Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇬🇪 Georgia 🇹🇷 Turkey
Nearest Cities
🇬🇪 Kartsakhi, 🇹🇷 Öncül/Çıldır/Ardahan
Coordinates
41.20°N, 43.20°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Georgian/Turkish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Kartsakhi (GEL, TRY)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇬🇪 112 🇹🇷 112/155
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇬🇪 Kartsakhi, 🇹🇷 Öncül/Çıldır/Ardahan
A New Crossing on the Iron Silk Road
The border crossing connecting the area near Kartsakhi in Georgia with the region of Çıldır/Öncül in Turkey is a journey through a remote, high-altitude landscape that has recently been placed at the very heart of a new geopolitical corridor. This is one of the newest checkpoints between the two nations, a modern facility built for a very specific purpose: to serve the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, the “Iron Silk Road” that provides a direct rail link between China and Europe, bypassing Russia. To cross here is to travel a route defined by 21st-century geopolitics, a passage through a land of stunning natural beauty that is now a key node in the new global supply chain.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region with the Ardahan Province of Turkey. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to both passenger cars and commercial freight, as well as the railway. The facility is state-of-the-art, but its remote, high-altitude location means that traffic volumes are still relatively low compared to the main crossing at Sarpi on the Black Sea coast. The crossing is located at an altitude of over 1,800 meters and can be subject to extreme winter conditions, with heavy snow and bitter cold sometimes making travel difficult.
A History of a New Connection
The history of this crossing is very recent. For decades, there was no major crossing in this remote region. The construction of the BTK railway, which was inaugurated in 2017, was a major strategic project for Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. It was designed to create a new, reliable transport corridor for goods and energy from the Caspian Sea to Europe. The Kartsakhi-Çıldır border crossing was built as an integral part of this project, a new gateway designed to open up this once-isolated region and to place it at the center of a new economic map. The road crossing was opened alongside the railway to further boost regional trade and integration.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport, a visa for Turkey (if required for your nationality), vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card). The process takes place in a large, modern facility, and as traffic is still relatively light, it is generally a fast and efficient crossing, with none of the major queues that plague the Sarpi crossing.
The Surrounding Region: Georgia Side
On the Georgian side, the crossing is in the heart of the Javakheti Protected Areas. The landscape is dominated by a series of large, beautiful alpine lakes, including Kartsakhi Lake, which is right at the border and is a major bird sanctuary. The region is part of the high-altitude Javakheti plateau, a land of vast, treeless plains and a large, deeply rooted Armenian population. The nearby town of Akhalkalaki is the cultural and political capital of the Javakheti Armenians. The magnificent medieval cave city of Vardzia is also accessible from this route.
The Surrounding Region: Turkey Side
On the Turkish side, the crossing is in the Ardahan Province, one of the highest, coldest, and most remote parts of Turkey. The nearby Lake Çıldır is a vast high-altitude lake that freezes over completely in winter, allowing for horse-drawn sleigh rides on the ice, a unique tourist attraction. The historic city of Kars, with its magnificent medieval Armenian churches and its unique Russian-era Baltic-style architecture, is about an hour’s drive away. The ruins of the ancient Armenian capital of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are also near Kars. The region is known for its high-quality honey and cheese.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is essential for this route. You must have a suitable vehicle and be prepared for high-altitude driving. Check the weather and road conditions before you set out, especially in winter. The official currencies are the Georgian Lari (GEL) in Georgia and the Turkish Lira (TRY) in Turkey. Services at the border are limited. It is essential to plan for fuel and any currency exchange in the larger towns of Akhalkalaki or Kars. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance explicitly covers both Georgia and Turkey.
Final Considerations
The Kartsakhi–Çıldır border crossing is a journey through a landscape of stark, breathtaking beauty and a region of immense geopolitical significance. It is a modern, efficient checkpoint that is a key part of the new Silk Road. It offers a fast and scenic alternative to the other crossings. For the traveler looking to explore the stunning lakes of Javakheti, the frozen wonders of Lake Çıldır, and the historic treasures of Kars and Ani, it is an essential and unforgettable route, a passage on the very path of 21st-century history.