An epic road to Zagari Pass in the Caucasus

Pereval Zagari is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.620m (8,595ft) above the sea level, located in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region of Georgia.

Is Zagari Pass unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved and usable by anybody with a SUV, a spare tire and a large, full gas tank, despite the fact that according to many sources and people who drove here, they believe it’s a mistake to sign it as a road for cars on the map, and should be marked as a mud road or a path for walking.

How long is Zagari Pass?

The pass road is 92.3km (57.35 miles) long running from Tsageri (a town in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region in the west of the country) to Ushguli, the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe at an elevation of 2.410m (7,910ft) above the sea level.

How long does it take to drive Zagari Pass?

Tucked away on the northwestern part of the country, the whole trip takes around 5 1/2 hours at a leasurely pace, including various stops. The journey offers astounding views of mountain peaks, luscious valleys, and the remains of glaciers. The summit offers a great view of central Caucasus ridge dominated by peaks Ailama and Tsurungali.

Is Zagari Pass open?

Set high in the Caucasus Mountain range, this road is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow).

Is Zagari Pass dangerous?

The drive can take your breath away: The path is bumpy, littered with rocks and frequent streams and perilously steep drops. It is hardly used because it’s really tough. The road is in awful shape. Periods of much rain makes the road undrivable. The armed robberies you probably heard about seem to be a thing of the past, and you can safely travel across the region and even take on the occasional hitch-hiker.
Pic: Shekhar Damle