Pereval Gumbashi, one of the most picturesque roads in the Caucasus

Pereval Gumbashi, one of the most picturesque roads in the Caucasus

Russia, europe

Length

59.3 km

Elevation

2,051 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! You HAVE to check out Pereval Gumbashi, a mountain pass soaring 2,051 meters (6,729 feet) high in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic of Russia.

The A157 road is a wild, winding, paved snake of a road, 59.3 km of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little terror!). Think hairpin turns galore as you climb from Tereze towards Karachayevsk. Trust me, your steering wheel will get a workout!

This isn't just any drive; it's a full-blown Caucasus adventure. They say it's one of the most gorgeous roads in the entire region. Built back in the 30s, this road comes with its quirks: keep an eye out for the occasional landslide and icy patches. But the views, oh the VIEWS! From the top, you'll be treated to mind-blowing panoramas of the Main Caucasian Range and an unforgettable glimpse of majestic Mount Elbrus. There's even a little bar at the summit to celebrate conquering this epic pass!

Where is it?

Pereval Gumbashi, one of the most picturesque roads in the Caucasus is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 54.7723, 42.8646

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Russia
Continent
europe
Length
59.3 km
Max Elevation
2,051 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
54.7723, 42.8646

Related Roads in europe

Road GIP-6041moderate

Road GIP-6041

🇪🇸 Spain

# GIP-6041: A Scenic Winding Adventure on the Costa Brava If you're hunting for one of Spain's most jaw-dropping coastal drives, GIP-6041 in Catalonia's Costa Brava is calling your name. This 16.4 km stretch of perfectly paved asphalt connects the charming towns of Vilajuïga and El Port de la Selva along the northern edge of Cap de Creus, and honestly, it's an absolute gem. What makes this road special? It's basically one long sequence of gorgeous, twisting curves that keep surprising you with incredible viewpoints around every bend. You'll find yourself pulling over constantly just to soak in the scenery—seriously, bring a camera with plenty of storage because you're going to want to capture everything. The views are genuinely spectacular. Mountains, coastline, and that distinctive Mediterranean landscape all combine to create something pretty unforgettable. If you can time your drive for golden hour when the sky turns purple and the road is practically empty, you'll have an almost meditative experience, with just your engine sounds for company. This is absolutely a road worth rearranging your itinerary for. Pack those fully charged batteries, clear some memory card space, and get ready for one of those drives that sticks with you long after you've gotten home.

How to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden?easy

How to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden?

🇳🇴 Norway

# County Road 551 (Fv551) – Norway's Hidden Fjord Gem Ready to experience one of Norway's most scenic drives? County Road 551 winds along the stunning southeastern shore of Hardangerfjorden in Hordaland county, just north of the charming town of Odda. This 12.1 km (7.51 miles) east-west route connects the peaceful village of Eitrheim in Ullensvang municipality to Austrepollen in Kvinnherad municipality, cutting right through the heart of Folgefonna National Park. The entire route is fully paved, which is great news for your car – but here's the cool part: most of the drive actually takes you through the Folgefonntunnelen, an impressive 11,150-meter (36,580 ft) tunnel that opened back in 2001. It's a marvel of engineering that lets you bypass some seriously dramatic alpine terrain. Just a heads up: if you're planning to bike or hike this route, the tunnel is strictly off-limits for pedestrians and cyclists. The scenery surrounding this road is absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic fjord views and mountain landscapes that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just looking to explore one of Norway's hidden gems, this drive delivers an unforgettable experience.

Driving a Fabulous Cliff Road with Panoramic Views to Mirador Del Rio in Lanzarotemoderate

Driving a Fabulous Cliff Road with Panoramic Views to Mirador Del Rio in Lanzarote

🇪🇸 Spain

# Mirador Del Rio: A Clifftop Adventure in Lanzarote Perched at 473 meters (1,551 feet) above sea level on the northern tip of Lanzarote, Mirador Del Rio is an absolute must-visit for anyone craving panoramic island views. The winding LZ-202 road up here is a beauty—fully paved but delightfully narrow, with just enough space for two cars to squeeze past each other (large vehicles might feel a bit snug!). Fair warning: caravans aren't allowed due to the notorious winds, but that's part of what makes this such a thrilling drive. The climb from Hoya de la Pila spans just 2.9 km (1.80 miles) with a gentle 106-meter elevation gain—nothing too intense, but the twists and turns keep things interesting. Once you've conquered the ascent, you'll find a sprawling parking area where you can properly stretch your legs and soak in those jaw-dropping cliff views. The viewpoint itself is packed with character. There's a historic military battery dating back to the late 1800s (built when Spain worried America might target the islands during the Spanish–American War) and later expanded during World War II. You'll also spot a striking wrought-iron sculpture by legendary local artist César Manrique—a fish and bird intertwined, beautifully capturing the essence of water and air that define this landscape. It's been turning heads since 1974. On clear days, you're rewarded with stunning vistas of La Graciosa, the eighth Canary Island, and the dramatic Chinijo Islands National Park. Fair heads up though: this place gets packed during holiday season, so timing your visit might be worth considering. Bring plenty of camera batteries—you'll want to capture every angle of this spectacular spot.

Pointe du Dzonfiémoderate

Pointe du Dzonfié

🇫🇷 France

Pointe du Dzonfié is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.185m (7,168ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The road to the summit is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Near the summit is a mountain hut known as Refuge du Nant du Beurre. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.