Where is Karakaya Hill?
Turkey, europe
18.8 km
3,148 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit one of the highest roads in Turkey? Head to Erzurum Province and set your GPS for Karakaya Hill. This peak punches way up there at 3,148 meters (10,328 feet)!
What awaits you at the top? Only Turkey's largest and first infrared telescope, housed in the Doğu Anadolu Gözlemevi (Eastern Anatolia Observatory) – a seriously cool astronomical research center. Think cutting-edge tech, space exploration vibes, and maybe even a peek at the cosmos (weather permitting!).
The road itself? It’s an 18.8 km (11.68 miles) climb, so buckle up. You'll gain a whopping 1,206 meters in elevation, giving you an average gradient of 6.41%. The road is paved and in excellent condition till Ejder 3200 Ski Resort. But hold on! The section from the resort to the observatory turns into a bumpy, unpaved beast. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here.
Keep in mind, this is high-altitude territory. Expect heavy snowfall, low humidity, and freezing temperatures, especially during winter. But hey, those are the *perfect* conditions for stargazing! So, if you're up for a challenging drive with stellar views (pun intended), Karakaya Hill is calling your name.
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,148 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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