Georgian Military Highway

★★★ Georgian Military Highway — The Dream Road of the Caucasus

The Georgian Military Highway (Georgian: Sakartvelos Samkhedro Gza) is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world. It connects Tbilisi with Kazbegi (and further with the Russian border) over 212 km through the Greater Caucasus. The road follows an ancient trade route—used by the Romans and Persians.

The drive is a single highlight—every curve opens a new panorama:

The Highlights from South to North

★★ Ananuri Fortress

On a hill above the Zhinvali Reservoir stands this photogenic fortress ensemble from the 16th–17th century. Two churches (the larger with magnificent stone reliefs), a defensive tower, and a wall—surrounded by turquoise reservoir water and green mountains. THE photo stop on the Military Highway.

65 km north of Tbilisi. Free. 30 min. visit is enough.

★★ Cross Pass (Jvari Pass, 2,379 m)

The highest point of the Military Highway. A stone cross marks the pass, from which you can look in both directions of the Caucasus. Nearby: the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument—a colorful Soviet mosaic monument with breathtaking panoramic views into the Terek Canyon.

★★ Gudauri Viewpoint

Shortly after the Cross Pass, the view opens to the Aragvi Valley—a dramatic panorama that takes your breath away. In winter: Gudauri is Georgia's largest and most modern ski resort (1,990–3,276 m, 57 km of slopes, ski pass about 30 GEL/day).

★★ Sno Valley & Juta

Shortly before Kazbegi, a side road branches off into the Sno Valley. The village of Sno has a medieval fortress and giant stone sculptures of the faces of famous Georgians. Further back: The village of Juta (2,200 m)—starting point for alpine hikes and the Chaukhi Massif.