Georgian Military Highway
Georgia, asia
212 km
2,379 m
moderate
May to October
The Georgian Military Highway is a 212-kilometer road running from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, across the Greater Caucasus Mountains to Vladikavkaz in Russia. One of the oldest and most historically significant mountain roads in the Caucasus, it follows an ancient trade route that has been used for millennia. The highway crosses the Jvari Pass at 2,379 meters, threading between snow-capped peaks that rise above 5,000 meters.
The road passes through some of Georgia's most iconic scenery, including the medieval fortress town of Ananuri on the Aragvi River, the ski resort of Gudauri perched on dramatic cliffs, and the legendary Gergeti Trinity Church perched at 2,170 meters with the mighty Mount Kazbek (5,047m) as its backdrop. The highway was rebuilt and modernized by the Russian military in the early 19th century and has inspired poets and writers from Pushkin to Lermontov. Today it remains the only land route between Georgia and Russia.
Where is it?
Georgian Military Highway is located in Greater Caucasus, Georgia (asia). Coordinates: 42.4544, 44.5186
Driving Tips
The road is open year-round but the Jvari Pass can close temporarily due to avalanches in winter. Stop at Ananuri fortress and Gudauri viewpoint. Hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). Shared minivans (marshrutkas) run daily from Tbilisi. The road is well-paved and suitable for any vehicle. Try khinkali dumplings in Pasanauri.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Greater Caucasus
- Length
- 212 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,379 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- May to October
- Coordinates
- 42.4544, 44.5186
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