Pereval Durbet-Daba
Russia, europe
23 km
2,482 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventurers, buckle up for the Durbet-Daba Pass! This epic route straddles the Russian-Mongolian border at a cool 2,482 meters (8,143 feet). Heads up, there's a 23 km neutral zone at the pass – a bit of an international no-man's-land!
Linking Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province and Russia's Altai Republic, you'll find the old Soviet-era border posts standing alongside the modern ones, plus a turnpike. On the Russian side, you're cruising on the P56, aka the Chuiskyi Trakt road, a nicely paved and wide stretch. But as soon as you hit the Mongolian side, things get real with a gravel road.
Given its high altitude, winter snow is a definite factor. The road can get blocked anytime, so keep an eye on conditions. But hey, the views from up here? Totally worth the adventure!
Where is it?
Pereval Durbet-Daba is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 54.5584, 37.1555
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,482 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 54.5584, 37.1555
Related Roads in europe
hardCol du Clergeon
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col du Clergeon, a killer mountain pass nestled in the French Jura Mountains! This one tops out at 979m (3,211ft) and the climb is a full 10km of pure adrenaline. We're talking asphalt (D55, if you're mapping it), but don't let that fool you - those middle two kilometers are BRUTAL, averaging a leg-burning 10.5% grade with some sections way steeper. Plus, it's narrow! And keep an eye on the weather, because snow can shut this beauty down in a heartbeat. But hey, all that effort is worth it for the views! You’re looking at a 7.3% average incline over the whole climb – a true test for you and your car.
hardDriving Fir of Hotova National Park Loop Road is an epic adventure
🇦🇱 Albania
Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience on the Bredhat e Hotovës Loop Road in Albania's Gjirokastër County! This wild ride, deep in the Morava Mountain Range, is strictly 4x4 territory. Starting and ending on the SH75 road, near Petran and Piskovë, this 69km (42.87-mile) loop is entirely unpaved. You'll be winding through the heart of Fir of Hotova National Park, so prepare for seriously stunning scenery. But heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is narrow, often without barriers, and boasts some serious drop-offs. Passing another car can be a real challenge, sometimes requiring skillful reversing on those tight, winding sections. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife, too—brown bears, wolves, foxes, wild boars, and even wild goats call this place home! Deer can also be seen on the pastures deep inside the forest. Bring your own food and water, as there aren't any facilities within the park itself (though you can find some in the nearby villages). You can also secure water from fresh water fountains located on the roadside along the way. But with the amazing views, clean air, and opportunities for hiking, camping, and all sorts of outdoor adventures, it's a journey you won't soon forget.
moderateHow to get by car to Heidelberger Hut?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Perched high in the Silvretta Mountains near the Swiss-Austrian border, Heidelberger Hütte sits at a breathtaking 2,264 meters (7,427 feet) above sea level. This mountain refuge has been welcoming adventurers since 1889, when the Heidelberg division of the German Alpine Club finished construction after two years of work. Getting here is half the adventure. Starting from Ischgl, a charming ski village nestled in Austria's Paznaun valley, the route to the hut winds 13.4 km (8.32 miles) through the stunning Fimbatal via a completely unpaved road. Fair warning though—while the scenery is absolutely worth it, you're looking at a serious climb. The road gains 907 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.76%, so don't expect a casual cruise. Private vehicles aren't allowed on this road anyway (though a 4x4 would technically handle it), so plan your visit accordingly. Oh, and winter? Forget about it—the road closes completely during the snowy months, so stick to summer and early fall for this one.
hardWhere is Route de Presles?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Route de Presles! This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride through the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department. This 8.9 km (5.53 miles) strip of pavement connects Pont-en-Royans to Presles, running south to north, and it's got "balcony road" written all over it. Think open tunnels and sections carved straight into the rock face. Prepare for narrow lanes, blind corners and possible rockfalls. Seriously, keep your horn handy for those tight spots (and slow down, obviously!). This route is popular with cyclists and pedestrians so keep your eyes peeled. Speaking of being prepared, this road sometimes closes for maintenance due to landslides, so check conditions before you go. And while you're cruising, watch for any rocks that have made their way onto the road. The best time to experience this beauty is May to September. The Route de Presles winds its way up along the edge of the Cirque de Choranche. The views? Unbelievable! You'll be driving through a mix of pine, boxwood, and oak trees, with a hint of Mediterranean aroma thanks to the cliffs creating a microclimate. The road snakes through hairpin bends, climbing above the Gorges de la Bourne with views of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors. Make sure you stop at the belvedere of Col de Toutes Aures for a panoramic view across the south Vercors and the Isère plain.