The road to Chike-Taman Pass will take your breath away
Russia, europe
19.7 km
1,246 m
extreme
Year-round
Chike-Taman Pass, nestled in Russia's Altai Republic, is a seriously scenic mountain crossing that tops out at 1,246m (4,087ft). You'll find it along the P256 highway (also known as the Chuiskyi Trakt Road or Chuya Highway), Altay's main artery connecting Siberia with Mongolia and China.
This fully paved stretch of road is a breeze compared to its former life as a treacherous horse path. Can you imagine tackling it back then, especially in winter or spring? The upgrade to a drivable route happened in stages, evolving from a narrow, single-lane crushed stone track to the modern dual highway you see today. Keep an eye out, and you can still spot remnants of the old road as you cruise along. The modern road is carved into the granite cliffs and full of hairpin turns.
The pass itself stretches for 19.7 km (12.24 miles), winding its way from Khabarovskoye to Kupchegen.
Get ready for a climb! Some sections boast gradients of up to 13.7%. The views are absolutely stunning. Just be mindful of potential rockfalls, especially after heavy rain or tremors.
Where is it?
The road to Chike-Taman Pass will take your breath away is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 55.1725, 38.3272
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,246 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 55.1725, 38.3272
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?
🇫🇷 France
# Glacier du Varet: Alpine Adventure Awaits Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Glacier du Varet sits at a breathtaking 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) and ranks among the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. This gem lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, protected within the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger—and for good reason. Picture this: a crystal-clear day where you can spin around 360 degrees and see nothing but the snow-capped Alps stretching endlessly in every direction. That's what awaits you here. Now, let's talk real talk about getting there. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Col de la Chal, you're looking at 4.6 kilometers (2.85 miles) of pure unpaved road—think service track for the chairlift. It's relentlessly curvy, pinches narrow in places, and climbs at an average gradient of 8.47% while gaining 390 meters of elevation. Translation? You'll need a capable 4x4 to even attempt it. Here's the catch: this road is off-limits to regular vehicles and only opens seasonally from July through September. Even then, avalanches frequently close it without warning. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to conquer it, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable.
moderateFfordd Pen Llech is the steepest road in the UK (37.45%)
🇬🇧 Wales
Yo, adventure seekers! Ever heard of Ffordd Pen Llech? This insane road is nestled in the totally charming medieval castle town of Harlech, North Wales. You'll find it in Gwynedd county, chilling on Tremadog Bay within Snowdonia National Park - picture-perfect Wales at its finest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a fully paved, single-track road clinging to the side of Harlech Castle (a seriously cool medieval fortress). Prepare for one of the steepest, gnarliest, and most breathtaking climbs you can find in the UK. How steep? At its toughest, it hits a staggering 37.45% gradient! Seriously, it's so intense that vehicles were once banned from driving *up* certain sections! To avoid gridlock chaos, the top half is now a one-way descent. FYI - it briefly held the Guinness World Record for the Steepest Street in the World. The road is short but savage: just 0.2 miles (0.32 km) long, but you'll gain 170 feet (52 meters) in elevation. The average gradient? A leg-burning 17.33%! Cyclists, this climb is not for the faint of heart! If you're feeling less hardcore, there's an alternative route with a "milder" 25% gradient. Trust me, the views are worth the challenge!
moderateWhat is Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse famous for?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, buckle up road trip enthusiasts! If you're up for an adventure on Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula, point your compass toward the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse. The views alone are worth the trip! The journey starts near Campbeltown, about 7 miles (11.26km) away. Be warned, though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The final 1.2 miles (1.93km) are on a private road, so park up (if you're lucky enough to nab a space in the small lot), and prepare to stretch those legs. The real kicker? The road. It's a paved single track, but don't let that fool you. We're talking steep – I mean *really* steep, topping out at a lung-busting 20.4% gradient in sections. Heights not your thing? Maybe give this one a miss. And seriously, caravans? Forget about it! But, oh, the scenery! The rugged moors, the rolling valleys...it's pure Scottish eye candy. The lighthouse itself sits perched 240 feet above sea level near some rocks poetically named "The Merchants of Three Pedlars". Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, too! Trust me, those West Coast views from the top are a reward well earned.
hardCollado Chaquetas, a chillout road in high mountains
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Andalucia, Spain, in Granada province, ready to tackle the epic Collado Chaquetas pass! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 1,801 meters (5,908 feet)! Tucked away in the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, this unpaved road is best saved for late spring through early fall. Trust me, you don't want to mess with mountain roads and snowdrifts unless you're properly equipped. Speaking of which, an SUV or all-road vehicle is your best bet for conquering this beast. The views are absolutely insane – get ready for panoramic shots of the snow-capped peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you. Just a heads-up: stick to daytime driving, as night trips aren't recommended. And be prepared for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 15% in places!