Greetings everyone,
I am planning a trip to Georgia that I hope will take life next summer. Most of the sights seem have good road infrastructure to, but for two areas – Svaneti and Tusheti – it seems a bit more complicated. I plan on renting a 4×4 or at least an SUV with good clearance. The thing is I enjoy driving a lot. (I like to think that) I am a capable and safe driver – drove all around the balkans and whole of Armenia without stressing once – but my off-road experience is limited, especially if we are talking heavy, technical off-road. I could see that the Svaneti area seems to be easier to drive through (first pic). Is it mandatory to have 4×4 for Svaneti or can it be done with a normal, 2×4, SUV? And about the second one – Tusheti (2nd pic) – in case we will opt for a 4×4, how is the Abano Pass? Is it that much difficult and technical? I would love to drive it, but I wouldn’t risk unnecessarily.
Thank you very much for your answers and best regards to you!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1p5sbbk
Posted by 57_ark
2 Comments
I drove Zagari Pass in Svaneti some years ago. Two tips I would give are:
1. make sure to ask your hosts about the recent conditions before driving
2. get a PROPER 4×4. Not a RAV4 (or similar), better a 4Runner.
PS: Have fun, it‘s stunningly beautiful 🤩
No need for SUV in Svaneti unless visiting certain villages/accessing certain trailheads. Although even many village roads are being paved these days. Tusheti road has been very much improved last 1-2 years, but still recommend to use 4×4 with good tires, especially if you plan to go further than Omalo.