On this remote road, the view is breathtaking - but there is a chance you won't come out alive
Abysses hundreds of meters deep, waterfalls, and the danger of slipping — the Abano Pass in Georgia is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Europe.
It offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world, but if you are behind the wheel, it is better not to look too much to the sides. The Abano Pass in northeastern Georgia is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Europe, with abysses hundreds of meters deep, rockfalls, waterfalls flowing onto the road, and particularly narrow sections where any mistake could end in disaster.
Road trips are a popular way to discover Georgia, but the Abano Pass, which crosses the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of about 2,850 meters, is a challenge even for experienced drivers. The route is only about 70 km long, but the drive usually takes between four and six hours. This is the only motorized access route to the Tusheti region, one of the most isolated and wild areas in the country, connecting the city of Telavi in the Kakheti region to the mountain villages in the area. It is about a four-hour drive from Tbilisi.
The road is known primarily for its many dangers. There are almost no guardrails, and in many parts of the road, only narrow shoulders of dirt and stones separate the vehicle from an abyss of hundreds of meters. After rains or snowmelt, mud and rockfalls make the trip even more dangerous. In some sections, waterfalls flow directly onto the road, hiding potholes and affecting tire grip. When two vehicles meet on the narrow sections, it is not uncommon for one of them to have to drive in reverse to a wider passing point to allow the other to pass safely.
Between 10 and 12 deaths annually
According to estimates appearing in travel guides and on websites specializing in dangerous roads, between 10 and 12 people are killed each year in accidents along the pass, usually after a vehicle slips, is hit by a rockfall, or plunges into the abyss. Although there is no official figure from the Georgian government confirming the number, the pass has been considered for years one of the most dangerous traffic routes in Europe.
The pass is closed in winter
The Abano Pass is usually open only between the end of May and October, depending on weather conditions. During the winter, it is completely closed due to heavy snow and the danger of avalanches. Driving on it is suitable only for 4X4 off-road vehicles with high ground clearance. Many car rental companies in Georgia prohibit their customers from entering the pass, and in many cases, insurance does not cover driving in this area. Travel guides and tourism authorities also recommend that travelers avoid driving independently and use a local driver who is well acquainted with the road conditions.
Despite its frightening reputation, the Abano Pass attracts thousands of travelers every year who seek to reach one of the most pristine regions in the Caucasus. Along the way, one can see snow-capped peaks, green valleys, waterfalls, and ancient villages that look as if time has stood still in them. For those who choose to traverse the road, it is one of the most unforgettable driving experiences in Europe, but also one that requires extreme caution, a suitable vehicle, and a great deal of respect for the power of nature.
