A narrow and rough road to Mount Santo Tomas
Philippines, asia
11.9 km
2,224 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Santo Tomas Road in Benguet, Philippines! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a stratovolcano soaring to 2,224m (that's 7,296ft!) on Luzon Island, practically kissing the clouds in the Cordillera Mountains.
Why head up here? Well, aside from the insane views, the summit is crammed with communications towers – think super-powered radio stations. The road? It’s called Santo Tomas Road and is fully paved with concrete sections, but hold onto your hats! This climb is seriously narrow, seriously steep, and seriously thrilling.
Picture this: you're hugging the mountainside on a rough, skinny road. To your left? A cliff that drops into oblivion. Yep, it’s that kind of drive.
The nitty-gritty: From 208 Road, south of Baguio, you've got 11.9 km (7.39 miles) of pure uphill madness. You'll gain 749 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.29% gradient, but don't let that fool you—some spots crank up to a heart-pounding 20%! Even looking at pictures will make your palms sweat, and the views? Totally worth the adrenaline rush. Just remember those barriers weren’t always there!
Where is it?
A narrow and rough road to Mount Santo Tomas is located in Philippines (asia). Coordinates: 14.5794, 122.0328
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 11.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,224 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 14.5794, 122.0328
Related Roads in asia
hardThe horrifying Old Inunaki Tunnel in Japan
🇯🇵 Japan
Dare to explore the infamous Old Inunaki Tunnel in Japan, a place shrouded in chilling urban legends! Located near the Inunaki reservoir in Miyawaka, Fukuoka Prefecture, about 100 miles north of Nagasaki, this spot is notorious for supernatural phenomena – think ghostly apparitions, unsettling noises, and the feeling of being constantly watched. Tucked away in the Inunaki Mountains, this short, curvy tunnel (less than 100m!) opened in 1949. After a new tunnel was built in the mid-70s, the old one was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Now, a concrete wall blocks the entrance, adding to the mystery. Locals whisper tales of the tunnel being a WWII testing ground for biological and chemical weapons. Nearby, abandoned buildings amplify the eerie vibe, creating the perfect backdrop for ghost stories. Considered Japan's most haunted tunnel, the Inunaki Tunnel is rumored to have many deaths. Legend has it that workers died during construction and were buried in the walls, and their spirits now haunt the area. Perhaps most famously, it's known for a brutal 1988 murder where a man was burned alive. Add to this the legend of the Inunaki village supposedly located beyond the tunnel, and you have a recipe for spine-tingling adventure! Even though you can't actually go inside (thanks to that concrete seal), the tunnel's reputation persists. It even inspired a horror movie, "Howling Village," turning the site into a bit of a tourist hotspot.
moderateWhere is Jebel al Lawz?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
'Mountain of Almonds' ) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of (7,844 ft) above sea level, located in Where is Jebel al Lawz? The peak, also known as , is located in the northwestern part of the country, near the Is the road to Jebel al Lawz paved? The road to the summit is completely paved. The drive offers on the eastern side of the massif, with a panoramic view of Can I reach the summit of Jebel al Lawz? preventing anyone from accessing the very top of the summit. How long is the road to Jebel al Lawz? The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a through some of the ramps. Starting at (25.60 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is Ultimate 4WD Destination: Wakan Village Driving the rough 4x4 trail through Wadi an Nakhur in Oman Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateThe road to Gardaneh-ye Garin offers a chill-out experience in high mountains
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Gardaneh-ye Garin is calling your name! This epic mountain pass straddles the Lorestan and Hamadan provinces of Iran, clocking in at a lofty 2,357 meters (that's 7,732 feet!). You'll find this beauty in western Iran, and the road to the top? Paved, baby! We're talking the Nahavand - Nurabad Road. Get ready for some serious curves, though, because this route is all about steep climbs and hairpin turns. The whole shebang stretches for about 28.4 kilometers (or 17.64 miles) from Jafarbagi-ye Sofla to Hoseynabad, running roughly from west to east. And trust me, the views along the way? Totally worth it.
extremeHow long is the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La?
🇨🇳 China
Located in Lhozhag County, within the Shannan Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La is one of the most demanding high-altitude drives in the Himalayas. This remote mining track winds its way through the rugged mountains near the border with Bhutan, offering a brutal but breathtaking experience for experienced off-roaders. Road facts: Lakangzhen to Gong La Lhozhag County, Tibet (China) How long is the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La? 58.8 kilometers (36.5 miles) , starting from the paved G219 highway near the town of Lakangzhen. Despite the relatively short distance, the climb is relentless. The road is a dedicated mining track that ascends to two major high-altitude passes: first reaching Bod La at 4,991m (16,374ft) , and finally ending at Gong La at 4,800m (15,748ft) . Due to the terrain, expect to spend several hours behind the wheel to complete this section. Is the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La difficult? This is definitely not a Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved and famous for its extreme geometry, featuring a staggering . These switchbacks are tight, steep, and often lack any form of protection or guardrails. Driving challenges include: The combination of steep gradients and thin air at nearly 5,000 meters will test any engine's cooling and power systems. A high-clearance 4x4 is essential. The road clings to the side of the mountains with massive vertical drops. Precision steering is required, especially when encountering mining trucks coming in the opposite direction. Being so close to the Bhutanese border, this is a sensitive area. Travelers should ensure they have all necessary permits (Tibet Travel Permit and Alien Travel Permit) before attempting the route. What can you see from the Gong La pass? For those who brave the 102 hairpins, the rewards are immense. Near the end of the track at Gong La, the road offers unique views across the border into Bhutan, including the stunning . The landscape is a stark mix of high-altitude desert and snow-capped peaks, far removed from any civilization. When is the best time to drive to Gong La? impassable from late October through late June or early July. Heavy snowfall blocks the high passes of Bod La and Gong La for most of the year. Even in the summer months, the weather is unpredictable. Sudden storms can turn the dirt track into a mud trap, and landslides are a constant risk in this part of the Himalayas. Safety and Practical Advice Since this is a mining road, the surface is rough and unmaintained. Always check the condition of your brakes and tires before starting the climb. There are no facilities along the route, so you must carry enough fuel, food, and emergency supplies to survive a breakdown at high altitude. Oxygen canisters are highly recommended for anyone not fully acclimated to the Tibetan Plateau. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Driving through Nayzatash Pass on the Pamir Highway Driving the curvy road to Lenglongling Pass is for experienced drivers Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.