
Karabet Geçidi is one of the highest paved roads of Turkey
Turkey, europe
42.7 km
2,994 m
moderate
Year-round
# Karabet Geçidi: Turkey's Sky-High Alpine Adventure
Want to experience one of Turkey's most thrilling drives? Head to Karabet Geçidi, a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,994m (9,822ft) in Van Province. This is seriously high-altitude driving territory.
The fully paved route—also known as Krapet Geçidi—stretches 42.7 km (26.53 mi) from the village of Bahçesaray westward to the Gevaş Çatak Yolu Road. What makes this drive legendary? Those adrenaline-pumping hairpin bends that'll keep you gripping the wheel and grinning the whole way up.
The pass generally stays open year-round, which is pretty impressive for somewhere this high. That said, winter can be sketchy—heavy snowfall and nasty weather conditions occasionally force temporary closures, so check conditions before you go in the colder months. But here's the magical part: when spring rolls around, the entire landscape explodes with wildflowers in every color imaginable. Locals have this beautiful saying that these blooms "belong to God for half the year."
If you're hunting for an unforgettable road trip through dramatic Eastern Turkish scenery with some serious elevation gains, this pass absolutely delivers.
Where is it?
Karabet Geçidi is one of the highest paved roads of Turkey is located in Turkey (europe). Coordinates: 36.9120, 35.2870
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,994 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.9120, 35.2870
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