Where is the Austrian Road?
Kazakhstan, asia
108 km
2,137 m
extreme
Year-round
Deep in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan lies the Austrian Road, a 108km (67 mile) stretch of unpaved adventure built way back in 1915 by Austro-Hungarian WWI prisoners. Starting near Enbek (off Highway P-163) and winding south to Moyildy, this remote route demands self-sufficiency and a sturdy 4x4.
Be prepared for a challenge! You'll be tackling the Sarym-Sakty Range, with climbs to passes like the Burkhatskiy Pass at a whopping 2,137m (7,011ft) and another at 1,792m (5,879ft). The scenery is incredible, nestled within the Katon-Karagaisky State National Nature Park, as you wind through the Sorvenok Valley.
Expect river crossings! There are 16 bridges and fords, some of which might be a little *too* adventurous – think potential river wading. Keep an eye on the bridges, as they can be...unpredictable.
This isn't a Sunday drive. Solitude is guaranteed, but so is the need to be totally self-reliant. Pack plenty of food and water, and maybe a tent, because you might just want to camp out under those Altai stars. Just a heads-up: skip it if it's raining, as the road can get seriously dicey! The road starts at around 990m in the Bukhtarma Valley, rising to that 2,137m pass before gently undulating towards Lake Markakol at 1,445m. It's a journey you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 108 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,137 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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