Is the road to Soganli Gecidi unpaved?
Turkey, europe
78 km
2,372 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Soğanlı Geçidi in Turkey's Bayburt Province is calling your name, if you dare! We're talking about a sky-high climb to 2,372 meters (that's 7,782 feet!).
Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is rough, unpaved, and seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside with some major drop-offs. It's a true test of driving skill (and maybe a little bit of bravery!). One wrong move, and well, let's just say it's a long way down.
Heads up, winter warriors: this pass is usually a no-go zone when the snow flies. Even in June, you might find yourself in a winter wonderland, and fog can roll in anytime. Up top, you'll find a lonely, abandoned building – a spooky reminder of the elements up here.
Ready for the climb? Starting from Kılıçkaya, you've got 7.8 kilometers (about 4.84 miles) of steep, winding road ahead, packed with 12 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. You'll gain 594 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.61%. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 78 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,372 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
extreme1. Manchester: The Industrial Gateway to the Peaks
🇬🇧 England
Okay, petrolheads, buckle up for a tour of the UK's best driving hubs! We're ditching the tourist traps and diving headfirst into the gritty, gorgeous reality of British roads. Think challenging climbs, hairpin bends, and scenery that'll leave you breathless. **Manchester: Gateway to the Peak District (Snake Pass & Cat and Fiddle)** Kick off your adventure in Manchester, the industrial heart of the North West. This isn't just about culture; it's your launching pad for tackling the notorious Snake Pass and the legendary Cat and Fiddle Road (A537). Get ready for a wild ride as you transition from city chaos to high-altitude Pennine crossings. Expect tricky cambers and seriously steep gradients! **The Scottish Highlands: The Ultimate Technical Gem** Prepare for a road trip that blends romance and raw driving adventure. The Highlands aren't just a hidden gem; they're *the* destination for those seeking epic scenery and a mechanical workout. Conquer the hairpins of Bealach na Bà or tackle the remote, single-track roads of the North Coast 500. Just a heads-up: be prepared for unpredictable weather and keep an eye on your fuel gauge – help can be hours away! **Belfast: Coastal Exposure and the Antrim Plateaus** Belfast, a city embracing its industrial past, is your entry point to the Causeway Coastal Route. This beauty hugs the Atlantic cliffs past the Glens of Antrim, offering heart-stopping views and a thrilling drive. Check out the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge area and the dramatic basalt columns – they're worth the detour! **Cardiff: The Portal to the Welsh Mountains** Ready to conquer the "Dragon's Spine?" Cardiff is your southern starting point for a traverse through the very soul of Wales. From the former coalfields to the peaks of Snowdonia, this route is drenched in history and technical challenges. Brace yourself for narrow, high-hedged lanes and sudden, steep climbs through the Brecon Beacons. Word to the wise: the weather here can change in an instant, so stay sharp! **Notting Hill: Urban Navigation in West London** Okay, this isn't your typical scenic drive, but hear me out. Notting Hill, with its Victorian-era streets and crazy traffic, is a masterclass in urban driving. Precise car control and eagle-eyed awareness are crucial as you navigate this "Bohemian" maze. It's a reminder that even in the city, the road is a technical challenge, defined by its history and architecture.
hardWhere is Monte Nerone?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Italy, in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino, chasing views for days. You're headed to Monte Nerone, a seriously awesome peak that punches way up to a lofty elevation. The road? It's called Strada Provinciale 15 (SP15) Monte Nerone. Get ready for 16 hairpin turns snaking up the mountain! Think dramatic switchbacks hugging the side of this limestone giant (it kinda looks like Mount Subasio!). The road to the top stretches for a good distance, climbing almost a thousand meters with an average gradient. There's a seriously steep section right at the beginning that will definitely wake you up. The rest of the climb is a fun mix of gradients, keeping things interesting. Keep an eye on the weather, though. While the road is generally open, winter can throw some curveballs with sudden snowfall. And those final kilometers? Totally exposed, meaning the wind can be a real factor. At the summit, you're greeted with a restaurant, and you'll be surrounded by a forest of television transmission towers. Worth it for the panoramas, trust me!
hardDriving the paved SH20 road in Albania
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, road trip dreamers, let's talk Albania! Head to the northwest, near the Montenegro border, and find yourself in Shkodër County. Specifically, you're looking for SH20, an absolute *gem* of a road that zigs and zags its way through the former Kelmend municipality. This beauty stretches for about 30 km (18.6 miles) from Hani i Hotit heading north to Tamarë. You'll climb to the Leqet e Hotit mountain pass, topping out at 684m (2,244ft), so keep an eye on the weather, as it can get snowy up there and might close. The best part? It's paved! Yes, the entire road was redone a few years back and is now in great shape for any car or motorcycle. Even the section beyond Tamare is paved almost all the way to the border with Montenegro. Seriously, this might be one of Albania's best-kept secrets. It's still pretty quiet, which is a huge plus. Get ready for a steep climb (averaging around 7%) and hairpin turns galore! Think twisties, incredible views of the rocky mountains, and the Cem Selcit river. Keep an eye out for bunkers and abandoned military houses along the way, too! Cyclists and motorcyclists, you'll feel right at home.
moderateHow to get by car to Belmeken Reservoir in Bulgaria?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Bulgaria's Rila National Park, heading toward Belmeken Reservoir. This isn't just any lake, it's the highest dam lake in the Balkans, perched way up at 1,932m (6,338ft)! The locals call it "Famous Place," and trust me, it lives up to the name. The road starts near Sestrimo and winds its way up for about 25.8km (16 miles). Don't let the "fully paved" part fool you, though – keep an eye out for a few potholes along the way. The climb is steady, averaging a 5% gradient, and you'll gain a whopping 1,303 meters in elevation. You'll be driving through stunning old-growth forests, but the real thrill comes from the twelve hairpin turns that have even seen action in the WRC Rally Bulgaria! The road's a bit narrow, so be prepared to take it slow if you meet another car. Once you reach the top, the views are incredible, and you might even find a smaller road that climbs even higher to 2,062m (6,765ft). It's the perfect spot for a picnic, some fishing, or just soaking up the wild Balkan scenery.