How to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran?

How to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran?

Iran, asia

Length

52 km

Elevation

2,600 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you're heading to Shemshak, Iran, a ski resort perched way up high at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)! They say it's the second biggest ski area in the whole country. Built back in '58, this place is nestled in the stunning Alborz Mountains.

The road in, called 425, is fully paved, so no worries there. But be warned, it's a *steep* climb with some seriously narrow bits. But hey, the views are worth it! You'll pass through some cool little towns, perfect for a pit stop. And pro tip: you absolutely HAVE to try the kebabs along the way. Seriously amazing.

The road itself stretches for 52 km (32 miles), running from Kushkak in the south to Lavasan in the north. And guess what? Keep going past Shemshak, and you'll hit another awesome ski resort called Dizin. Road trip, anyone?

Where is it?

How to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran? is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 29.8378, 54.5925

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Road Details

Country
Iran
Continent
asia
Length
52 km
Max Elevation
2,600 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
29.8378, 54.5925

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