Background

Zekari Pass: Georgia's Panoramic Paradise

4.9 (100)

Discover Zekari Pass: A historic Georgian mountain route with panoramic views, healing springs, and stunning natural beauty. Perfect for off-road adventures!

Zekari Pass, a historic caravan route in Georgia's Meskheti Range, offers stunning panoramic views and a rugged, natural escape. At 2,182 meters, it connects the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, providing vistas of diverse landscapes and access to healing sulfur springs.

A brief summary to Zekari Pass

Local tips

  • Visit between late June and September for optimal access, as the pass is generally impassable during colder months.
  • Engage a local guide or driver familiar with the terrain, especially if you plan to traverse the pass in a standard vehicle. An off-road vehicle is highly recommended.
  • Pack layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate significantly.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited in the immediate vicinity of the pass.
  • Consider visiting the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory nearby for a unique cultural and scientific experience.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Unlock the Best of Zekari Pass

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Kutaisi, the most common approach to Zekari Pass is via the Kutaisi-Baghdati-Abastumani-Benara road. The journey to the pass itself involves navigating unpaved sections, so an off-road vehicle is highly recommended. Starting in Kutaisi, follow the signs towards Baghdati. From Baghdati, continue towards Abastumani. The road quality decreases significantly as you approach the pass. Be prepared for a slow and bumpy ride. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is available at certain viewpoints along the pass, but it is generally informal and free. Note that during the winter months (October to June), the pass is often closed due to snow.

Discover more about Zekari Pass

Zekari Pass, also known as Zikar Pass, is a commanding feature of Georgia's Meskheti Range, perched on the border between the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. This high mountain pass sits at a towering 2,182 meters (7,159 feet). Historically used as a caravan route, the pass offers breathtaking, uninterrupted panoramas of both regions. The air is infused with the subtle scent of sulfur springs, believed to offer therapeutic benefits. The pass is located 24 kilometers from Baghdati Municipality in Imereti to Adigeni Municipality in Samtskhe-Javakheti. The unpaved road is best suited for off-road vehicles and is typically impassable from October to June due to weather conditions. The surrounding terrain features diverse vegetation, including oak, walnut, chestnut, spruce, and ash trees. Near the pass lies the Zekari balneological resort, and the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory is also nearby. The observatory, opened in 1932, was the first high-mountain observatory in the USSR. Visitors can explore the observatory and even observe the sky at night. The pass is a popular destination for hiking and offers views of the Caucasus Mountains.
Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Rabati Castle

File:რაბათის ციხე (G.N. 2012).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Rabati Castle, a unique fortress in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, showcasing a blend of cultural influences and historical significance.

Tell me more about Rabati Castle

Select Currency