A paved road to Shakhristan Pass
Uzbekistan2, asia
9 km
2,751 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about the Shakhristan Pass in Tajikistan!
There are actually *two* ways to experience this beauty. First, you've got the smooth, paved M34 highway that crests at a respectable 2,751m (9,025ft). This road isn't a walk in the park; expect some nail-biting sections with hairpin turns, narrow stretches, and those "don't look down" drop-offs that get your adrenaline pumping. Keep an eye on the weather, as this area can be prone to fog, rain, and winter snow, sometimes causing temporary closures.
But wait, there's more! For the truly adventurous, the *original* Shakhristan Pass awaits. Before the M34, a rugged gravel track climbed to a staggering 3,382m (11,095ft) right on the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border. This old road is still kicking, but you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it. We're talking steep climbs (maxing out at 10% grade!) and incredible views. The climb starts from the paved M34 and stretches for 9km (5.59 miles), gaining 640 meters in elevation. Be warned, this route is typically snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan your trip accordingly.
Road Details
- Country
- Uzbekistan2
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,751 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving the dizzying 564 Country Road
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Y564, aka 564 Country Road, a real heart-stopper snaking through Zogong County in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 74km (46-mile) roller coaster ride that climbs to a dizzying 4,854m (15,925ft) above sea level, up near the Nujiang River. Expect a mix of paved sections and rugged terrain, plus hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep climbs and drops? And let's not forget those dramatic, oh-my-god-don't-look-down drop-offs! This road links China National Highway 214 to Zhonglinkaxiang, and it’s packed with views that'll leave you breathless (if the altitude doesn't first). So, if you're craving a true test of driving skills and a dose of adrenaline, Y564 is calling your name. Just be prepared for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is the Three Level Zigzag Road?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're in Sikkim, India, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, about to tackle the legendary Three Level Zigzag Road. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience! Just outside Zuluk, a cool little village on the old Silk Route, you’ll find this crazy 30km stretch of road boasting over 100 hairpin turns! They say it's one of the most head-spinning roads *in the world*, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. If you get carsick easily, maybe think twice. But if you're up for an adventure, this insane geometry of curves is something you won't forget. You'll climb all the way up to the Thambi viewpoint at 3,413m (11,200 ft). From there, the views of the zigzagging road snaking across the hills are unreal, especially during sunrise. You'll need a permit to visit the area, but trust me, it's worth the hassle. Now, about the best time to go: October to February is full-on winter – cold and snowy. March to May is nicely chilly. June to September is monsoon season, which can be cold but stunningly beautiful. So, plan your trip accordingly! You do not want to miss this one!
hardJangkhu La: Driving one of the highest paved passes on the G317 Road
🇨🇳 China
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising the legendary G317 (Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway), smack-dab in the heart of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. You're heading for Jangkhu La, a mind-blowing mountain pass that punches through the sky at a whopping 4,935m (16,190ft)! This isn't just a road; it's a lifeline for the remote Seni District of Nagqu. Sure, this stretch is paved with high-quality asphalt, but don't get complacent. At this altitude, your engine's gonna be gasping for air, and you might be too! Altitude sickness is a real buzzkill here, so take it easy if you're not used to being so high up. This epic drive spans 37.4 km (23.2 miles) between Kormang and Daqên, and it'll take you around 45 minutes...assuming everything goes smoothly. The road’s fairly wide, and the gradients aren't crazy steep (maxing out at 6%), but up here, even a tiny mechanical issue can turn into a full-blown crisis. Jangkhu La *should* be open year-round, but Mother Nature often has other plans. Expect heavy snowfall and slick black ice, especially from October to May. If a blizzard rolls in, the local authorities might shut it down for a bit. If you're hitting this pass in the colder months, pack your emergency kit and brace yourself for sub-zero temps. The biggest danger these days isn't mud, it's the lack of oxygen. Seriously, fatigue and bad decisions are your enemy here. You'll also be sharing the road with massive trucks and nomadic herds, so keep your eyes peeled! And remember, the weather can flip on a dime, turning a sunny day into a whiteout faster than you can say "yak butter tea." But oh, the views! Reaching the summit of Jangkhu La is like stepping onto another planet. You're surrounded by the raw, windswept beauty of northern Tibet, where the sky stretches on forever. It's a true highlight of the G317, and a chance to soak in the immense scale of the "Roof of the World."
extremeWhere is Kok Jar Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Kok Jar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,807m (12,490ft) above sea level, located in the Kūhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. The road may be impassable at times, even for 4×4 vehicles. Where is Kok Jar Pass? The pass, also known as Kok Jar, is located in the eastern part of the country within the Bartang Valley, one of the most remote and rugged areas in the already desolate Pamir Mountains. Can I Drive to Kok Jar Pass? Running through an indescribably rugged area, the unpaved road to the summit demands 100% concentration. The route is almost never fully passable by vehicles, as it is frequently washed away by floods and landslides. Large boulders block parts of the road, and some sections are completely washed out. Is Kok Jar Pass Open in Winter? Set high in the Pamir Mountains, heavy snowfall in winter can lead to landslides and avalanches. The road is impassable during the winter months and is generally not snow-free until late June, or even July in some years. How Challenging is the Road to Kok Jar Pass? The road through the pass, known as the Bartang Highway, can be impassable at times, even for 4×4 vehicles. The path is extremely narrow, with terrifyingly close canyon depths, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can be exhausting. In some places, the road is hair-raisingly narrow, with deep escarpments looming nearby. This route is not suitable for regular cars. Where Does the Road to Kok Jar Pass Start and End? The pass connects the village of Ghudara, a decently sized village at the end of the Bartang Valley, with Shurali, a small town known for its geoglyphs—an ancient solar calendar made of large stones. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Pic: Nodir Tursun-Zade How to Get to Murghab, One of the Highest Towns Accessible by Car on Earth The formidable Khaburabot Pass is traversed by the Pamir Highway 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.