Things to Know Before Driving the Road to Seok Pass in the Tian Shan Mountains
Seok Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,024m (13,202ft) above sea level, located in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Seok Pass?
The pass is located south of Issyk Kul Lake, in the northeastern part of the country. It connects the Ala-Bel plateau to the upper Naryn River valley.
How long is Seok Pass?
The road to the summit, also known as Suyak Pass, Pereval Suyek, or Söök Pass, is called A364 Road. It stretches 85.6 km (53.18 miles), running north-south from Barskoon to Kara-Say, and then east to Ak-Shyrak.
Is Seok Pass gravel?
The road through the pass is gravel but in good condition. The gravel A364 road can be driven without major problems and is accessible by most vehicles.
How busy is Seok Pass?
Part of the historic Silk Road, the pass is now significant mainly as a strategic gateway on the A364 road to the southeastern high mountain desert areas of Kyrgyzstan along the Chinese border, and to the border posts at Kara-Say and Ak-Shyrak. The road experiences daily heavy transport traffic for machinery.
Is Seok Pass open in winter?
Set high in the Tian Shan mountains, short-term winter closures are possible depending on snow conditions.
Pic: Sergey Prikhodko