The Georgian Military Road runs north-south for about 200km between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz in Russia, in the Republic of North Ossetia.
It crosses the Caucasus massif exactly in the middle between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, touching several peaks that exceed 5,000 meters.
It is located on a route used since ancient times and also mentioned by Pliny the Elder in the first century.
Already used since ancient times as a trade route, it became of crucial importance during the Russian imperial period, when Tsar Alexander I promoted its modernization in the early nineteenth century.
To date, this road is the only legal border crossing between Georgia and Russia, which can be used by Georgian citizens and foreigners.
There are two other crossings along the border with Russia, but they belong to the two separatist republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and are not accessible with international passports.
In the past it had a purely military purpose and took its name from there, but today it is a very busy transit route for goods and people.
Tucked away among the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus is the Jvari Pass, this high mountain pass is located at an altitude of 2,395 meters marking the highest point of the route.
One of the first points of interest along the way is the fortified complex of Ananuri (dedicated article), overlooking Lake Zhinvali.
Continuing north you reach Gudauri, now known as the most important ski resort in Georgia. Gudauri is home to a site of great historical and symbolic interest: the Monument of Russian-Georgian Friendship (dedicated article).
Near the town of Stepantsminda, on the slope of Mount Kazbek, is the Trinity Church of Gergeti (dedicated article).
