
Where is Semiz-Bel Pass?
Kyrgyzstan, asia
12.9 km
2,718 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled high in the rugged mountains of northeastern , west of the stunning , you'll find Semiz-Bel Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive – the entire 8-mile stretch from Kara-Künggöy is unpaved and seriously steep in sections, so you'll definitely want a 4x4.
Clocking in at 8,917 feet above sea level, you'll climb over 2,000 feet from the starting village, averaging almost 9% grade. The scenery is epic, but be warned: this road is remote! You might not see another soul, so be prepared. Also, Mother Nature likes to shut things down with snow from October to March, so plan your trip accordingly. Semiz-Bel Pass is a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 12.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,718 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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