Pereval Soroka

Pereval Soroka is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.560m (11,679ft) above the sea level, located in the Alay Mountains of the Osh Province of eastern Tajikistan. The pass, also known as Pereval Soroka Let Leninskogo Kommunisticheckogo Soyuza Molodezhi Kirgizii, is traversed by the asphalted M41 highway (Pamir Highway). 

The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy snow fall. The road over the pass, linking Osh and Khorog was built in 1930-1932. A sudden drop in the temperature, even in summer, can trigger winter-like conditions. It has a well-deserved reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, and driving under these conditions, can be extremely challenging. 

Due its unique location and the climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and passing through remote areas, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared.  Check weather forecasts before leaving home, and remember that it becomes cooler and often more prone to storms at higher elevations. It is situated between Sary-Tash in the south and Ak-Bosogo in the north. In winter, the pass is one of the most dangerous mountain passes in the country. Every year there are several truck accidents, falling several hundred meters down the cliff. In spring you can still see some of them there.
Pic: Arek Pawłowski