Gombori Pass

The road over Gombori Pass is one of the most scenic drives in Georgia. From Vaziani, it climbs through subalpine meadows and deciduous forest. The switchback road with sharp turns passes through slopes covered with oak, beech, and hornbeam. In autumn, the forest turns yellow, orange, and red – one of the best fall-color drives in the country.

At the summit (km 45) – a small parking area and viewpoint. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Caucasus Range to the northeast and the Tbilisi valley to the southwest. Along the route, villagers sell honey, walnuts, cheese, and seasonal fruit by the roadside. The village of Gombori sits at 1,050 m elevation.

On the Kakheti descent, 2 km before Telavi, Shuamta Monastery complex stands by the road. Near the pass, on the right bank of the Iori River, the ruins of Ujarma fortress-town (3rd–4th century) perch on a rocky ridge – a strategic point that once controlled the Iori gorge exit.

Elevation – 1,620 m above sea level; the highest point of the Gombori Range is Mount Tsivi (1,991 m)

Road length – 65 km from Vaziani to Telavi, 1.5–2 hours of driving

Surface – paved throughout (periodic road works may affect some sections)

Season – open year-round, winter closures possible due to snow and ice

Views – Caucasus Range panorama from the summit, spectacular autumn foliage

The Gombori Range has long served as a natural boundary between the historical regions of Inner Kartli and Kakheti. The road over the pass was used as a strategic route since antiquity – nearby stands Ujarma fortress (3rd–4th century), which controlled the exit from the Iori River gorge. For centuries, the pass was the only short route into Kakheti from central Georgia.

During the Soviet era, the road was unpaved and in poor condition, so the main route to Telavi went via Sagarejo and Gurjaani. In the 2000s–2010s, the road was fully paved and designated as a road of national importance. Periodic maintenance works continue – some sections may be temporarily unpaved.

From Tbilisi (start of route):

– By rental car – from central Tbilisi to Vaziani is 30 km (30 min), then 65 km of switchbacks to Telavi (1.5–2 hours)

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) Tbilisi–Telavi via Gombori – 10 GEL (~$4), departing from Samgori station (confirm the route – some minibuses go via Sagarejo)

– Taxi from Tbilisi to Telavi – 80–120 GEL (~$30–45)

From Telavi (reverse direction):

– Same road in reverse. On the way – Shuamta Monasteries, 2 km from the edge of Telavi.

Important: No gas stations on the pass. Fill up in Tbilisi or Telavi. Check road conditions in winter.

Season: April–November is best. Autumn (September–November) – forest in full color, soft light. Summer – green and comfortable. Winter can be dangerous due to ice.

Time of day: Early morning or evening – less traffic and better light. At sunset from the summit, the sun sinks into haze over the Tbilisi valley.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours to drive through. With stops for photos and buying local products – 2.5–3 hours.

Avoid: Winter without winter tires. Nighttime – unlit switchbacks. Rainy days – poor visibility on turns.