
Is the road to Sakaltutan Geçidi paved?
Turkey, europe
53.9 km
2,212 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Sakaltutan Geçidi, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling way up at 2,212 meters (that's 7,257 feet!) on the border between Ardahan and Kars in eastern Turkey. We're talking northeast Turkey, practically waving to Georgia!
The road itself? It's paved the whole way, thankfully! You'll be cruising on the D965, which is part of the bigger European Route 691. Think wide roads, mostly straight shots, and decent condition overall. Just be ready for some seriously steep climbs!
This epic stretch runs for about 54 kilometers (around 33.5 miles) from Ardahan to Susuz. Keep an eye out for 18 hairpin turns around Özlükent.
Word to the wise: While it's usually open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs. Expect closures when the weather gets wild. But hey, the views are killer!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 53.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,212 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardLiqeni i Madh
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about Liqeni i Madh, a stunning high-altitude lake nestled in northeastern Albania's Dibër County, chilling at 1,740m (5,708ft). Getting there is...an experience. We're talking a proper off-road adventure through Lura National Park, complete with gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lot of "tippy" moments. Winter? Forget about it – this road is usually snowed in. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven, but if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe skip this one. 4x4 is definitely your friend here! And if heights make you queasy, be warned, it's pretty steep. Starting from the SH34 road at 1,068m, it's an 8.5km climb to the lake, gaining 672 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 7.90%. Did I mention it can get muddy? But trust me, the scenery makes it all worthwhile!
moderateA singletrack road from Newbiggin to Westgate
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in County Durham, North East England, ready for an adventure. Forget the highway – we're talking about a hidden gem snaking from Newbiggin to Westgate. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper singletrack road, one of the highest in the UK! We're smack-dab on top of the North Pennine moorland. Yeah, it's paved, but hold on tight – it gets seriously narrow! Newbies, take note: there are sections where two medium-sized cars simply won't squeeze by. Reversing skills *essential*. You'll climb to a breathtaking 610m (2,001ft) above sea level. This route, stretching 11.74 km (7.3 miles), was built for old-school drovers and their livestock, connecting Westgate and Newbiggin. Just be prepared for some steep climbs, like that inhumane ramp to Dowgang Hush with its 17% gradient. This is where memories are made!
moderateCime des Cabanelles
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the Alpes Maritimes, southeastern France, craving an adventure. Buckle up your 4x4 and head for Cime des Cabanelles! This peak hits 1,087m (3,566ft) and getting there? Totally worth it, but not for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think gravel, rocks, bumps – the kind of terrain that'll have you tipping and teetering the whole way. Oh, and there's a barrier at the start, just to keep things interesting. The trail is pretty darn steep with constant twists and turns. The reward? Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the eastern Côte d'Azur. Plus, you'll find a bunch of Radio Monte Carlo radio masts chilling at the summit. Trust me, the views make every rocky, bumpy, tippy moment fade away.
hardCan you drive across Lake Baikal?
🌍 Russia
Ever dreamt of driving across the world's deepest lake? Head to Siberia's Lake Baikal and you might just get your chance! Every winter, when the ice gods allow, a 12 km (7.5 mi) ice road magically appears, connecting the mainland to Olkhon Island, a rugged paradise with insane lake views. Prime time for this icy adventure? Early February to late March, when the ice is a meter thick (or more!). Seriously, the ice is so clear, you can spot the lake bottom beneath your tires! This surreal route starts near the village of Kurkut in the Irkutsk Oblast, and takes you east to Irkutskaya Guba on Olkhon Island. But is it open? Usually yes, during February and March, but only if the ice is at least 60 cm (24 in) thick. And keep in mind, it's a daytime affair, generally 9 am to 6 pm. You might see trucks rumbling along — this road is seriously strong, able to hold massive vehicles when the ice is thick enough!