Georgian Military Road

საქართველოს სამხედრო გზა

The historic mountain highway climbing from the lowlands to the Russian border through gorges, passes and dramatic scenery. Its viewpoints, roadside monuments and the Jvari Pass make the drive itself a destination.

Things to do

• Cross the Jvari Pass — Drive over the road's highest point at 2,379 meters, marked by a small chapel and sweeping views of the Caucasus ridges.
• Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument — Stop at the colorful mosaic-lined semicircular overlook perched above the Devil's Valley for the drive's most photographed panorama.
• Ananuri Fortress — Explore the 17th-century castle complex with its churches and defensive towers set above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir.
• Gveleti Waterfalls hike — Take a short trek near Kazbegi to twin waterfalls tucked in a rocky gorge off the main highway.
• Gergeti Trinity Church — Climb or drive up to the iconic 14th-century church standing alone beneath the snow-capped Mount Kazbek.
• Zhinvali Reservoir viewpoint — Pause at pullouts overlooking the vivid blue-green artificial lake formed by the Aragvi River dam.
• Travertine mineral springs at Pasanauri area — Visit the rust-orange travertine terraces near Sno Valley where naturally carbonated mineral water bubbles up.
• Dariali Gorge drive — Wind through the dramatic narrow canyon near the Russian border where cliffs tower above the raging Terek River.

Food to try

• Khinkali in Pasanauri — This roadside town claims to be the birthplace of the twisted soup dumpling, best eaten by hand with a dusting of black pepper.
• Mtiuluri lamb dishes — The mountain regions specialize in hearty lamb stews and grilled meats reflecting the herding traditions of Mtiuleti.
• Fresh mountain trout — Order locally caught trout grilled or fried at guesthouses along the Aragvi and Terek rivers.
• Guda cheese — Try this sharp, salty sheep's-milk cheese aged in animal skin, a staple of the highland Khevi region around Kazbegi.
• Roadside honey and churchkhela — Buy jars of wildflower mountain honey and strings of nut-and-grape-must churchkhela from vendors near Ananuri and Gudauri.

Local customs & good to know

• Check weather and road conditions before crossing Jvari Pass — The pass can close in winter or during heavy snow, and avalanche galleries and steep sections demand caution year-round.
• Bring cash for small vendors and viewpoints — Roadside stalls, small cafes and some guesthouses in the mountains often do not accept cards.
• Dress modestly for churches — At Gergeti Trinity and Ananuri, women should cover their heads and wear skirts, with wraps usually provided at the entrance.
• Respect the supra toasting tradition — If invited to a Georgian feast, follow the tamada (toastmaster) and never toast with beer, which is considered fit only for enemies.

Nearby

• Gudauri — 6 km
• Truso Valley — 12 km
• Gergeti Trinity Church — 19 km
• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) — 19 km