How to drive the unpaved road with 36 hairpin turns to Eğnaçor?
Eğnaçor is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,971m (9,747ft) above sea level, located in the Rize Province of northeastern Turkey. Situated in the Pontic Alps, the track to the summit is one of the highest roads of the country. This primitive mountain route serves the high-altitude pastures and glacial basins of the Kackar Mountains, crossing a rugged landscape of granite and schist.
| Road facts: Eğnaçor Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rize Province, Turkey |
| Elevation | 2,971 m (9,747 ft) |
| Length | 22.7 km from Ortaklar |
| Hairpins | 36 switchbacks |
Where is the Eğnaçor lake road located?
The road starts in the village of Ortaklar and climbs for 22.7 kilometers through the steep valleys of the Rize interior. The track terminates at the glacial basin of Eğnaçor, where a group of stone mountain huts sits near the water. This is a high-isolation sector where the roadbed follows the natural ridgelines of the Kackar range, with no services, emergency support, or mobile signal available once the ascent begins.
Is the road to Eğnaçor lake unpaved?
Yes, the road to Eğnaçor is entirely unpaved and remains in poor condition. The surface consists of loose shale, large boulders, and deep ruts. A 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance is mandatory to clear the rocky steps. The track is extremely narrow, especially in the sections climbing above the lake level. There is no room for error, as the unprotected roadbed drops sharply into the glacial valley below.
How challenging are the 36 hairpins of Eğnaçor lake?
The climb to Eğnaçor lake is defined by 36 hairpin turns that are exceptionally tight. The route features a relentless sequence of switchbacks where longer vehicles must maneuver with precision to avoid losing traction on the soft outer edges. Each turn requires steady torque to manage the loose gravel ramps. The exposure is total, and the steepness of the climb means that any mechanical failure on these turns will result in a complex recovery operation.
When is the road to Eğnaçor lake open?
At nearly 3,000 meters, Eğnaçor is totally impassable for the majority of the year. Heavy snow blocks the access from late October until late June or early July. During the summer, sudden fog from the Black Sea frequently blankets the mountains, making the 36 hairpins of Eğnaçor nearly invisible. Rain turns the natural soil into a slippery paste, increasing the risk of sliding off the narrow track while navigating the steeper sectors near the lake.
Pic: http://www.rizekulturturizm.gov.tr/TR-112789/yayla-turizmi.html