Driving the wild unpaved road through Kara Koo Pass in Jalal-Abad Region

Kara Koo Ashuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,768m (9,081ft) above sea level, located in the Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Kara Koo Pass

Where is Kara Koo Pass?

The pass, also known as Kara Göö and Toguz Toro Pass, is located in the western part of the country.

Is the road through Kara Koo Pass unpaved?

The road through the pass is totally unpaved. It’s known as 3M-13 and comprises narrow parts, steep sections, thousands of turns, and hundreds of hairpin turns. It’s not the best road if you’re prone to car sickness. A 4x4 vehicle is required. 

How long is the road through Kara Koo Pass?

The road through the pass is 109km (68 miles) long, running west-east from Kazarman (a village on the river Naryn and the capital of Toguz-Toro District in Jalal-Abad Region), to Jangy-Talap (a village in Ak-Talaa District of Naryn Region). 

Is the road through Kara Koo Pass open in winter?

At this elevation, heavy winter snowfalls typically render the road impassable from October through March.

Is the road through Kara Koo Pass worth the drive?

Despite its challenging condition, the road provides stunning views of the mountains, and it has been dubbed as ‘The Best Scenic Road in Kyrgyzstan.’ Just a few vehicles use this road.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Aleksandr Kostenko

 

 

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