Ulan-Daban Pass, an international pass only for 4x4
Russia, europe
191 km
2,697 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ulan-Daban Pass, perched high in the Altai Mountains on the Russia-Mongolia border, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, unpaved, rocky climb to 8,848 feet!
Seriously, leave the sedan at home. You'll need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. The road winds for 118 miles between Belyashi, Russia, and Khokh, Mongolia, with some seriously narrow sections that might make you question your reversing skills!
Expect the unexpected with the weather; conditions can change on a dime. But hey, the Ukok Plateau scenery is absolutely worth it! Just be prepared for an epic, challenging, and unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Ulan-Daban Pass, an international pass only for 4x4 is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 56.1293, 40.4379
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 191 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,697 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 56.1293, 40.4379
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere Is Gemitas?
🌍 Kosovo
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Kosovo's Prizren District, heading for a seriously epic mountain pass! We're talking serious elevation here, so get ready for those views! You'll find Qafa e Prushit nestled in the heart of the country, practically kissing the border with Albania. Now, the road to the top isn't exactly a Sunday drive – it's a bit of a climb! You'll definitely need to keep your eyes peeled. Starting from the base, it’s a thrilling ride to the summit. Trust me, though, the insane scenery is so worth it. Get ready for some hairpin turns and breathtaking vistas – this is one road trip you won't forget!
hardAn epic enthralling road to Monte Saccarello
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Saccarello: A Border-Crossing Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,178 meters (7,145 feet) on the France-Italy border, Monte Saccarello sits as the crown jewel of Liguria and marks the boundary between Italy's Imperia and Cuneo provinces and France's Alpes-Maritimes department. It's a spot with serious history—before 1947, it belonged entirely to Italy until the Paris Peace Treaties reshaped the map. The climb starts in Monesi (in Imperia province) and unfolds over just 9 kilometers, but don't let the distance fool you. You're gaining nearly 800 meters of elevation, which means an average gradient of about 5.8%—steep enough to keep your hands gripping the wheel. Fair warning: most of this route is unpaved, so you'll need a sturdy 4x4 or motorcycle to make it work. Winter basically shuts this road down entirely, and loose rocks can be a hazard on the way up. But here's what makes it worth the effort: at the summit stands a bronze Jesus Christ statue installed back in 1901, part of a collection marking the highest points across Italian regions. Nearby, you'll spot remnants of early 1900s artillery batteries—a reminder of the mountain's strategic importance. It's a serious drive that rewards you with alpine scenery and a genuinely unique border crossing experience.
hardWhere is Colle delle Finestre?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle delle Finestre: Picture this – you're cruising through the Piemonte region of Italy, winding your way up a mountain pass that tops out at a staggering 2,203 meters (7,227 feet)! This is Strada Provinciale 172 (SP172), also known as Strada del Colle delle Finestre, linking the Susa Valley and Val Chisone. Get ready for a wild ride with 45 hairpin turns! While mostly paved, the final 7.9 kilometers (4.9 miles) from Susa are gravel, adding to the adventure. This unpaved section is actually a historic military road dating back to the 1700s. The full stretch from Depot to Susa clocks in at 34.3 km (21.31 miles). If you're starting in Depot, prepare for a 16 km climb with an average gradient of 7% and an elevation gain of 1,125 meters. Coming from Susa? Buckle up for an 18.62 km ascent, boasting an average gradient of 9.1% and a whopping 1,694 meters of elevation gain! The maximum gradient hits a leg-burning 16.5% in sections! Open usually from June to the end of October, it's no wonder cyclists and motorcyclists flock here for the challenge and the incredible views. Just a heads-up: after its appearance in the Giro d'Italia, the road's condition can suffer from summer traffic.
hardHow long is the road from Lakki to Omalos?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're in Crete, ready for an adventure. Skip the crowded beaches for a bit and head inland to the Chania region. Trust me, the drive from Lakki to Omalos is where it's at! This 13.4 km (8.32 mile) stretch is nestled near the epic Samaria Gorge – think "Grand Canyon of Europe" vibes. The road itself? Totally paved, but don't let that fool you. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking hairpin turns, like, twelve of 'em, snaking your way up to 1,131m (3,710ft) above sea level. The views of the Omalos plateau alone are worth the white knuckles, but be warned: winter can bring frost, snow, and seriously thick fog. The edges aren't always well-marked, so keep your eyes peeled! Give yourself around 25 minutes to conquer this baby, and remember to pull over safely if you want to soak in the scenery (which, duh, you will). Seriously, this is one Cretan experience you won't forget!