Kūh-e Asbī

Kūh-e Asbī

Iran, asia

Length

7.1 km

Elevation

2,766 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Kūh-e Asbī Pass in central Iran's Isfahan Province is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a high-altitude pass sitting pretty at 2,766 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!).

The road? Let's just say it's got character. Think bumpy gravel that'll make you appreciate a good 4x4. And pro tip: after a bit of rain, things get interesting – challenging, even! Keep your eyes peeled for sudden patches of loose gravel. This climb from Ghamsar (or Qamsar) is roughly 7.1 kilometers of steep fun, switchbacking its way up with 21 hairpin turns and a hefty 821-meter elevation gain. The average incline is about 11.56%, so get ready for a workout! Expect stunning scenery, but come prepared – this road demands respect!

Where is it?

Kūh-e Asbī is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 32.3233, 52.7254

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Road Details

Country
Iran
Continent
asia
Length
7.1 km
Max Elevation
2,766 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
32.3233, 52.7254

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