Is Chike-Taman Pass paved?
Russia, europe
19.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Chike-Taman Pass sits high up in the mountains, way above sea level. Good news – the road is fully paved! It’s part of the main highway connecting major hubs in the area.
Back in the day, this route was a real beast, especially in winter and spring. It was basically a single-lane track of crushed stone where you had to honk around blind corners! Thankfully, a new road was built. You can still see bits of the old road as you drive. The modern road is a winding ribbon carved into granite cliffs, with hairpin turns galore!
The whole pass stretches for about 19.7 km (12.24 miles), but those inclines can be brutal – we're talking gradients of up to 13.7% in places! It feels even higher than it is, trust me.
Hold on tight, because the views are incredible. Think towering peaks and sheer drops that will leave you breathless. Just watch out for landslides, especially after heavy rain or tremors.
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateA memorable road trip to Tossal d'Engrilló
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tossal d'Engrilló: A Mountain Adventure in Catalonia Ready for an epic mountain drive? Tossal d'Engrilló is a stunning 1,072-meter peak tucked away in Terra Alta, Tarragona, deep in the heart of Catalonia. This isn't your typical paved highway—you're looking at nearly 10 kilometers of rugged, unpaved road that'll have you grateful for a 4x4. Starting from the TV-3541 road at just 357 meters elevation, you'll climb 715 meters through dense woodland with some seriously steep sections (averaging 7.29% gradient). It's a proper workout for both you and your vehicle, but trust us, the payoff is incredible. The real magic? The journey itself. You'll wind through the Parc Natural dels Ports with scenic mountain lakes dotting the landscape, and the views just keep getting better as you climb. At the summit, there's a cozy mountain refuge where you can catch your breath and soak in panoramic vistas stretching across Terra Alta, El Matarranya, and all the way to the Ebro Delta. This is definitely a long, challenging route that demands respect and proper preparation, but if you're craving dramatic scenery and an authentic mountain experience, Tossal d'Engrilló delivers in spades.
hardPuerto de la Mata, an epic road in Andalusia
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Puerto de la Mata! This high-altitude gem sits pretty at 1,670m (5,479ft) in Andalusia, southern Spain's Almería province. Think serious climbs - we're talking up to 18% gradients. Tucked away in the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, the road to the top (also called Puerto Torres) is a rugged, unpaved treat that forms part of the GR-7 trail. It's usually open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes throw a curveball with temporary closures. The pass stretches for 20.1 km (12.48 miles), running north-south from the JA-3107 road (near Torres) to the A-324 road (near Mata Bejid), serving up incredible vistas as you go. Heads up - it *might* be closed during the summer fire season. This route is a steady climb, long but not too brutal. From Cambil, it's a 15.1 km ascent with an average gradient of 5.7% (spiking to 11.8% in spots!). Coming from Torres? Get ready for 12.3 km at an average of 6.7%, with some sections hitting that intense 18% mark. Get ready to shift gears and soak in the scenery!
moderateLavarella Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, smack-dab in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. You're heading to Rifugio Lavarella-Berghütte Lavarella, a mountain hut chilling at 2,045 meters (that's 6,709 feet!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The 10.3-kilometer road up from Strada Provinciale 27 is unpaved and rugged – think 4x4 territory only! Private vehicles aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The road climbs 391 meters, with an average gradient of around 3.79%. Keep your eyes peeled; the scenery is epic, and the hut, built way back in 1912, has some serious history!
extremeDriving the narrow road to Vivione Pass in the Italian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Vivione Nestled in the heart of Bergamo Province in Lombardy, Passo del Vivione sits at a breathtaking 1,836 meters (6,023 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass has quite the backstory—it was carved out during World War I to supply troops heading to the Adamello region, and it's still standing strong today. Here's the thing: the road (SP294) is fully paved, which is great, but it's *seriously* narrow—we're talking barely 2 meters wide. Two regular-sized cars simply cannot pass each other, so you'll need nerves of steel and probably a prayer or two if you're not comfortable on tight mountain roads. This is definitely not the route for the faint-hearted. Fair warning: the pass shuts down from December through May due to heavy snow, though it can close unexpectedly anytime conditions get sketchy. Assuming you visit during the warmer months, you'll find Rifugio Passo Vivione (a cozy mountain hut) and a small alpine lake waiting for you at the top. The hut operates from May through October. The 32.2-kilometer (20-mile) stretch runs east-west between Forno Allione and Schilpario, climbing through some seriously steep sections—the max gradient hits 12.7%, which explains why this pass has become legendary during Giro d'Italia races. Stunning views and an adrenaline rush guaranteed, but only if you're ready for the challenge.