We have just tried to exit via Abkhazia in the North West. We got turned away at the border, we need an Abkhazia visa available on line, but takes up to 5 days.
Looks like a ferry to the Ukraine is our quickest route out bier

:eek3: That's a pretty serious pile. I would imagine if it's "wet" it will take a while before they can even start to clear it.

Hi exrm193,

I'm currently in Tbilisi and obviously can't get thru to Russia as the road is closed. Did you get any reliable information about ferries? Looking for any info on alternatives, as I'd rather no hang around for an Azerbaijan visa...

Cheers,
Jamie

Since we got some conflicting information about a second alternative crossing next to the mud slide we tried to find out for ourselves last week, unfortunately we got stopped and turned around on our way north from Tbilisi, about 100 kms before reaching Kazbegi.

We were in Batumi and Poti and were told there are no ferries to Sochi, only the Ukraine which was too much of a detour for us.

Fastest route to Russia now seems to be Azerbaijan, transit visa only costs $20, we handed our application in in Tbilisi on Thursday and are hoping to pick it up today.

Will report when we get it.

This seems to show a ferry from Batumi to Sochi:

JSC "Commercial seaport of Sochi" - Schedule: Regular Passenger Lines

?

LukasM,

Same here - I got turned around by the plod on my way up the military road this morning. They spoke good English and were very clear - absolutely no way through.

Like you, I'm thinking transit visa for Azerbaijan as the ferry is too much of a detour, as I'm heading for Central Asia.

Btw, if your still in Tbilisi tonight and fancy a beer, gimme a shout.

Cheers,
Jamie

For those looking into the ferry make sure that they know you want to take a motorcycle, we were told the one to Sochi is passenger only, and was booked out for at least two weeks.

Jamie,

Will do. 2 of the guys I am traveling with only handed in their application on Friday so they will probably have to wait a day longer. They are from the UK and sure do like their beer!

We are staying in the old part of town near Shardeni street, very good nightlife.

Jamie

Next ferry to the Ukraine is Wdnesday from Poti. We are buying our tickets tomorrow (Tuesday) in Poti
We are staying in Batumi until then. Poti is a port and not much more.
I've sent you a PM with my mobile and email if you want to make direct contact
Simon

We picked up our Azerbaijan visa this morning, so it took less than 2 business days. Heading out tomorrow morning, taking a little shortcut across the Caucasus and then crossing into Russia to Dagestan.

I have not taken this route recently but did some research a few days ago for a German forum (the Wüstenschiff).

Apparently, the Turkish company Sari Denizcilik which used to run a ferry between the two ports, has stopped operations in 2012. Another company which had briefly been in service for the winter games in Sochi does no longer maintain the line.

And if you go to the website of the Port of Sochi website you will only find a single line which runs from Sochi to Batumi in Georgia and is a passenger only line (hydrofoil) which MIGHT take bikes on board.

Greetings,
Achim

Updates?
 

Hi guys and gals
Any updates or latest info on the road? My own research suggests they are working hard on a temporary road but it was still not open as of 6 June.

Any info gratefully received!

Malcolm and Sara

Sounds like it might be open
 

Maia at Greenhouse hostel in Tbilisi just emailed me and said that the road is open for cars and bikes.