How to Get by Car to the Abandoned Terskol Ice Base?
Russia, europe
11.9 km
2,166 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ready to tackle one of Europe's highest and wildest roads? Head to the heart of Russia, near the Georgian border, in the regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia, and aim for the abandoned Terskol Ice Base. We're talking a staggering 3,675m (12,057ft) above sea level!
The area is drop-dead gorgeous, with the Terskol Glacier calling all hikers and climbers. Keep an eye out for memorials to WWII soldiers and spooky abandoned buildings – this place has history etched into its landscape.
Starting from Terskol (already at a lofty 2,166m), brace yourself for a 11.9 km climb. In that relatively short distance, you'll gain a whopping 1,509 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 13%, with some seriously butt-clenching sections hitting 18%!
Nestled in the western Caucasus, this track is strictly for summer thrill-seekers (July-August). It's completely unpaved, so a 4x4 with high clearance is non-negotiable. Trust me, this road will test your skills and your ride. The scenery is incredible, with stunning waterfalls cascading down the mountainside, but the steepness and rugged terrain mean you should definitely NOT be a beginner. And seriously, don't go it alone. It's easy to lose the path, so hook up with a guide through the local tourist office. Let's get those tires dirty!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to the Abandoned Terskol Ice Base? is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 55.4800, 38.3437
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,166 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 55.4800, 38.3437
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Forca d'Acero?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so you wanna hit up central Italy? Let me tell you about Forca d'Acero! This mountain pass straddles the Lazio and Abruzzo regions and tops out at a cool 1,538 meters (5,045 feet). The road itself? It's paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. You'll be wrestling with some seriously steep sections, like, up to 10.6% grade! It's a decent stretch of road connecting near Opi (Abruzzo) to near Sora (Lazio). But here's the real draw: the views from the summit. And honestly, the challenge is part of the reward – you'll definitely feel like you've earned it. Just keep your eyes peeled and be ready for those inclines.
moderateWhere is Mont Colombis?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Mont Colombis, sitting pretty at 1,734m (5,686ft), is a must-see gem in the Hautes-Alpes department of France, way down in the southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every hairpin turn – we're talking some of the best panoramic vistas in Europe! The road to the top is paved, though it gets a bit narrow in places, but generally it's in decent shape. Keep an eye out for the impressive "Demoiselles Coiffées," crazy cool rock formations shaped by years of erosion. The climb itself? It's a good one! From Remollon, it's a 12.3 km (7.64 miles) ride to the summit, climbing 1,066 meters. That's an average gradient of 8.7%, so be prepared for some steep sections – especially that stretch from 2.5 to 4 km and a tough 3.5 km right before you reach the top, where you'll be averaging over 10%! You'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning scenery.
hardAn epic enthralling road through Cherek Gorge
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Kabardino-Balkar Republic of Russia, right in the shadow of the mighty Caucasus Mountains. You're about to dive into Cherek Gorge, a seriously gorgeous canyon carved out by the Cherek Balkarskiy river. The road, known as P291, is about 20.4km long, stretching from Babugent to Verkhnyaya Balkariya. It's totally paved, but don't get too comfy! This narrow road clings to the steep side of the rocks, so keep your eyes on the road. But trust me, the views are worth it. Prepare to be blown away by Goluboye Ozero, a small, mesmerizing lake. Cherek Gorge is one of those places where you completely lose track of time. Nestled under a cliff, you'll find Blue Lake. The water is so blue, it looks like a piece of the sky somehow fell to earth. It's an incredible sight that'll leave you speechless.
extremeWhere is Col du Solude?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Col du Solude! Nestled high in the French Alps, this baby tops out at a cool 5,511 feet. You'll find it tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the southeastern corner of France. Now, here's the deal: the road is a bit of a mixed bag. The southern climb is all smooth asphalt, but the northern side gets a little rough and tumble with gravel. They call it Crete de la Pendine. Let me tell you, this isn't your Sunday drive! The road is crazy steep in sections, with seriously narrow bits and some major drop-offs that'll get your heart pumping. The max grade? Intense! The whole shebang is about 8.45 miles long, stretching from Les Juliennes in the south to Route des Gondrans in the north. And trust me, the views along the way are absolutely worth it. Plus, you can even access the fort at the summit of Col des Gondrans, which is in the Hautes-Alpes, from the road! Just be prepared for a wild ride!