Kurubaş Geçidi

Kurubaş Geçidi

Turkey, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,236 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for the Kurubaş Geçidi! This awesome mountain pass sits way up high in eastern Turkey's Van Province, clocking in at a cool 7,335 feet above sea level.

The good news? It's paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it winding between Van and Gürpınar. But hold on tight — it's a pretty intense climb with some seriously tight hairpin turns. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather, as it can get hit with some nasty winter storms.

While you're in the area, be sure to check out Topuzdüzü Tepesi for an ultimate 4WD experience, or embark on a wild adventure to Tobamızga Lake!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,236 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

The road to Puerto de Casillas: pure adventurehard

The road to Puerto de Casillas: pure adventure

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Puerto de Casillas! Nestled high in the Iruelas Valley of Ávila, in the Castile and León region of Spain, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,469 meters (4,819 feet). The journey starts smooth enough on pavement, but BAM! It quickly switches to a gravel track that's seriously narrow. Good news is, you can usually hit this pass year-round, though winter might throw some snow-covered curveballs. In dry conditions, most cars can make it, and trust me, the 360-degree views from the top are worth the effort. Hold on tight, though! This road gets seriously steep, like hitting a 20% grade in spots. Starting near Casillas on the M549 road, it's a 5.6 km (3.47 miles) climb, gaining 461 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of 8.23%, so get ready for a workout!

Col Bagarguihard

Col Bagargui

🇫🇷 France

# Col Bagargui: A Pyrenean Climb Worth Your Time Nestled in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of southwestern France, Col Bagargui (also called Col d'Iraty) sits at a respectable 1,327 meters and offers two fantastic approaches up the D19 highway. If you're starting from Esterençuby, buckle up for a 29.5 km ascent that'll gain you about 1,096 meters of elevation. It's a manageable 3.7% average grade, though fair warning—some sections kick up to a gnarly 15.5%, so don't let your guard down. Coming from the east side? That's a slightly shorter 21.2 km push with a steeper 4.8% average and similar elevation gains (1,017 meters), making it the punchier option of the two. The D19 is fully paved, which is always a relief, and the scenery throughout the Pyrenees is absolutely stunning. Plus, if you're into cycling history, this pass has earned its stripes hosting the Tour de France—so you're literally pedaling (or driving) in the footsteps of professional cyclists. Whether you're tackling this for the views, the challenge, or just the sheer joy of a good mountain drive, Col Bagargui delivers on all fronts.

Is the road to Monte Lussari paved?extreme

Is the road to Monte Lussari paved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, heading towards this epic peak called Monte Lussari. At 1,745 meters up, the views are insane! The road up, also known as Monte Santo di Lussari, is a recent addition, fully paved and ready for adventure. It’s become the only way by car to reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Lussari and a charming collection of hotels that were previously only accessible by cable car or hiking. Starting from Strada Statale 54 (SS54) south of Tarvisio, this 10-kilometer climb is no joke. They call it "the balcony of the Julian Alps" for good reason. Get ready for a serious workout as you gain 1098 meters in elevation – some sections hit a wild 22-23% gradient as you wind through the woods. It's a narrow, one-way road that's as twisty as it gets.

Driving the wild Georgian Military Road to Jvari Passhard

Driving the wild Georgian Military Road to Jvari Pass

🇬🇪 Georgia

Okay, buckle up for the Jvari Pass, or Cross Pass as it's also known! This incredible mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,395 meters (7,857 feet) in the Stepantsminda District of Georgia. You'll find it snaking through the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, nestled between the Gudauri and Kobi ski resorts. Keep an eye out for the obelisk marking the summit, but the pass gets its real name from a cross made of red stone, placed there way back in 1824. This historic route forms part of the Georgian Military Road (E117), a 39.2 km stretch from Kvemo Mleta to Arsha, with roots dating back to ancient times as a path for traders and invaders! Be warned, the road surface can be a bit rough in places, swapping pavement for gravel thanks to the elements. It’s a busy route, often shared with large trucks, and it can get pretty steep with gradients hitting 9% in sections. Perched high on the Caucasus Mountains, the Jvari Pass is the road’s highest point. Avalanches are a known hazard here, but don't worry, they've built galleries to keep the road open for most of the year. Also, while the altitude is high, you shouldn't have issues unless you're planning on some high altitude hikes. But the real reward? The views! Expect breathtaking mountain scenery and air so fresh it'll take your breath away. Gaze upon the majestic Mt Kazbek, and keep an eye out for the vibrant orange mineral waterfall cascading down the mountainside. You'll also pass the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, a relic from 1983. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!