
Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Pereval Taunmurun
Kyrgyzstan, asia
72.7 km
3,545 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Pereval Taunmurun! This killer mountain pass tops out at a breathtaking 3,545 meters (that's 11,630 feet for us imperial system folks!) in the Osh Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Snaking through the majestic Alay Mountains, this 72.7 km (45.17 miles) stretch of perfectly paved road is a dream. We're talking an east-west route from Sary-Tash right up to the Chinese border at Irkeshtam (also known as Erkeshtam or Erkech-Tam), passing through the tiny villages of Nura and Erkeshtam along the way.
Don't expect crazy traffic jams here β you'll likely have the place practically to yourself! The scenery is raw, untamed, and utterly captivating. The pass itself? That's the highest point on the whole shebang. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 72.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,545 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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