
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
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