Tusheti Road Closed Between Km22 and Km72 After Early Snowfall

By Nino Gelashvili, Travel News Editor · 16/10/2026

Georgia’s Roads Department closed a section of the Pshaveli-Abano-Omalo highway between the 22nd and 72nd kilometre on October 4, 2026, citing heavy snowfall and icy conditions that made the route unsafe for all vehicle types.

The closed stretch includes the Abano Pass, the main road connecting lowland Georgia with the mountainous Tusheti region. The first 22 kilometres, as far as the village of Pshaveli, remain open with normal traffic. The Abano Pass is one of the country’s highest and most difficult mountain crossings, typically closing from late autumn until early summer; this year’s closure came earlier than usual, reflecting an early onset of winter conditions at high altitude.

Travellers planning to reach Omalo or other Tusheti villages by car currently cannot pass the 22nd kilometre mark until weather conditions improve. The Roads Department has urged drivers to avoid attempting the crossing and advised anyone currently in Tusheti to contact local tour operators or guesthouses to arrange an alternative route out of the region.

What it means for travellers

The Abano Pass will not reopen until officially announced, likely not before next summer. Anyone currently in Tusheti should contact their accommodation or a local operator to plan their exit route. Travellers planning a trip to Omalo or other Tusheti villages should check official road updates before departure.

Photo: Moahim / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0