
How Long is the A17 Road from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda?
Kazakhstan, asia
439 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Headed through central Kazakhstan? Buckle up for the wild ride from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda! This stretch of the E123, also known as A344, clocks in at a hefty 439 km (272 miles) – linking the city of Jezkazgan in the Karaganda Region to Kyzylorda, the capital of the Kyzylorda Region.
Now, let's talk road conditions. This isn’t your average Sunday drive, folks. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved sections, and be prepared to dodge some serious potholes – maintenance is not exactly a priority out here. Imagine a wide road cutting through a cold, harsh desert landscape. The first 130 km? Decent asphalt, with a sprinkle of well-maintained dirt. Then, get ready for about 200 km of fairly smooth dirt road – nothing a good vehicle can't handle at a steady 80 km/h. But hold on, the last 100 km or so throws some asphalt back into the mix, ranging from barely-there to just-passable. The sun really does a number on that pavement, and those heavy trucks don't help, leaving the asphalt pretty rough for smaller vehicles.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be cruising through thousands of square kilometers of raw, untouched landscape between these two cities, a mix of steppe and pure desert. This is true wilderness, offering a scenic – albeit challenging – adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Road Details
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 439 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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