Riding the Bayburt Of Yolu is no stroll in the park. Considered even more dangerous than Bolivia’s “death road”, this has taken the title in 2016 for the world’s most dangerous road! This crazy roller-coaster ride stretches for 66 miles between the towns of Of and Bayburt in Eastern Turkey. 29 hairpin bends snake up to an elevation of over 2000m through the Sognali mountains, with the final three miles to the summit, known as “the Deribasi turns”, featuring 13 hairpins and rising 300m. There are no safety barriers, the road surface is largely gravel, the weather can be atrocious and it is used daily by hundreds of vehicles. Enjoy!
Planning your ride on the Bayburt of Yolu
The route starts off with fantastic tarmac, but as you gain elevation and enter deeper into the mountains you will soon notice that the road deteriorates, eventually to mud and gravel. The middle section, containing the vast majority of the ridiculously tight switchbacks and hairpins, is generally a narrow dirt track. There is little room for error and if you encounter another vehicle someone is probably going to have to reverse. Several of the turns are so tight, many vehicles struggle to complete them in one maneuver. Towards Bayburt, the tarmac returns and the road begins to widen again.
Forgetting the hairpins and sheer drops for a moment, the road is so dangerous because of the volume of traffic using this narrow, winding route. It’s a working road and you are likely to encounter cars, bikes, vans and even lorries when traversing this perilous road. These are generally locals, who need to use the road, rather than the tourists found on the road of death in Bolivia. Fortunately, most locals respect the road and drive fairly sensibly, although constant vigilance is always recommended.
Accommodation and food
Accommodation is plentiful on the Northern end of the Bayburt Of Yolu, with several coastal towns offering hotels and guesthouses. Further inland there are even more options, as well as campsites, all set in stunning scenery. On the South side of the pass there are hotels and a hostel in Bayburt, which may be worth booking in advance. If you have another 80 miles left in you, head for the fantastic mountain town of Erzurum, where accommodation is plentiful. Another alternative is the stunning lake Uzungol, located just to the East of the route. There are many hotels and guest houses alongside the beautiful mountain lake.
As for food great seafood is available in Of, the anchovies are particularly recommended. There are also several restaurants and cafes in Bayburt. Along the route however you’re best taking food with you to eat while taking in the scenery. Though if you can stomach it as you look down the sheer drops, you are to be commended.
Weather considerations
Being a mountain pass the weather is unpredictable and can be horrendous. Rain and mist are frequent, even during summer. The Bayburt Of Yolu is frequently closed during winter, though there are no specific times or dates. As a general rule of thumb, it is most likely to be accessible between May and September. However it really does depend on whether it is snowing up in the mountains or not.
Sights
The route in itself is the main attraction for the majority of people who choose to ride it. The flip side of being a dangerous mountain pass is that it offers spectacular views over the surrounding country. Lush green tea plantations and dry, dusty snow-capped mountains complement one another. The road itself has its own grim beauty and anyone riding it should keep their camera handy. Take your time with this one, and stop to admire this fantastic place.
Pictures
Unfortunately we don’t have any pics of this road that we are allowed to share on this site. You can check some out here though
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