Through the Caucasus - The Georgian Military Road
If you find yourself in Georgia, the Military Road is not to be missed and will be a highlight to any trip! This ancient passage connecting Georgia to Russia is a spectacular drive no matter the time of year. Dating back to a time before the 1st century BC, what started as a crude path used by both traders and invaders was converted into a carriage road in 1783. Used today mostly for access to the Ski fields of Georgia and a supply route for large lorries and trucks this road often sees heavy traffic and harsh winters. With it’s many twists and turns this rugged mountain pass guarantees a spectacular adventure with plenty to see on the way.
scenery - 8/10
One of the the South Caucasus’s most scenic roads, this pass offers spectacular views of Mt Kazbek and really gives you a sense of the shear grandeur of the mighty Caucasus mountains. The road itself is an engineering masterpiece, iron bridges, tunnels carved through the rocks and a seemingly well maintained road surface provide easy access to a truly unique part of the world. If you’re heading off from Tbilisi there are lots of stops between here and Kazbegi. Georgia’s former capital Mtskheta lies just 25km north of Tbilisi and was the perfect starting point for our day exploring the Military road, the city itself is best viewed from the Jvari Monastery which also has a great road up - perfect for warming up those tires for the drive ahead. After passing the Zhinvali reservoir and the Aragvians monument a stop at the Ananuri fortress is not to be missed. This walled complex dating back to the 13th century offers fascinating stone carvings, frescoes and fantastic views of the area. The most iconic landmark of the Military highway is without a doubt the Russia-Georgia friendship monument, it’s vibrant mosaics set against the snowy backdrop is a welcome bold spectrum of color that has stood since 1983 to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of the treaty of Georgievsk. Continue driving north and the road reaches its highest point as you cruise along the Jvari pass on the final stretch of the Georgian Military road.
Duration - 8/10
Without stopping expect to take around 3-3.5 hours to travel the 154km between Tbilisi and Kazbeg so definitely set aside the whole day to enjoy this spectacular road.
ROAD CONDITIONS - 6/10
This road is kept open all year round but depending on the season it could have a heavy covering of snow and potential avalanches so always check the road reports before heading up in the winter. As expected due to the harsh winters and the sheer volume of lorries and trucks using this route the road is under constant repair. Small pots holes quickly turn into giant holes in the road so always be prepared to stop, swerve and slalom your way through the pitted surface. As mentioned there are a lot of trucks using this route to keep the supply lines open so often is the case that you get stuck behind a convoy of trucks kicking dust up as they go along, if you do get the opportunity to overtake be sure to check behind you as risky multi car overtakes appear to be the norm! As the snow melts in the spring the gravel and grit sits on the road so watch out that on the corners. Generally speaking though the road conditions were good and the Military road is accessible to everyone no matter your choice of vehicle.
amenities - 8/10
The E117 passes through many towns and villages so there are no shortage of amenities. There are petrol stations throughout the route and also hotels and guesthouses too. Most of the supermarkets have a bakery inside where you can pick up some delicious freshly baked traditional Georgian pastries both sweet and savory, as we found out these are very flakey and probably best not eaten inside your vehicle!
exhilaration - 7/10
There’s something about gaining altitude fast as you glide your way through a mountain pass, and the Georgian Military road is no exception. This epic road will not disappoint even the most experienced adventures. It’s raw imperfect road surfaces, nail biting unprotected chicanes and imposing snow capped peaks will keep you on the edge of your seat as you drive through the Caucasus mountain range. The remnants of the past littering the way give you a sense that this is a historic road with many stories to tell.
OVERALL - 7.4/10
If you are traveling through through Georgia by car or motorcycle this road is definitely not one to be missed! As well as the shear driving pleasure of this route it’s full of history and spectacular ever changing scenery. A truly memorable day was spent exploring this magnificent area and we urge you to experience it too.