about to experience a truly stunning drive along the southern edge of Loch Ericht. This remote lake sits pretty at 351m (1,151ft), bordering the Highlands and Perth and Kinross, and the views are just epic! The road kicks off from the B846 at Bridge of Ericht, stretching for 17.54km (10.9 miles) hugging the loch. Now, here’s the thing: it’s paved, but super narrow. Think single-track with passing places. So, keep your wits about you and maybe brush up on your reversing skills! Seriously, drive slowly and keep your fingers crossed you don't meet anything coming the other way. Oh, and a heads-up, this road can be a no-go from late October to early May thanks to harsh winter conditions. And did I mention it's steep? You'll be tackling some 12% gradients on those ramps. But trust me, if you're up for a bit of an adventure, the scenery is SO worth it!

Col du Sappenaymoderate

Col du Sappenay

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Sappenay Nestled in the gorgeous Jura Mountains of France, Col du Sappenay sits at a respectable 897m (2,942ft) elevation. The road up—Route D54—is fully paved and makes for a really enjoyable drive through some seriously scenic terrain. Starting from Vuiz, you're looking at a 7.43 km climb that gains 621 meters of elevation, averaging around 8.3% gradient. Nothing too brutal, but definitely enough to get your heart pumping if you're on a bike! The route takes you through the stunning Néphaz Gorge before you spot the charming Chapel of Notre Dame de la Salette. After that, the road keeps climbing gently upward until you reach a paraglider take-off spot with incredible views. It's the kind of pass that rewards you with both a fun drive and some seriously Instagram-worthy scenery. Perfect for a day trip if you're exploring the region!

Where is Portillo de Lunada?hard

Where is Portillo de Lunada?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up! We're heading to Portillo de Lunada, nestled high in the Cordillera Cantábrica, right on the border where Cantabria kisses Castile and León in northern Spain. This ancient pass, used since Roman times, climbs from Espinosa de los Monteros up to San Roque de Riomiera through the stunning Collados del Asón Natural Park. Clocking in at just under 20 miles, this route isn't for the faint of heart. While usually open year-round, winter can bring closures, so check ahead. Expect a maximum gradient of 12% on paved sections that wind their way to the top. Be warned though, this beauty comes with a bite! Keep an eye out for potential rockslides. The views? Totally worth it. But keep your wits about you – this isn't a Sunday drive.