The remote road to Gamsutl, a Soviet ghost town
Russia, europe
1.7 km
1,449 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're headed to Dagestan's "Machu Picchu," the ghost village of Gamsutl? This place is seriously remote, tucked away in the Gunibsky district. Forget smooth sailing – the road to get close is a wild ride!
Technically, you can drive *part* of the way. There's a gravel track that winds up Mount Gamsutlmeer, ending about 500m shy of the village itself, at an altitude of 1,449m. Don't even think about attempting it without a 4x4. We're talking steep sections and hairpin turns galore!
The climb itself is short but intense. Starting near Gostevoy Dom 55, it's just 1.7km to the top, but you'll gain 166 meters in elevation. Expect some seriously steep ramps, with gradients hitting up to 17%!
Gamsutl itself is a total time capsule. Legend says it's over 2000 years old, but it was abandoned fairly recently, in 2015, when the last resident passed. You'll see around 70 houses still standing (out of the original 300!), clinging to the mountainside. The whole scene is pretty breathtaking (if a little eerie!) – definitely one for the bucket list.
Where is it?
The remote road to Gamsutl, a Soviet ghost town is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 54.3637, 39.4263
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,449 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.3637, 39.4263
Related Roads in europe
extremeDiscovering the narrow steep road to Col du Sabot in France
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Sabot Tucked away in the Isère département of southeastern France, Col du Sabot sits pretty at 2,100m (6,889ft) in the heart of the Central French Alps. This pass is part of the stunning Oisans region, just beyond the famous Alpe d'Huez. The adventure kicks off from Vaujany, a charming ski station, and winds upward for 10.2 km (6.33 miles) through gorgeous alpine pastures. Fair warning: this climb doesn't mess around. You'll encounter some seriously steep stretches with gradients hitting 15.6% at their gnarliest. What you're dealing with is a narrow, single-lane tarmac road that's seen better days, complete with 17 hairpin turns and some pretty vertiginous drop-offs. The asphalt is a bit worn and patchy, with occasional gravel and loose stones adding to the challenge—especially on the way down. Keep your wits about you and take it slow. The reward? A small parking lot at the top and a quick 100-meter walk that opens up to spectacular views of the Croix de Fer reservoir. Traffic is typically light, so you'll have the road mostly to yourself to soak in the Alpine scenery. It's demanding, it's technical, but it's absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a proper mountain driving experience.
hardTravel guide to the top of Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel in the Provence
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel Tucked away in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel sits at a respectable 1,431 meters (4,694 feet) above sea level. This gem is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area, and it's absolutely worth adding to your French Alps bucket list. The 26-kilometer (16-mile) route runs north-south between Beauvezer and Le Fugeret along the D908, and here's the good news: it's completely paved. The road got some serious TLC back in 2004 when sections were freshly resurfaced. What makes this pass special? The northern approach is seriously steep and narrow—it's the kind of section that'll get your adrenaline pumping. But don't worry; the overall experience is surprisingly enjoyable. You'll wind through forested terrain at a lower elevation, surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery that makes every switchback worthwhile. History buffs will appreciate that this pass has earned its stripes in the cycling world, featuring multiple times in the legendary Tour de France. Whether you're a cyclist, a road tripper, or just someone who loves dramatic mountain scenery, the Colle-Saint-Michel delivers on all fronts.
hardWhere is Karasar Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Karasar Geçidi in Turkey's Sivas Province! This mountain pass climbs to a cool 1,939 meters (6,361 feet) in the eastern part of Central Anatolia. The D260 road is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days! This 27.6km (17.14 miles) stretch connects Yalnızsöğüt and Güneyevler with some serious ups and downs. We're talking gradients hitting a hefty 11% in places! Keep an eye on the weather, though. Things can get wild up here! But if you're up for a challenging drive with amazing views, Karasar Geçidi is calling your name.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Pico da Santinha
🇵🇹 Portugal
Alright adventurers, buckle up for Pico da Santinha! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously awesome mountain pass perched way up in Portugal's Serra da Estrela range, clocking in at a lofty 1,597 meters (that's 5,239 feet!). Forget pavement, because this beauty is all about that rugged, unpaved life. You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this one, trust me. The off-road adventure stretches for nearly 15 kilometers (around 9 miles) from Folgosinho until you hit the N232. Be warned: it gets seriously steep in sections, with gradients hitting a lung-busting 15%! The payoff? Jaw-dropping views and a chance to visit the weather station chilling up top.