An Iconic Road to Amir Kabir Dam in the Alborz Mountains
Iran, asia
40 km
1,609 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a gem tucked away in the Alborz Province of Iran: the road to Amir Kabir Dam, sitting pretty at 5,280 feet.
We're talking about a stunning lake north of Karaj, practically a day trip from Tehran (around 40 kilometers, give or take). You'll find it nestled between the charming villages of Pol-e Khvab and Khuzankola. This reservoir, also known as Karaj Dam, isn't just a pretty face; it's the source of Tehran's drinking water!
The road itself? It's all paved, so no need for a monster truck. It’s known as Karaj-Chaloos Road (Road 59). But don't get complacent! This baby is a rollercoaster of hairpin turns and tunnels carved right into the Central Alborz mountains. Prepare for a seriously scenic drive.
Where is it?
An Iconic Road to Amir Kabir Dam in the Alborz Mountains is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 33.1408, 55.8388
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,609 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 33.1408, 55.8388
Related Roads in asia
extremeA wild road to Cho Oyu base camp
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: You're in Tibet, right in the heart of the Himalayas, heading towards the Cho Oyu base camp. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking about one of the highest roads in China, clocking in at a staggering 5,573m (18,284ft) above sea level – that's higher than most planes fly! The road itself is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, and trust me, the air is THIN. We're talking seriously low oxygen levels, enough to make your engine (and you!) struggle. Altitude sickness is a real possibility here, so be warned. A 4x4 is absolutely essential. And be extra cautious after rain – even a little can make the road treacherous with loose gravel. But if you're prepared, the views are absolutely incredible. You'll be surrounded by the vast Tibetan plateau and some of the biggest names in the Himalayas: Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. It's a tough drive, but the scenery is worth every bump in the road!
extremeHow to drive the remote 4x4 road to Ruro La in Tibet?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ruro La Pass in eastern Tibet is calling your name—if you're brave enough. We're talking about a staggering 4,547 meters (that's 14,917 feet!) high in the Zhag’yab County of Chamdo Prefecture. Get ready to rumble through one of Tibet's wildest, most isolated corners. Picture this: a desolate, high-altitude desert where gigantic brown ridges and jagged rocks dominate the horizon. This isn't just a pretty drive—it's a lifeline connecting tiny mountain villages. But be warned, the air is thin up here, so make sure you're acclimatized before you put the pedal to the metal. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think rough, unpaved dirt track that demands a serious 4x4 with high clearance. This 8.99 km (5.59 miles) stretch twists and turns between Deku Muy and Quedeng, throwing 10 hairpin turns at you as it climbs the mountain. And hold on tight, because there are no guardrails, and the ground can get super slick with even a hint of rain or snow. You'll be completely alone out there, with weather that can flip on a dime. Seriously, don't even think about driving this at night. The road is narrow, the drop-offs are real, and it requires your full attention. But if you're an experienced high-altitude driver craving the real, unfiltered Tibetan backcountry, this is your ultimate challenge.
extremeHow long is the road through Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa?
🌍 Mongolia
Located in the heart of the in western Mongolia, the (also known as Ar-Bulagiyn Pass) is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of above sea level. This route is part of an ancient and vital corridor that has historically connected the uninhabited wilds of Western Mongolia with the Chinese border. The journey through this pass is a traverse of one of the most desolate landscapes on Earth. The road, as seen in recent satellite imagery and ground photos, has seen significant improvements during the 2010s. While once a treacherous dirt track, large sections are now paved as part of a strategic regional development project. However, the modern asphalt does not diminish the intensity of the environment: a vast, treeless expanse where the horizon is dominated by the jagged peaks of the Road facts: Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa Khovd Province, Western Mongolia Altai (City) to Tsetseg Mostly Paved (Improved 2010-2020) How long is the road through Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa? The road through the pass stretches for , running from the town of . This is a journey through what locals call "nowhere land." Settlements are extremely scarce, and the few people you may encounter are nomadic tribes and diverse ethnic groups living in temporary homes (gers) according to the seasons. For travelers, respecting local traditions and maintaining impeccable manners at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa is not just a courtesy—it is the law of the desert. While the road has been improved to facilitate trade, the isolation remains total. Most tourists visiting the Altai Mountains never reach this far south or west, staying closer to the infrastructure surrounding Ulaanbaatar. Driving here requires absolute self-sufficiency. If your vehicle breaks down at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa, help may be days away, and there is virtually no information online regarding motorized transit in this specific sector, with most accounts coming from extreme long-distance cyclists. What are the weather hazards at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa? is notoriously "crazy." Due to the high altitude and the northern latitude, the soil remains in a state of for most of the year. This can lead to unexpected road damage as the ground shifts during the brief summer thaw. Even in the middle of July, temperatures at the pass can plummet below freezing at night, and sudden snowstorms can blind drivers in minutes. China-Mongolia border posts at either end of this corridor is often uncertain and subject to sudden closures. Before attempting this route, it is crucial to verify if the international crossing is open to foreign nationals. The lack of reliable road reports makes Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa one of the last frontiers for adventure driving in Asia. How to prepare for driving the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa pass? Because of the extreme desolation of the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa route, you must carry a surplus of fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. The road is now mostly paved, but the shoulders are often soft sand or gravel, and there are no guardrails or lighting. High winds are constant at these altitudes, which can make steering a high-profile 4x4 challenging. This is an ancient trade route that demands modern respect; it is a place for the experienced explorer who values the silence of the high steppe over the comforts of civilization. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez Aksu Hot Spring: 4x4 Road in the Altai Mountains 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.
hardS207 Provincial Route
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic drive, you NEED to check out the S207 Provincial Route in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture. Recently asphalted, this 82.2km stretch is a wild ride, to say the least. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at a lung-busting 4,804m (15,61ft)! Be warned: the air is THIN, and you'll definitely feel it. It connects the region to the tiny town of Burang, but the journey is the real reward. Prepare to be blown away by the scenery as you cruise alongside the massive Lake Manasarovar and the stunning Lake Rakshastal. But don't get too distracted – the wind in Tibet can be fierce, especially in the mountains. Even in summer, temperatures can plummet from a comfy 20°C during the day to a bone-chilling -10°C at night. And keep an eye on the forecast – July and August can bring days of rain, and even snow! So, pack your layers, fill your tank, and get ready for an unforgettable Tibetan adventure!