Goderdzi Pass: high clearance and good suspension required

Goderdzi Pass (Goderdzis Ugheltekhili) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.027m (6,650ft) above sea level located in Georgia.

Goderdzi Pass

Where is Goderdzi Pass?

The pass is located on the boundary between the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the Samtskhe–Javakheti regions, in the southern part of the country.

Is Goderdzi Pass paved?

The picturesque road to the summit is called Batumi-Akhaltsikhe road. It’s mostly unpaved and open to all motorized vehicles; however, strongly recommended for high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you don't have a 4x4 vehicle, driving up and down the pass will be a slow and fairly painful experience. The rough road is laden with cows, landslides, and waterfalls. The pass is not made for sissies; you need a strong car and stamina.

Is Goderdzi Pass open?

Set high in the Lesser Caucasus mountain range, make sure you have a vehicle with high clearance, good suspension, and plenty of patience. The pass is usually impassable in winters due to heavy snow.

How long is Goderdzi Pass?

The pass is the highest point on the road. The road is 79.4 km (49.33 miles) long, running west-east from Khulo (in Adjara autonomous republic) to Akhaltsikhe (in Georgia's southwestern region of Samtskhe–Javakheti). The summit hosts hotels, restaurants, and a mosque.
Pic: Vamekh Basharuli