Driving the 28 hairpins to Singer Dağı: A high-altitude challenge in Eastern Turkey
Singer Dağı is a high mountain pass at 2,843m (9,327ft) above sea level, located in the rugged mountains of Eastern Turkey. Tucked away on the border between Bitlis and Van, this is one of those remote tracks where you won’t see another soul for miles.
The road is a real test for any driver, sitting just south of the massive Lake Van. It’s a dry, rocky landscape where the dust gets everywhere and the weather can turn nasty in minutes. Because it’s so high, snow blocks the pass for most of the year, so don't even think about trying it before late June.
| Road facts: Singer Dağı | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bitlis / Van (Turkey) |
| Elevation | 2,843 m (9,327 ft) |
| Length | 23 km (14.3 miles) |
| Max Gradient | 18% |
| Hairpin Turns | 28 |
| Surface | Unpaved / Dirt and Rocks |
How difficult is the road to Singer Dağı?
The road between Koruklu and Kolludere is 23 km long and it’s a total beast. The main challenge is a section with 28 sharp hairpin turns that climb steeply up the mountain. The track is narrow, full of loose rocks, and has some scary vertical drops with no barriers at all. With ramps hitting an 18% gradient, you absolutely need a 4x4 with high clearance and a lot of patience.
It’s not just about the climb; coming down can be just as tricky. On such steep, loose dirt, it’s easy to lose grip in the corners. You have to take it very slow and watch out for deep ruts caused by rain. It’s a "tippy" road that will keep your hands glued to the wheel the whole time.
When is the best time to cross the pass?
This part of Turkey gets hit hard by winter, so the road is usually impassable due to snow until well into the spring. The best window is from July to September. Even then, you should be self-sufficient: carry extra fuel, plenty of water, and tools. It’s a beautiful but lonely place, and if you get stuck, help is a long way off. For anyone who loves raw, unpaved mountain driving, Singer Dağı is as real as it gets.