For Travellers to Georgia
 

Just for info:

This morning I heard on radio, Georgian military highway will be closed at least for 20 days because of heavy floods.

More than 100 trucks affected from the floods.

anyone in Georgia right now?
 

Bad news! I`m in Batumi now and hoped to get there later this week. The rain has been coming down hard the last\next couple of days. Tomorrow I drive to Kutaisi and after to Tbilisi. I can only enter AZ on Sunday. Anybody around in Georgia right now?

Tom

Cheers for that Samy, 20 days you say , i'm leaving France on the 23rd May and hope to be in Georgia in 3 weeks !!!so fingers crossed
Phil

Do you have a written source?

My friend crossed there 48 hours ago without problems.

Confirm that the major landslide at Dariala on Saturday has shut the road from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz. I rode up there yesterday yesterday (Sunday) and witnessed trucks / traffic lined up / some turning around and heading back to Tbilisi.

The latest news I have is that the road will not open for about 3 weeks - first is clearing the road / basic repairs and second is ensuring safety from further slides.

This is really major blow to the many bikers / travellers using this route - will keep the forum updated on the status.

Thanks, also to OP !

:frown: this is high on my list to do but hopfully it'll be back open when i get there

We just came back from Kazbegi and are back in Batumi to wait till the road opens again. Local people predict two weeks, but nobody really knows. Last night there was a lot of rain, delaying the rescue and cleaning activities. Up-to-date info on:
Agenda.ge - Search continues in Dariali Gorge after landslide

Edwin & Ivonne

Have been talking to Ministry of Interior folks last evening in Tbilisi - here is the latest. Rains of the past few days have slowed the work to remove debris and open a path for vehicles; new river tunnel through debris is at max given the rain of the past few days; work continues to test the stability of the slope / risk of a follow-on slide is high at this point. Time to opening - "off the record" - three weeks if all goes well.

Given the only other routes to Russia from Georgia are via disputed territories and these not open for civilian traffic. The next best route for bikers is via Baku, turn north and ride along the Caspian. I have not ridden that route and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has ventured that way.

Here is the best news link

Landslide update: rescuers keep on search for missing, hope melting away | Environment | Democracy & Freedom Watch

Hi cliffi
Whats the route north out of Sachre and Java ?
Phil

That is a route via South Ossetia - the territory of the war of 2008 - now a disputed territory. The route to Russia would require using the Roki tunnel which I understand is under repair. Only Russian military have access to the tunnel.

I have inquired about the route via Shatili -the border is closed. Other routes via Omalo or the Pankisi Gorge are closed as well - perhaps if you are a Chechan fighter your might get be able to use the later two routes.

That route up to Derbent/Dagestan is for only local people. Tourists and foreigners are not allowed... :oops2:

Thanks for info on the route north of Baku. I did see (can't recall which site it was posted on) that a motorcycle tour company was planning that route for the summer of 2014 and reported on the their trip in 2013.

I have asked some Azeri bikers and they tell me it is 'possible' to pass there - but it may cost some "extra fees".........

Samy, what you say is outdated and has been discussed on the HUBB.

The border between Azerbaijan and Russia / Dagestan near Derbent has been open for quite a while, independent of nationality.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-border-74279