Tendurek Geçidi

Tendurek Geçidi

Turkey, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,602 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Tendurek Geçidi in eastern Turkey's Van Province! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 2,602 meters (8,536 feet), making it one of Turkey's highest paved routes.

You'll find it along the E99 highway, connecting Iğdır and Muradiye. Be warned, though – this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes, so pack those layers! The road can get icy and snowy, turning treacherous in a heartbeat. Drive carefully!

The asphalt isn't in the best shape, and you'll be tackling some seriously steep grades, with sections hitting 8%. One interesting thing to note: you're practically hugging the Iranian border, with military outposts dotting the nearby hills.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,602 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Sikhote-Alin Pass: a remote roadmoderate

Sikhote-Alin Pass: a remote road

🌍 Russia

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Perevale Sikhote-Alin'skom! This epic pass climbs to 853 meters (2,798 feet) in the Russian Far East, snaking through the wild Vaninsky District. The whole 321 kilometers (200 miles) are paved, but don't think it's a cruise. You're deep in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, inside a biosphere reserve. The road winds between Vanino and Lidoga. Expect steep climbs! Winter brings heavy snow, turning the road into a real challenge. But trust me, the scenery is worth it. It's a proper remote road trip!

How to get to the La Merica viewpoint?hard

How to get to the La Merica viewpoint?

🇪🇸 Spain

La Merica viewpoint, way up at 817m (2,680ft) on La Gomera's west coast in the Canary Islands, is seriously something else. You're hanging high above Valle Gran Rey, and the drive is pure coastal drama. The road itself, Camino el Santo, kicks off from the GM-1 highway and rambles towards El Berodal. Sure, the first bit near Plaza de la Ermita de El Santo is paved, but then it turns into a proper, rugged dirt track hugging the mountain ridge. Now, this drive isn't for the easily spooked. Think seriously steep drops straight into the ocean and valley – we're talking *massive*. There are basically no safety barriers, and the Atlantic winds can get pretty wild up there. You'll need your wits about you, especially when the cliff edge feels way too close for comfort. Dating back to the 17th century, this old track was a lifeline for the locals. These days, you get insane views of the Atlantic, and on a good day, you can even spot another island. Keep an eye out for wild goats chilling on the dry, volcanic hills – it's classic La Gomera scenery. For tackling Camino el Santo, a car with decent ground clearance is a good shout. The real challenge, though, is the height! Always check the wind forecast before you head up, because it can get unpredictable. Trust me, this is a drive you won't forget in a hurry – history meets some of the most epic landscapes in the Canary Islands.

Don’t glance down at your phone on Ravin de la Plattehard

Don’t glance down at your phone on Ravin de la Platte

🇫🇷 France

# Ravin de la Platte: Not for the Faint of Heart Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Ravin de la Platte sits at a breathtaking 1,853m elevation—and yes, we mean that literally. This is a place where vertigo becomes your worst enemy. Starting from the charming town of La Roche-de-Rame (950m elevation), this unpaved 11km route descends into the Lauzet valley in a way that'll make even experienced drivers question their life choices. The road features 25 hairpin turns that demand serious concentration and nerves of steel. With an average gradient of 8.2% and sections pushing 10%, you're dealing with some serious elevation changes on a track that's only 3 meters wide—with jaw-dropping drop-offs to keep things interesting. The surface is slippery, the shoulders are nonexistent, and heavy log trucks regularly barrel through here, making this a white-knuckle affair. This isn't a scenic drive where you can relax and enjoy the views—this is a test of skill and courage that's humbled plenty of confident drivers. So unless you're a professional, completely insane, or paid to be here, you might want to admire the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region from somewhere a little less terrifying. Some roads demand respect, and Ravin de la Platte is definitely one of them.

Umbrail Pass is an iconic Alpine road with 35 hairpin turnshard

Umbrail Pass is an iconic Alpine road with 35 hairpin turns

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Umbrail Pass: Switzerland's Hidden Alpine Gem Perched at a breathtaking 2,506 meters (8,221 feet), Umbrail Pass sits right on the Swiss-Italian border and claims the title of Switzerland's highest paved road—a seriously impressive feat in the Alps. Straddling the Province of Sondrio in Italy's Lombardy region and the Swiss canton of Graubünden, this pass (also known as Giogo di Santa Maria) takes its name from the stunning Piz Umbrail peak nearby. You'll spot a simple but moving war monument on the right as you climb—a poignant reminder of the area's history. What makes this pass special? It only recently got fully paved in 2015, and honestly, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Alps. While its more famous neighbors draw crowds, Umbrail remains refreshingly quiet—perfect for riders seeking authentic alpine adventure. Fair warning: this pass is a winter sleeper, closing entirely from October through June. Vehicle restrictions apply for anything over 18 tons, 2.50m wide, or 10m long. The 13.2-km climb from Santa Maria packs serious elevation gain—1,126 meters of pure alpine ascent. You're looking at an average gradient of 8.5%, with some sections hitting 14.0%, all while navigating a jaw-dropping 35 hairpin turns. The road is narrow, unguarded in places, and features some vertigo-inducing drops mere meters from the asphalt. The ride's asymmetrical too—the north side from Santa Maria offers the real challenge, while the southern slope barely stretches a kilometer. The pavement is solid, but rain demands extra caution on those hairpins. Fair heads up: Swiss customs patrols these roads hunting smugglers, so stay on your toes. Moderate difficulty, extraordinary scenery, and unforgettable memories await.