Zekari is a 2.174m mountain pass linking Central and Southern Georgia through one of the most beautiful roads constructed by German prisoners of war after WW2. The total distance from Kutaisi to Abastumani is 93 km and significantly less when traveled by the main road.
The paved road from Kutaisi ends in Sairme (52 km), a beautiful resort area with modern facilities and infrastructure. From here a 26-km serpentine dirt road passes along beautiful wooded mountains to Zekari Pass where you are not likely to come across many people.
Depending on weather conditions, the road is usually passable from May to mid-October by 4WD vehicles. At the highest point of the pass there is a shepherd’s hut where the views over the misty valleys and forests below is simply breathtaking. If lucky enough to have clear weather, it is possible to see both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges.
From Zekari Pass a 12-km downhill road leads to Abastumani Protected Area administration’s ranger checkpoint. The road is often used by bikers to cross the National Park from Southern to Central Georgia and is one of the most enjoyable biking tracks requiring moderate fitness with a passable track, very limited traffic and some of the most fascinating viewpoints on the road.
