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Geotour

Gombori Pass

Kakheti · Nature

Getting there
On the Tbilisi–Telavi road: about 65 km (1.25 h) from Tbilisi to the pass and 30 km (35 min) down to Telavi, paved but winding
Best time
April–November
Recommended stay
20–40 minutes

About Gombori Pass

The Gombori Pass (1,620 m) carries the shortest road from Tbilisi to Telavi over the forested Gombori range, about 95 km and 2 hours in all. On the way up from the Tbilisi side the road follows the Iori valley past Ujarma fortress; after the pass it drops in hairpins through beech and oak forest, with wide views over the Alazani valley and the Greater Caucasus beyond. We use it on Kakheti day trips as a scenic way in or out, with a short stop at a viewpoint or roadside stall.

Tours Including Gombori Pass

See all 2 tours

Must-See Attractions

  • Alazani valley viewpoints

    Lay-bys on the Kakheti side of the pass look over vineyards to the Caucasus ridge, clearest on dry autumn and spring days.

  • Ujarma Fortress

    The restored walls and tower of a 5th-century royal fortress above the Iori river, on the Tbilisi side of the pass.

  • Gombori forest

    Beech and oak woods along the upper road, good for a short walk in summer.

  • Roadside stalls

    Seasonal fruit, honey and churchkhela sold by local families along the road.

Nearby

  • Telavi

    The main town of Kakheti, about 35 minutes down the Kakheti side.

  • Old and New Shuamta monasteries

    Forest monasteries just off the road about 7 km before Telavi (15 min).

  • Ikalto Monastery

    The 6th-century monastery and medieval academy, about 10 km west of Telavi.

Location41.8643° N, 45.2793° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

On the Tbilisi–Telavi road: about 65 km (1.25 h) from Tbilisi to the pass and 30 km (35 min) down to Telavi, paved but winding.

Best time

April–November

Best time

Spring brings fresh green forest and wildflowers, and October brings autumn colour; in winter the road can be icy.

Recommended stay

20–40 minutes

Season

The road is open all year, but snow and ice are common from December to March; in bad weather we take the Sagarejo road instead, which adds about 40 minutes.

Heads-up

The Kakheti side has many hairpin bends; if you get carsick, sit in front and tell your driver.

Time needed

A viewpoint stop takes 10–20 minutes; the pass itself is a scenic drive rather than a destination.

History & culture

History

A road over the Gombori range has linked Kartli with inner Kakheti for centuries. Ujarma, on its western approach, was a royal fortress of King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century. It remains the quickest road from Tbilisi to Telavi; in bad winter weather traffic uses the longer route via Sagarejo and Gurjaani.

Accommodation

A few country hotels and guesthouses sit along the road on both sides of the pass; most travellers stay in Telavi, Sighnaghi or Tbilisi.