Those who aren’t wimps and can take the 3-4 hour drive from Batumi to explore Georgia’s hinterland, a trip to Goderdzi, and further to Samtskhe region, will offer some breathtaking scenery and cultural diversity. The pass (2027 m) is the highest point of the motorized road connecting the Adjara and Samtskhe regions of Georgia.
The route is dotted with yaylas – summer pastures with huts for the local herdsmen to spend their summers camping there. The round-trip from Batumi can be done in one day, though two days is the best option combined with other highlights of the region such as Makhuntseti, Mirveti, Skhalta, Tago, Ghorjomi, and Green Lake.
While the road from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe is the shortest, this is clearly not the fastest as the road quality from Khulo (Adjara) to Zarzma (Samtskhe) follows a 47-km long dirt road. Things may change, as once in a while the mass media reports that the Government plans on rehabilitating the route. So check in advance to see if the shortest route in distance has been transformed into the shortest route in time.
Pay attention to Petrified Forest Nature Monument at approximately 18th km from Zarzma towards Gorderdzi Pass that is located on the Samtskhe’s side of the Pass on the left side. The site retains traces of fossilized trees inside the rock, caused to petrify by the volcanic eruptions and strong winds of the Tertiary period.
Getting there: marshutkas via Goderdzi Pass for Samtskhe can be found at the old bus station departing daily at 09:00 (6 EUR) for Adigeni/Abastumani.
