A memorable road trip to Ali Malik Mar Pass in Pakistan
Pakistan, asia
84 km
4,082 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Ali Malik Mar Pass, chilling at a cool 13,392 feet in Pakistan's Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province.
We're talking about a road trip smack-dab in the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau. Think Himalayas meet Karakoram, with access points from Astore Valley and Skardu.
The road, Deosai Park Road, is a wild 52-mile ride from Skardu to Astore Valley Road. Forget pavement; this is mostly unpaved territory. You'll need a 4x4 to conquer the altitude and those rugged conditions. Plus, get ready for some heart-stopping moments crossing rivers on some seriously sketchy bridges.
But here’s the catch: this high-altitude paradise is only open in the summer. From November to May, it's buried under snow. The locals call Deosai the "land of giants," and it lives up to the name during the freezing winter months.
Okay, real talk. Before you get too excited, give some serious thought to travel safety in Pakistan. The security situation can be dicey, with threats like terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest in some areas. So, stay informed! But if you decide to go, those views? Unforgettable!
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Ali Malik Mar Pass in Pakistan is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 29.9523, 71.2630
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 84 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,082 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 29.9523, 71.2630
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Shemshak?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: You're headed to Shemshak, Iran's second-biggest ski paradise nestled way up in the Alborz Mountains. The road there? Totally paved, so no need for monster truck tires! We're talking a good stretch of road, winding from somewhere near Nesa all the way to Lavasan. But get this—it's not just a boring highway slog. Think cool pit stops along the way, perfect for snapping some pics or grabbing a bite. Elevation-wise, you're climbing high, so be prepared for some breathtaking views (and maybe a little lightheadedness!). But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Just keep your eyes peeled as you navigate this route! Oh and did I mention that beyond Shemshak, this road takes you to other awesome destinations? Road trip, anyone?
hardErzhihala Daban is for drivers with strong nerves only
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Erzhihala Daban is calling your name. This insane mountain pass sits way up high at 4,307 meters (that's 14,130 feet!) right on the border between Qinghai and Gansu provinces in China. We're talking about the legendary S204 Erga Highway in the Qilian Mountains, north-east of the stunning Hala Lake. Forget smooth asphalt, this is a proper off-road challenge. The entire 61.6 km (38.27 miles) from Qiqing Town to Yanglongxiang is unpaved, and some sections get seriously narrow. Hope you're good at reversing because you might need those skills! 4x4 is essential here, folks. The views are breathtaking, assuming you can handle the heights. Some sections boast a crazy 14% gradient, and let's just say there are a few 500m drop-offs that will keep you on your toes. Definitely not one for beginner drivers. This is an experience you won't forget!
hardNorikura Skyline Road is the highest public road in Japan
🇯🇵 Japan
Hey fellow adventurers! Have you heard about the Norikura Skyline in Japan's Nagano Prefecture? Nestled in the Chūbu region, this paved beauty offers views that will absolutely knock your socks off. Winding its way up Mount Norikura, a massive dormant volcano in the Northern Japan Alps, this road takes you all the way up to 2,700m (8,858ft)! Fun fact: it's the highest public road in Japan, although the actual summit is only reachable on foot. Word to the wise: this toll road is usually buried under snow for more than half the year. Think towering snow walls over 10 meters high! It's generally open from mid-May to the end of October, with slightly different hours depending on the month. Also, private cars aren't allowed above 1,800m – you'll need to hop on a bus, taxi, or bicycle to continue. Trust me, the experience is unforgettable. The views of the Yarigatake and Hodaka Mountain Range are simply spectacular, and you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the Northern Alps along the way. Once you reach Tatamihira, the last stop, take a stroll and soak in the alpine plants, dwarf pines, and maybe even spot some cool birds! This 14.4 km (8.94 miles) route climbs steeply in parts (up to 12%!), and has 10 tunnels so keep your eyes peeled. This road is a toll road that runs from Hirayutouge to Norikuradake Tatamihira. So, if you're looking for an epic driving adventure with scenery that'll leave you breathless, the Norikura Skyline is calling your name!
moderateHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Chhachor Pass
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on the Chhachor Pass, a seriously epic high-altitude pass chilling at a cool 13,809 feet above sea level in Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. You'll find it smack-dab on the Deosai Park Road. We're talking an average altitude of almost 13,500 feet through the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau. Picture this: Himalayas and Karakoram ranges as your backdrop. The road itself is a mixed bag – gravel and asphalt, plus a few river crossings on bridges that'll definitely get your heart pumping! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Heads up: this road is a summer-only affair. From November to May, it's a snowy wonderland, totally inaccessible. But when the snow melts, usually around June, you can access Deosai from Astore Valley in the west or Skardu in the north. Locals call this place "the land of giants," and you'll understand why when you see it.