Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Georgia
Georgian Military Highway
S3E117Mtskheta to Stepantsminda
The most iconic road in the Caucasus, climbing from the ancient capital Mtskheta over the 2,395 m Jvari Pass to the glacial valley below Georgia’s sacred Mount Kazbek.
From near Mtskheta the S3 climbs through pine forest and alpine meadow before cresting the Jvari Pass at 2,395 m. The descent toward Kazbegi threads the dramatic Dariali area before opening onto the wide valley beneath the cone of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m). Fully paved and accessible in summer, the Gudauri–Stepantsminda stretch demands respect in winter.
The most storied road in the Caucasus, climbing from the ancient capital over the Jvari Pass to the glacial valley beneath sacred Mount Kazbek.
Why we picked it
Scenery
Best seasons
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Georgian Military Highway on the map83.7 mi · point to point
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Character
Corners
busiest around mile 62Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%447.9 – 2,431.7 mPoints of interest2 stops
- Jvari Pass (Cross Pass)Viewpoint68 mi in
- Gudauri Panoramic ViewpointViewpoint66 mi in
Hazards
- Avalanche risk in winter
- Rockslides in spring
- Heavy lorry traffic
- Overtaking on bends
See the typical season and live conditions for the high passes ›
Sources
“Here, the road reaches its highest point (2395 metres above sea level) as you glide along the Jvari Pass and back down into Kazbegi. It's here that you start to appreciate the grandeur of the Greater Caucasus.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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