Tusheti Road Closed Between Km22 and Km72 After Early Snowfall

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

Georgia’s Department of Roads closed a section of the Pshaveli-Abano-Omalo highway between kilometre markers 22 and 72 on October 4, 2026, citing intense snowfall and ice that made the route dangerous for all vehicle types. The closed stretch includes the Abano Pass, the main road connecting lowland Georgia to highland Tusheti.

The first 22 kilometres, up to the village of Pshaveli, remain open with normal traffic. The Abano Pass is one of Georgia’s highest and most difficult mountain crossings, typically closing from late autumn until early summer; this year’s closure arrived earlier than usual, reflecting an early onset of winter conditions at altitude.

Travellers hoping to reach Omalo or other Tusheti villages by car cannot currently pass Km22 until conditions improve. The road department has urged motorists to avoid attempting the Abano Pass while it remains closed, and advised anyone already inside Tusheti to coordinate departure plans with local tour operators or guesthouses to arrange an alternative route out of the region.

What it means for travellers

Do not attempt to drive the Abano Pass until an official reopening is announced; road authorities do not expect this before next summer. Anyone currently in Tusheti should contact their accommodation or a local operator to plan an exit route. Check official road updates before planning any trip to Omalo or other Tusheti villages this season.