Jvari Pass, Mountain pass in Stepantsminda, Georgia.

Jvari Pass is a mountain pass in the southern Caucasus region at approximately 2,379 meters (7,805 feet) elevation and forms a key section of the Georgian Military Road. This road connects Gudauri with Stepantsminda while crossing through rugged, rocky mountain terrain.

The pass takes its name from a stone cross erected in 1824 to mark the crossing point; Pushkin, Griboyedov and Lermontov saw it on their journeys. In 1837 a route bypassing the pass was attempted through the Gudamakari and Gudushauri gorges and the Kvenat pass, but surveys led to a return to the original line in 1847. A road tunnel beneath the pass is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The pass takes its name from a stone cross set up in 1824 to mark the crossing point. Alexander Pushkin, Alexander Griboyedov and Mikhail Lermontov all saw this cross on their journeys along the Georgian Military Road. Georgians also call the pass Jvari Ugheltekhili, and it is known as Gudauri Pass after the village below, now a ski resort.

The road over the pass requires special attention during winter months, as heavy snowfall and avalanche risks can cause temporary closures. Travelers should check current conditions and consider alternative routes if necessary.

The pass is built of young volcanic rock: a lava flow from nearby Mount Mepiskalo filled an old river valley and raised the crossing by about 360 metres, from a little over 2,000 metres to its present 2,379 metres. Glaciers later shaped its current form.