
Badawi Pass is a difficult road for experienced drivers only
Pakistan, asia
42.7 km
3,523 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Pakistan, you HAVE to check out Badawi Pass in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Perched way up at 11,558 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
This epic 26.5-mile stretch, connecting Upper Dir District with the gorgeous Utror & Kalam, is a serious off-road experience. Locals also call it Do Teer Pass, Badgoi Pass, or Badogai Pass, just to keep you on your toes!
Forget pavement; you'll be tackling a wild, unpaved track that climbs relentlessly with gradients hitting a whopping 29%. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to conquer the Utrar-Dir Road. Think hairpin turns, massive drop-offs, and heart-stopping views around every corner.
The summit, marked by its iconic two-faced hill, rewards you with mind-blowing panoramas of both Swat and Dir Kohistan. Keep in mind this route between Kumrat Valley and Kalam Valley is usually snowed in from November to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Trust me, the thrill and the scenery are worth the white-knuckle ride!
Where is it?
Badawi Pass is a difficult road for experienced drivers only is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 31.2832, 72.8256
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 42.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,523 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 31.2832, 72.8256
Related Roads in asia
extremeCan you drive to Jalori Pass?
๐ฎ๐ณ India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jalori Pass in Himachal Pradesh is calling your name! Just 600km from Delhi, this high-altitude beauty sits at a cool 3,134m (10,282ft). The road, NH305, stretches for 43.1 km (26.78 miles) from Jibhi to Anni, and let me tell you, it's an experience. Think mostly paved, but also narrow, steep, uneven, and riddled with potholes โ so buckle up for a bumpy, scenic ride. This is a mountain pass after all, so expect some serious climbs! Heads up: winter closes it down, usually from mid-December until around the second week of March, depending on the snow. Word on the street is Jalori Pass is often the first Indian pass to open each year, so keep an eye out! Winter can be fierce, so watch out for frost and black ice โ those sneaky hazards can cause slips. But is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you'll find local restaurants dishing out lunch and the Jalori Mata temple, also known as Mahakali temple, buzzing with devotees. The drive? Challenging but doable. From Ghayagi to the pass, itโs a mix of mud and pebbles, slowing you down to about 20 kmph. After Shoja, the climb gets steeper. The last 3 km are particularly rough โ narrow, steep, and testing your first-gear skills. The road is narrow, with steep gradients and those winding curves, but if you're an experienced driver comfortable with hill driving and you drive sensibly, you'll be fine.
extremeSobiya La
๐จ๐ณ China
Sobiya La is a seriously high mountain pass in Tibet, China, clocking in at a staggering 5,084m (16,679ft)! You'll find it nestled in the Himalayas. The road to get there? That's the G219, also known as the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, or the "Sky Road" by the locals. Construction started way back in 1951, finally fully paved in 2013. You're talking serious altitude here, constantly above 5,000m, so acclimatize or risk serious problems! The scenery is mind-blowing, but be warned: it's some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet. Think long stretches with zero supplies, dozens of high passes, and nights that can plummet to -25 degrees C! It's a long, tough journey across several passes from 3,000 to 5,000 meters. This road cuts through truly remote areas, so come prepared. Surprisingly, despite its wild reputation, the G219 does pass some important historical and religious spots. Definitely check the weather forecast before you go. Tibetan winters are BRUTAL with extreme cold and relentless winds, so avoid it if you can. Heavy snowfall can close roads. Even in summer, you might get snow! Truck stops are spaced about a day apart, but pack plenty of food and a sleeping bag. A tent could be a lifesaver. Monsoon season hits in July and August, bringing heavy rain that makes driving a challenge. And heads up, internet access in China can be restricted.
hardMaryan Pass: Scaling the Heights of China's Kunlun Mountain Range
๐จ๐ณ China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Maryan Pass in western Xinjiang, China! This beast of a pass tops out at a whopping 4,347 meters (that's 14,261 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Kunlun mountains, not far from Maeryangxiang village. The 29.5 km (18.33 miles) unpaved road winds between Wenhong in the south and Pagoda Shi'aile up north, serving up some serious hairpin turns and lung-busting climbs โ we're talking gradients hitting 20% in places! If you're not a fan of heights, be warned: some sections might make your palms sweat. And listen up: winter turns this road into a slippery, snowy challenge. Definitely check the weather before you go, because things can get wild up there, fast!
extremeA Most Tricky Scenic Drive To Kura La
๐จ๐ณ China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kura La! This bad boy of a mountain pass sits way up high on the border of Ngamring and Nyalam counties in Tibet, China, clocking in at a staggering 17,700 feet above sea level. You'll find it south of Riwuqixiang, right off the Yarlung Tsangpo river. Forget pavement โ we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt road all the way to the top (that's S209 to the locals). Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And listen up: keep an eye on that weather! Things can get dicey real fast up here. Remember, you're battling altitude, thin air, and potentially crazy conditions. The 26.78-mile stretch from Suozuoxiang to Riwuqixiang is no joke. Expect some seriously steep climbs, with gradients reaching a whopping 25% in spots. But hey, the reward? Insane views! On a clear day, you can even spot Everest and Cho Oyu in the distance. Just make sure you've got the latest intel before you hit this route!