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
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe road from Patiopoulo to Perdikaki is not for timid drivers
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Patiopoulo to Perdikaki Road: Greece's Ultimate Test Drive Nestled in the northeastern corner of Aetolia-Acarnania, the route between Patiopoulo and Perdikaki is basically the stuff of driving nightmares—seriously, this one's not for the faint of heart or inexperienced drivers. Getting there is straightforward enough: head to Patiopoulo village, follow signs toward Agia Marina church, and keep going until you hit Perdikaki. Easy directions, terrifying execution. The stats are gnarly: you're looking at 28.8 km (17.9 miles) of pure adrenaline, though a safer paved alternative of 23.5 km exists if you want to skip the adventure. Here's the kicker—only 8.8 km is actually paved; the remaining 20 km is raw, unpaved mountain track that local farmers and shepherds somehow navigate year-round (respect). What makes this road truly unhinged is the combination of hazards that'll make your palms sweat. You're dealing with relentless hairpin turns, an incredibly narrow track, and those lovely sheer drop-offs with absolutely zero guardrails between you and a very long fall. The terrain itself is brutally steep—you'll climb from Perdikaki's 700m elevation up to Patiopoulo's 1,160m, gaining a massive 824m total with some sections hitting grades up to 21.8%. The scenery is undeniably gorgeous if you can stop white-knuckling the steering wheel long enough to appreciate it. Night driving? Don't even think about it. No street lights, no markings, no mercy. This road has earned its notorious reputation, and honestly? That reputation is well deserved. Unless you're an experienced driver with nerves of steel, stick to that paved alternative.
hardWhere is Collado de Sahún?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collado de Sahún, a beast of a mountain pass nestled in the Huesca province of Spain! You'll find this gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Aragon. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, a 24.1 km (14.97mi) stretch running from Chía to Plan, is mostly unpaved, mixing gravel with concrete sections. While passable in a car, be prepared for some seriously loose gravel. Think tight twists, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 20!), and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 25%! Seriously, an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. Comparisons can be drawn to some epic climbs in France. The Sahún side can be compared with the well-known ascent to in France, while the Ribagorzana side is quite similar to another mythical French pass. The official summit sits at 1,998m (6,555ft), overlooking the incredible Barranco Llisat, though the actual highest point of the road sneaks a little higher to 2,028m (6,653ft). Keep an eye out for rock slides along the way, but don’t miss the viewpoints – they're insane! Located between the Gistain and Benasque valleys, within the Chia mountain range, this road is often closed in winter. The north-facing sections on the west side make snow clearing a major challenge. Fog and rain? Expect them. At the top you'll find Refugio Puerto Sahún a mountain cabin.
moderateWhen was General Wade's Military Road built?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness on General Wade's Military Road. This isn't just any road trip; it's a trip through history! Built in the 1730s after the original route proved a bit *too* adventurous in winter, this road follows the path of General Wade's original military road. Keep your eyes peeled for deer—they're often spotted along the way. The road is totally paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't underestimate it! This twisty road, a mix of the B862 and B852, is narrow, with passing places aplenty. It's not for the faint of heart, with blind bends popping up all over the place, so take it slow and easy. Stretching for 51km (32 miles) between Inverness and Fort Augustus, it's a photographer's dream. Budget about 60-75 minutes of pure driving time, but you'll want to factor in plenty of stops to soak up those views. There's generally not much traffic, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Just be mindful when pulling over to park. Trust me; the scenery is worth it!
hardWhen was Galleria di Rosazza built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Piedmont region of northern Italy, right in the Province of Biella. You're winding your way between the Cervo and Oropa valleys when BAM! You see it – the Galleria di Rosazza. This isn't your average tunnel, folks. Perched at almost 5,000 feet, this 350-meter long tunnel was hand-dug way back in the 1890s. Senator Federico Rosazza Pistolet had the vision to connect the two sides of the mountain. He even included an inn and laboratory for workers! The Galleria di Rosazza is narrow, damp, and super dark but it’s incredibly charming. It’s a straight shot through the mountain and a total must-do if you’re exploring the area by car, motorbike, or even mountain bike. Just a heads up, campers might want to skip this one. Plus, there’s a restaurant with amazing views right before you enter the tunnel from the east. Keep an eye on the weather. Being in the Alpi Biellesi means things can get dicey, especially in winter when temporary closures are possible. Avalanches and rock slides are also a thing around here. But hey, the tiny cliffside roads on either side of the tunnel are worth it for adventurous drivers.