
Abdal Boğan Geçidi: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide in Sivas
Turkey, europe
58.2 km
1,750 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up road trippers! Today we're heading to Abdal Boğan Geçidi, a mountain pass sitting pretty high at 1,750 meters (5,741 feet) in Turkey's Sivas Province.
This 58.2-kilometer (36.16-mile) stretch runs between Kangal and Hasancelebi, connecting Sivas to Malatya. Word of warning: the pavement isn't exactly smooth sailing, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. And speaking of rides, some sections get pretty steep, clocking in at a 7% gradient!
Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go because things can get dicey up there. But hey, the views in central Turkey are worth it, right? Just keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 58.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,750 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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