
21 hairpin bends on the Zig-zag road of Sichuan
China, asia
1.8 km
646 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Deep in southwest China's Sichuan province, a twisty, cliff-hugging marvel awaits.
Hidden within the breathtaking Bashan Grand Canyon in northeast Sichuan, this mostly-paved road is not for the faint of heart. Clocking in at just 1.11 miles (1.8km), don't let the distance fool you. This climb is intense!
Picture this: 21 hairpin turns, one right after the other, clinging to the side of a cliff. These turns are so tight and narrow that you might need to do a little back-and-forth maneuvering to navigate them.
Starting at 2,119 feet (646m) above sea level, you'll ascend to a whopping 3,326 feet (1,014m), gaining 1,207 feet (368 meters) in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 20%! Get ready for stunning views, but keep your eyes on the road—this is a drive you won't forget!
Where is it?
21 hairpin bends on the Zig-zag road of Sichuan is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.9069, 101.9554
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 1.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 646 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.9069, 101.9554
Related Roads in asia
hardIs the Tarim Desert Highway paved?
🇨🇳 China
Ready for an epic road trip? Then set your GPS for the Tarim Desert Road in northwest China's Xinjiang region! This incredible paved highway cuts right through the heart of the Taklamakan, China's largest desert (aka the "sea of death"). Originally built to haul oil, this 562 km (349 mile) stretch is the longest road *in the world* built across a shifting-sand desert. Seriously! Imagine cruising from Luntai to Minfeng, the northern and southern edges of the Tarim Basin, with nothing but towering dunes and endless horizons. Now, heads up: about 80% of this route is through totally uninhabited areas, and those sand dunes – some reaching 20 meters high! – love to bury the road. Keep your speed around 60 km/h to avoid any sandy surprises. It usually takes about 5 hours to cross the desert. But don't let that scare you off! The scenery is out-of-this-world: think classic desert landscapes and ancient Populus trees. Plus, there's a gas station and a few restaurants at the halfway point. Just remember, besides the folks keeping the pumps running, you're pretty much on your own out there. So, pack your supplies, fill up the tank, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the 'lonely road'! If you drive without stopping it will take most people between 10 and 12 hours.
extremeTstato La: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Ladakh
🇮🇳 India
Buckle up, adventure junkies, because Tstato La in Ladakh, India is not your average Sunday drive! We're talking about a sky-high pass, topping out at a crazy 16,587 feet (5,056m) above sea level. You'll find it way out in the remote Changthang plateau, east of Mirpal Tso lake. This "road" (and I use that term loosely) is about 12.4 miles (20 km) of pure, unadulterated challenge, connecting Kaksang La to the Rezang La War Memorial. Being so close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, it's a super sensitive area. Forget smooth asphalt – this is an entirely unpaved, narrow track carved straight into the mountains. Expect hundreds of turns, including some seriously tight hairpins. Given its remoteness and altitude, it's rarely used, making it one of the most raw and rugged roads you'll find anywhere in the Himalayas. But before you pack your bags, a word of caution: access is heavily restricted. You'll need special permits (Inner Line Permits for Indian nationals), and foreigners might not even be allowed. Even with permission, you're looking at a tiny window of opportunity, usually only July to September, when the snow *might* clear enough for 4x4s. This is not for the faint of heart. The altitude is a killer – expect altitude sickness and your engine to seriously lag. Plus, with no guardrails and super narrow sections, one wrong move could be your last. But if you're up for the ultimate high-altitude adventure, Tstato La promises views and bragging rights like no other! Just be prepared for unpredictable weather – it's all part of the Ladakh experience.
extremeNangpa La: Driving the unpaved border pass in Baiyü
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Nangpa La! This insane mountain pass punches through the western Sichuan province in China, teetering right on the edge of Tibet. At a whopping 4,884m (16,023ft) high, you're basically breathing space dust up here. Forget paved roads, this is raw, untamed terrain for serious off-roaders only. Seriously remote doesn't even begin to cover it. We're talking no services, no help, just you, your trusty 4x4, and some seriously stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau. The climb kicks off north of Shamaxiang and winds for almost 24 kilometers. Don't let the distance fool you - this isn't a Sunday drive! Expect an average gradient of almost 8%, but hold on tight because some sections crank up to a gut-busting 31%! You'll need every ounce of horsepower you can muster, especially with the altitude robbing your engine of its mojo. Think hairpin turns galore, loose gravel under your tires, and views that'll make your jaw drop. And keep an eye on the sky – weather here changes on a dime, and snow can shut things down any time of year. Oh, and one more thing: this being a sensitive border zone, you'll need to sniff out local intel on road conditions and snag any necessary permits before you even think about heading up. Happy trails!
moderateHow to Get by Car to the Scenic Imamzadeh of Mazandaran Province?
🇮🇷 Iran
Nestled high in the Alborz Mountains of Iran, at a cool 2,766m (9,074ft), lies the Imamzadeh shrine, a hidden gem in Mazandaran Province. This sacred spot, dedicated to a Shia Imam's descendant, dates back to 1396. The journey there is an adventure in itself. The Elit-Foshkour road, a winding 8.2 km (5.09 miles) unpaved track, climbs from Elit to the mausoleum. You'll need a 4x4 for this one! Think narrow, dirt, and utterly breathtaking views. Imagine driving through mountains, past charming villages, and rising above the clouds into a dreamlike, misty world. The area is famous for its lush scenery, frequent fog, and refreshing cooler temperatures. Some even call it the "Alps of Iran"! Just keep in mind that certain governments advise against travel to Iran due to safety concerns.