A scary road to Lasdana in the mountains of Pakistan
Pakistan, asia
20.8 km
2,596 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride to Lasdana, a hilltop paradise nestled in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan! This spot sits pretty high at 2,596m (that's 8,517 ft!), offering incredible views.
The road, known as Lasdana - Mahmood Gali Road, stretches for about 20.8 km (12.92 miles) and links Mahmood Gali to Nar Sher Ali Khan, winding its way north to south. It used to be paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. Passenger cars and RVs can usually make it, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!
This road is narrow with lots of curves and blind turns – so keep your eyes peeled and drive carefully. Some sections are pretty steep, maxing out at a gradient of 17.7%. Your reward? A bar and resort await you at the summit, perfect for soaking in the views.
Speaking of views, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, making Lasdana a true gem of Rawalakot. But don't let the beauty fool you – this drive can be tricky. Rain makes things extra dicey, and nighttime driving? Maybe skip it. The weather is a real wildcard here, especially in winter (November to March). Expect snow, ice, fog, and rain to throw some curveballs your way. Landslides are also a concern after heavy rainfall.
And a final note: keep up-to-date on the local security situation before you go, as the area does have risks related to terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence, and kidnapping. Stay safe and happy travels!
Where is it?
A scary road to Lasdana in the mountains of Pakistan is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 30.7750, 69.6065
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 20.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,596 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 30.7750, 69.6065
Related Roads in asia
hardWhy is Namja La only open in August?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Nestled high in the Himalayas, Namja La Pass (aka Nangsa La) is an international border crossing that will take your breath away – literally. This high-altitude gateway sits at a staggering elevation of about 5,650 meters, straddling the border between Nepal and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Forget your GPS; this is one of the highest, most remote roads you can find. Connecting the isolated village of Mugu in Nepal with Zhongba County in Tibet (coordinates 29°58'03.5"N 82°32'16.4"E if you're *really* planning this), Namja La has been a vital trade route for centuries. Even today, it's a bustling hub (when it's open) where locals exchange salt, wool, and all sorts of goods. Now, here's the catch: Namja La is basically a seasonal road. The window to drive it is usually *only* in August, and even then, it's a challenge. Expect loose scree, deep mud from melting glaciers, and river crossings that can change depth in an instant. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory. The track kicks off just outside Mugu and heads straight into the vast Tibetan plateau. Driving here isn't just about skill; it's about understanding how your vehicle copes with the altitude. At 5,000+ meters, expect serious power loss, and be aware of altitude sickness. Acclimatization is key! Culturally, Namja La is a big deal. During its brief opening, it's buzzing with traders from Mugu and China. Keep in mind that this is a sensitive border area, so expect military regulations and restricted access. Foreigners often need special permits from both Nepal and China. If you're crazy enough to try this, be prepared to be completely self-sufficient. There are *zero* services out here. Pack double spare tires, extra fuel, and satellite communication – it could save your life. Namja La is a place where the "road" is more of a suggestion etched into the mountains, and Mother Nature calls all the shots.
extremeIs the road through Askaly-Bell Pass challenging?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're heading to Kyrgyzstan and craving a serious off-road experience, Pereval Askala-Bel’ in the Alay District is calling your name! We're talking about a 2,824m (9,265ft) high mountain pass that’ll test your skills and reward you with incredible views. Tucked away in the rugged Osh Region, near the Chinese border, this pass is a wild ride through the Pamir-Alay mountains. Think dramatic landscapes, nomadic pastures, and a real sense of getting off the beaten path. The road? Well, "road" might be too strong a word! It's a challenging track that demands respect (and a high-clearance 4x4). Get ready for a slow, bumpy adventure filled with hairpin turns and super narrow sections where one wrong move could send you tumbling. Seriously, this climb isn't for the faint of heart, especially with potential washouts from rain or melting snow. Winter? Forget about it – this pass is completely snowed in until late spring. This epic 4x4 journey stretches over, connecting the tiny settlement of. Don't expect to zoom through; this isn't a highway. Navigating rocky sections and eroded bits means you'll be crawling at a snail's pace, but trust me, the scenery is worth every bump and scrape!
hardDriving the world’s highest motorable road to Mig La Pass in Ladakh
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up, because I've got a new one for your bucket list: the Likaru–Mig La–Fukche (LMLF) Road in Ladakh, India! This 64-kilometer stretch isn't just any road – it's the world's highest motorable pass, clocking in at a mind-blowing 19,400 ft (5,913 m)! That's higher than Everest Base Camp! Nestled on the Changthang Plateau near the China border, this road is a serious challenge. We're talking about a cold desert climate, where the air is thin (oxygen levels are cut in half!), and the terrain is brutal. Expect a relentless climb, loose soil, and weather that can turn on a dime. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Beyond the adrenaline rush, the scenery is unreal. Think vast landscapes, remote villages, and views that stretch to the horizon. You'll be driving past the Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri – places that were once incredibly difficult to reach. Just remember, this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to even get close. Pack your warmest gear, consider bringing supplemental oxygen, and make sure your ride is prepped for high-altitude performance. But if you're up for the challenge, Mig La promises an unforgettable experience!
hardThe historic Burma Road was built during World War II
🇨🇳 China
Picture this: the Burma Road, a historic lifeline snaking its way from Lashio in Myanmar to Kunming, China. This beast of a road stretches for a whopping 1,154 km (717 miles), carved through some of the most challenging terrain imaginable. Built during World War II, it was a desperate gamble, a supply route to keep China in the fight against the Japanese. Imagine over 200,000 laborers hacking away at mountains, bridging ravines, and enduring incredible hardships to complete this crazy mission. The road was a game-changer, supplying Chiang Kai-shek's forces and allowing them to resist the Japanese. When Burma fell in 1942, the road was cut, but General Stilwell and his team fought tooth and nail to reopen it. It was an insane undertaking to maintain air-lift operations from India to keep China in the fight. While large parts of the original road are gone, glimpses of its past still exist. It stands as a symbol of resilience and Allied cooperation, reminding us of the sacrifices made during a pivotal time in history. And hey, a quick note about the "24 Turns" road you might see online. Though supplies reached Kunming via the Burma Road, it was the "24 Turns" segment that would then deliver these supplies to Chongqing, the provisional capital, providing crucial support to the front-line troops. Pretty neat, huh?