
Ganjnameh Pass
Iran, asia
N/A
2,801 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through the Hamadan province of Iran and crave a serious altitude boost, you HAVE to check out Ganjnameh Pass. We're talking a whopping 2,801 meters (that's 9,189 feet!) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the whole country.
The road itself, known as Ganjnameh - Tuyserkan Road, is paved, but don't get complacent – it's a steep climb! You'll be heading towards the popular Tarik Darreh Ski Resort, so keep an eye out for stunning mountain views.
Now, a word of warning: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. You're high up, exposed, and the weather can change on a dime. Expect strong winds – they're pretty much a permanent fixture here. And don't be surprised if you encounter snow, even in summer! Winter temps are brutally cold, and the road can be closed due to the conditions. Ice and snow can make things tricky any time of year, so drive carefully. The views are worth it, just be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way!
Where is it?
Ganjnameh Pass is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 30.3819, 55.2656
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 2,801 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 30.3819, 55.2656
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