A cliff road on the edge of the Black and White volcano

A cliff road on the edge of the Black and White volcano

Arabian Peninsula, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,800 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventurers, buckle up for Jabal Abyad (or Jabal Bayda, the Black and White volcano!) in Saudi Arabia's Ḥaʼil Province. This extinct volcano, formed from some seriously cool silica-rich lava, is a sight to behold.

Deep in the Harrat Khyber volcanic field, you'll find a wild, unpaved road circling the crater, perched at a cool 5,905 feet. Seriously, some say it's one of the most incredible natural wonders on Earth. Word on the street is, hiking it might be better than driving. Heads up if you're not a fan of heights, keep your eyes on the path! While the volcano sides are super steep, the southern slope is just gentle enough for a (slippery!) climb to the top.

Just north of Medina, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this loop around Saudi Arabia's tallest volcano. Trust me, the views are out of this world! The surrounding landscape is straight-up otherworldly. Get ready for an unforgettable ride.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Arabian Peninsula
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
1,800 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in asia

The road to Trchkan Waterfall isn’t an easy oneextreme

The road to Trchkan Waterfall isn’t an easy one

🌍 Armenia

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Armenia's Shirak Province lies the incredible Trchkan Waterfall, reportedly the country's tallest. Getting there is half the fun, if you're into that sort of thing. The dirt road to the base winds above the Chichkhan River at about 6,000 feet, crossing the river... well, more than once! Keep a close eye on the weather, folks. This area can get hit with avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, not to mention sneaky patches of ice. Seriously, proceed with caution! The road itself is gravel and can be totally impassable in winter. Think of it as a scenic challenge! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely want a 4x4. But for those who dare, the views are epic. You'll be cruising through meadows alongside the Chichkhan, with mountains towering on either side. They even call Trchkan Waterfall the "Armenian Niagara". This place is popular with locals who are used to the tough road. Word to the wise: the weather is WILDLY unpredictable. Don't be surprised if you go from dry autumn to snow-covered mountains in just a few hundred yards! It can change on a dime.

Tielimaiti La is an epic road in the Narat Rangeeasy

Tielimaiti La is an epic road in the Narat Range

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tielimaiti Pass in Xinjiang, China! This paved road winds its way up to a whopping 3,335m (10,941ft) in the Narat Range. A tunnel bypasses the original route these days, but trust me, you'll WANT to take the old road for the views! Think majestic peaks, dramatic summits, and deep, plunging gorges. This isn't just a drive; it's a visual feast! Word of warning: this beauty is only accessible for about five months of the year (May to October) due to snow and ice. Also, leave the big rigs at home - it's restricted to smaller vehicles. Plus, be alert for potential mudslides. The biggest draw? The endless switchbacks snaking up the mountainside. It's a road trip photographer's dream!

How to reach the Lenin Peak Base Camp by car?moderate

How to reach the Lenin Peak Base Camp by car?

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Okay, picture this: You're in Kyrgyzstan, Osh Region to be exact, heading towards the legendary Lenin Peak (Ibn Sina Peak). You're not just driving; you're embarking on an adventure! The starting point? The charming village of Sary Mogul, nestled in the Alay Valley. From there, it's roughly 25 km to Achik-Tash, Lenin Peak's Base Camp, the heart of the action for anyone tackling the mountain. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Forget pavement; you'll be tackling a double-track dirt path cutting through those unbelievably vast, treeless alpine meadows. All around, you'll be treated to insane views of the snow-capped Trans-Alay range. Over this stretch, you'll climb 718 meters, topping out at a cool 3,623 meters above sea level! You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4x4. We're talking deep ruts and washboard sections that will test your vehicle's mettle. The track is mainly compacted dirt and loose gravel, but be warned: this road *hates* rain! What's dusty and bumpy when dry turns into a muddy mess after even a little precipitation, making it nearly impossible to pass. And watch out for those river crossings – they get a lot deeper in the afternoon as the glaciers melt! There aren't any guardrails or road markings, so stay sharp. A word to the wise: the altitude will affect your vehicle’s power. Keep an eye on those engine temps! Also, altitude sickness is real. Start hydrating well before you arrive and take it easy. And one more VERY IMPORTANT thing: once you leave Sary Mogul, there are no services. Make sure you've got a full-size spare, extra fuel, and everything you need to be self-sufficient. The best time to tackle this road is between late June and early September. Outside of those months, you're likely to encounter impassable snow and sub-zero temperatures. And keep an eye on the local weather in Sary Mogul – things can change *fast* up here! Storms can turn that gravel track into a slippery nightmare in no time. Make sure you have basic recovery gear, just in case. This road to Lenin Peak Base Camp isn’t just a drive; it's an unforgettable experience.

Driving the lethal Shimshal Valley Road in Pakistanextreme

Driving the lethal Shimshal Valley Road in Pakistan

🇵🇰 Pakistan

# Shimshal Valley Road: Pakistan's Ultimate Mountain Driving Challenge Ready to test your mettle? The Shimshal Valley Road in Gojal, Hunza–Nagar District, is the kind of drive that separates the casual road-trippers from the true adventure seekers. This 35-mile (56km) beast of a route connects the Karakoram Highway at Passu (sitting at 2,485m elevation) to the stunning village of Shimshal, perched at a breathtaking 3,113m (10,213ft) above sea level. Shimshal holds the distinction of being Pakistan's highest settlement in the Hunza Valley and serves as the gateway between Gilgit-Baltistan and China. Here's where it gets wild: this road only became passable by vehicle in 2003. Before that, villagers had to trek across three brutal high passes (around 5,000m each) over three grueling days to reach the outside world. The handcrafted, non-metallic road took 18 years to complete—a testament to the sheer determination of the local community. The drive hugs the edge of the Shimshal River gorge, with the road carved into near-vertical cliffs hundreds of feet above the water. You'll navigate steep grades, janky wooden bridges, and hair-raising ledges that'll keep your knuckles white the entire way. A sturdy 4WD and serious driving skills are non-negotiable. Snow blankets this route for seven to eight months yearly, and the skilled drivers who ferry passengers daily know better than to mess around—one wrong move here means catastrophe. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely unforgettable.