
A great drive to Col de Bouhmama
Algeria, africa
19 km
1,707 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Col de Bouhmama in Algeria's Khenchela Province! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience reaching a lofty 1,707 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level.
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Algeria, within the boundaries of Parc National de Chélia, this pass is a hidden gem. And get this – near the top, a little dirt road branches off, beckoning you towards Mount Chelia itself, a towering peak at 2,293 meters (7,522 feet)!
The main road? Pure driving bliss. Picture this: smooth pavement, an endless stream of curves, and hairpin turns galore, some so tight they'll get your heart pumping!
Clocking in at 19 kilometers (almost 12 miles), this west-to-east route connects Ichmoul (in Batna Province) to Bouhmama (in Khenchela Province). The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
Where is it?
A great drive to Col de Bouhmama is located in Algeria (africa). Coordinates: 27.0633, 1.3265
Road Details
- Country
- Algeria
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 19 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,707 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 27.0633, 1.3265
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