Can I drive to Sabalan Second Eastern Shelter on the way to Sabalan volcano?
Iran, asia
33 km
3,675 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ardabil province of Iran, near Meshgin Shahr, lies Mount Sabalan, a sleeping giant of a volcano. And guess what? You can drive *almost* to the top! This insane gravel road winds its way north from the peak, climbing to a dizzying 3,675 meters (that's over 12,000 feet!). In fact, it's one of the highest roads in the whole country!
You can drive to the Sabalan Second Eastern Shelter; it's about 33 km (20.5 miles) long starting in Lahrud. Fair warning: This isn’t your Sunday drive. The route is seriously steep and bumpy, carved from ancient volcanic rock. A 4x4 is essential if you want to make it.
Plus, you'll be cruising through the heart of nomadic shepherd country. Keep an eye out for their encampments!
Be warned: Mother Nature often has other plans. Located in northwestern Iran, this road is usually buried under heaps of snow thanks to heavy precipitation and permanent glaciers. Getting to the top in winter is pretty much out of the question. But if you time it right, the views are epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 33 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,675 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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