From Turkey to Russia through Georgia
 

Hello!

I am a Spanish guy in the first steps of a RTW trip. I am currently in Croatia and I plan to go to Russia, the Stans and Mongolia in the following weeks.

I wanted to arrive to Trabzon in Turkey and get the ferry to Sochi the next 24th of may. But since I am now in Dubrovnik that may be too tight. It's doable, but I want to visit some friends in Istambul, spend a couple of days there and service the bike and get new tyres... So, ferry Trabzon - Sochi the 24th is just too tight.

I could get the next ferry (31) but since my visas for Kaz and Uzbekistan will be counting soon, I was wondering whether I could save some time crossing to Russia from Georgia.

I heard there are a couple of regions that I should not visit Georgia travel guide - Wikitravel Does anyone know what would be a good route to enter Russia from Georgia and how safe it is?

Thanks a lot!

We crossed last year going up the Georgia mikitary hwy and crossing into Russia at vladikavkaz. No problems at all safety wise, the scenery in northern Georgia is gorgeous. Take care though, the northern part of the road is broken up in big chunks.

I did it last year too and ditto. Do a search, loads of info available. Don't bother with the ferry.

Thanks for your replies guys!

I am currently in Tbilisi, will cross the border tomorrow probably.

Regards,
Teo

Hi Teo,

how did it work out? Any Problems?

We will be at the same border crossing in about a year from now and i am trying to collect as much experience from other travellers as possible.

Thank you!

Arne

Hello,

It all went perfect.

On the Georgian side, the road is ok. Except a small section between the sky resorts and the top of the pass. It becomes a dirt road for a few kilometres and I crossed it with rain so a couple of trucks were stuck. But cars and everyone else was able to go.

After the pass, the road is good again. Tarmac with a few potholes, but good.

On the Georgian border it took 5 minutes, a couple of checks, a few smiles and you are ready to go... on the Russian side it took a bit longer, like an hour. But not because of the paperwork, mostly because of the lines.

Overall... good. No problem at all. 15 kilometres of unpaved road just before the mountain pass. A lot of roadwork too so maybe in a year the road is better.

Also very important! The whole section from Mishketa to the border is good landscape. Beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, picturesque little villages. Definitely a great riding experience :)

Regards,
Teo.

august
 

I should be crossing from the Russian Side at the end of July.So thanks for all the information. Exciting g isn't it. !

Glad you made it through easily!

Interesting as I plan to travel from Turkey to Russia next year probably in June..
I had planned to use a ferry

But if this route is available that would be a good choice

nice to hear it is possible

Great news!
 

Hi Teo,

very good to know! thanks for the good news....:thumbup1:

Alex

Hello,
Have you been asked for insurance at Russian border? which one have you taken/where?
Thank you
Guillaume

Yes, they have asked. I just give them the Green Card received from my insurance company. Here in Finland that is free.

I was not asked for insurance in none of my two crossings into Russia. But my insurance for Spain covers it (green card).

I can also confirm all infos from Teo. We did the georgian military road last year. Without any problems!

If the road is dry it should be possible to drive with a street bike. If wet it could be a bit tricky but not too diffcult.

I recomend to stay at the small pension in the middle of Kazbegi, just 30m SE of Hotel Kazbegi: friendly, helpful, cheap and good food!

Enjoy it!
Regards Stefan

Gesendet von meinem GT-I9300 mit Tapatalk 2

This is exactly how it looked like Georgian Military Highway - YouTube
There was mud and long queues because of the road works. But it should be ok without rain (and with rain it wasn't that bad).
Cheers!