Is the road to Kemalan Tepesi unpaved?

Is the road to Kemalan Tepesi unpaved?

Turkey, europe

Length

29.7 km

Elevation

3,451 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Kemalan Tepesi in Hakkâri Province, Turkey, is calling your name – if you're ready for a serious off-road challenge, that is. This baby climbs to a whopping 3,451 meters (11,322 feet), making it one of the highest roads in Turkey.

Forget pavement; this is a full-on dirt track with hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and dramatic drop-offs that'll have your palms sweating. We're talking 4x4 territory only. Oh, and did I mention it's only open in the summer because, well, snow?

The adventure kicks off in Çepkenli, and from there, it's a 29.7-kilometer (18.45-mile) trek to the top. You'll be gaining a hefty 1172 meters in elevation along the way, so buckle up for an average gradient of almost 4%. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, if you dare to take your eyes off the road!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
29.7 km
Max Elevation
3,451 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Colle del Ghisallo?easy

Where is Colle del Ghisallo?

🇮🇹 Italy

Cruising through the Province of Como in Italy? You absolutely HAVE to hit Colle del Ghisallo! This mountain pass tops out at 754m (2,473ft) and it's not just about the views (though those are killer!). Near the peak you'll find the Santuario Del Ghisallo, a tiny church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cyclists, complete with a cycling museum! Talk about a must-see for bike enthusiasts. Located near Lake Como in Lombardy (close to the Swiss border), the road winds for 15.0 km (9.32 miles) between Bellagio and Sormano. The road is paved and generally in good shape. The climb from Bellagio is 10.6 km, gaining 552 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 5.2% and spikes up to 14% in some spots. It's a challenging but rewarding drive. The sanctuary has an eternal flame burning in remembrance of cyclists who've passed. You'll find Fabio Casartelli's wrecked bike from his fatal crash, plus bikes from cycling legends like Giuseppe Saronni, Eddy Merckx, and even Coppi and Moser!

Driving the steep unpaved road to Mount Parnassusmoderate

Driving the steep unpaved road to Mount Parnassus

🇬🇷 Greece

# Mount Parnassus: Greece's Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Greece's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to Mount Parnassus in southeastern Thessaly, where a gravel road climbs to a jaw-dropping 2,270 meters (7,447 feet) – making it one of the country's highest roads. This 10.2 km journey is seriously steep and totally unpaved, so you'll definitely need a sturdy 4x4 to tackle it. You're looking at a relentless 654-meter elevation gain over that distance, with an average gradient of 6.41% that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. Fair warning: the road becomes completely impassable during winter months when snow blankets the mountain. But here's the payoff – the views are absolutely stunning. As you wind your way up through olive groves and rolling countryside, you're driving on sacred ground. This is the legendary Mount Parnassos of Greek mythology, home to Apollo and the Muses. Perched on its southern slope is Delphi, site of the ancient oracle that once captivated the ancient world. So if you're craving an adventure that combines mythology, breathtaking scenery, and a serious driving challenge, Mount Parnassus is calling. Just make sure you've got the right vehicle, decent weather, and a healthy dose of confidence behind the wheel.

A high mountain road from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağhard

A high mountain road from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, specifically in the Erzurum Province. You're headed from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ on a wild, unpaved road that climbs all the way up to a staggering 2,701 meters (that's 8,861 feet!). This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on 4x4 adventure through the İspir District. The whole route is about 30.3 km (18.82 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-roading, snaking its way south-north. Give yourself around 2 hours to soak it all in – without stops! Prepare for some serious hairpin action – we're talking 30 turns that'll have you grinning (or gripping the wheel!). And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about steep climbs. You'll hit gradients of up to 21% in sections. Just a heads up: when winter rolls around, this place transforms into a snowy wonderland. So, make sure to be ready for slippery conditions if you're planning a trip then!

An epic paved road to Col de Restefond in the Alpsmoderate

An epic paved road to Col de Restefond in the Alps

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Restefond: Alpine Thrills at 2,680 Meters Ready for one of France's most epic mountain drives? Welcome to Col de Restefond, sitting pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,680 meters (8,790 feet) above sea level in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This isn't just any pass—it's one of the highest drivable roads in the entire country, and trust me, the views are absolutely worth the altitude. Nestled in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, this route cuts right through Mercantour National Park, cozying up next to the dramatic Cime de la Bonette. The road itself—known locally as the C4, Route de Nice, or Route du Col de Restefond—stretches a solid 47.2 km (29.32 miles) from Jausiers to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, all of it perfectly paved. The route has some serious history. Originally built back in 1860 to connect Nice and Briançon, it got its modern summit route between 1960-1961. Scattered around are haunting remnants of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension—old blockhouses that remind you this landscape has seen more than just tourism. Coming up from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, you're looking at a 23 km push with a 1,512-meter elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 6.6%, though around the old Casernes de Restefond military building, things get spicy at 8-9%. One heads-up: this road plays by winter's rules. From November through May, snow and ice make it inaccessible, so plan your visit for the warmer months.