Bhena La: A Dangerous Road You May Want to Explore
Nepal, asia
19.6 km
3,838 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Bhena La, a seriously high mountain pass nestled in the wild, untouched Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Think Kali Gandaki River Valley vibes!
This ain't your average Sunday drive. The Kaligandaki Road Corridor, carved out by the Nepal Army, is a beast. We're talking unpaved, 4WD-recommended territory, and forget about it in winter – it's usually buried under snow. Avalanches, landslides, and sneaky ice patches are all part of the fun (or not, be careful!).
Clocking in at just over 19 kilometers, this pass connects the villages of Syanboche and Chele. But here's the kicker: you're staring down an elevation of 3,838m (12,591ft)! Altitude sickness is a real possibility, especially since most folks start feeling it around 2,500-2,800 meters. And trust me, the air gets thin near the top.
This trek will take you through super isolated areas, so pack accordingly! And get ready to tackle not just Bhena La, but several other high mountain passes along the way. This trip is not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.
Where is it?
Bhena La: A Dangerous Road You May Want to Explore is located in Nepal (asia). Coordinates: 28.0572, 84.4382
Road Details
- Country
- Nepal
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 19.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,838 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 28.0572, 84.4382
Related Roads in asia
moderatePai Memorial Bridge is one of the main tourist attractions in Pai
🇹🇭 Thailand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the lush landscapes of northern Thailand, right up near the Myanmar border in Mae Hong Son Province. You're headed to Pai, a total backpacker haven, and you absolutely have to stop at the Pai Memorial Bridge. This isn't your average bridge; it's got serious history! Back in 1942, during WWII, the Japanese military threw this thing together out of iron to get across the Pai River. These days, it's pedestrian-only, perfect for snapping some photos and soaking in the views. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world! Now, the main road, Highway 1095, with it’s 762 curves of asphalt, bypasses the bridge. And if you're feeling adventurous, tackle the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop! It's a wild ride with a mind-blowing 1,864 curves that will lead you through some of the most stunning scenery Thailand has to offer. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeHow to drive to Fotu La Pass in the Himalayas
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Fotu La, a killer mountain pass chilling at 13,478 feet in Ladakh, India. This is the highest point on the legendary National Highway 1 (NH1) between Leh and Kargil, so you know it's epic. The road, also called Fatu La, is totally paved as part of the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Don't let that fool you, though! This 26.59-mile stretch from Khangral to Lamayuru is a technical drive with loads of hairpin turns and crazy curves. The altitude will definitely mess with your engine, and maybe your lungs too! Speaking of which, the road can be steep, and let's just say there are a few memorials along the way to remind you to stay sharp. A golden rule: always yield to the big trucks—they're struggling just as much as you are! Oh, and heads up, this pass is usually closed during winter thanks to heavy snow. Make it to the top, and you're rewarded with a wild, moon-like landscape near Lamayuru. There's a TV station and a viewing deck with 360-degree views of the Himalayas. The contrast of those rugged, brown mountains against the green valleys? Total photography gold! Fotu La might be the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, but it's not the highest pass in Ladakh. Still, it's super important, especially with that dramatic descent to the ancient Lamayuru Monastery. Get ready for some seriously stunning bends and switchbacks!
moderateFuji Subaru Line: enjoy a drive among the clouds in Japan
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: You're cruising up Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano, on a perfectly paved road called the Fuji Subaru Line. Forget hiking boots for now! This route winds up the lower northern slopes, taking you from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi almost within touching distance of the summit. The toll road is about 30km (18 miles) long, and the drive takes around 40 minutes, taking you to a whopping 2,305m (7,562ft) above sea level. At the end of the line is the 5th Station, the biggest hub on Fuji. Think souvenir shops, restaurants, and viewing platforms galore. It's a great place for sightseeing, even if you don't fancy a climb, and a guidance center with firefighters and police are stationed, in case you need any help. Just a heads up: the Fuji Subaru Line closes to private cars during peak climbing season (July and August) - extra buses will be running during this time. The good news is the road is open all year round, but those gates close after hours. The weather around Mount Fuji can be super unpredictable. We're talking sudden snowfalls and icy patches, so winter tires or snow chains are a must in winter.
moderateYashikul Lake
🌍 Tajikistan
Yashikul lake is a fresh-water alpine lake at an elevation of 3.976m (13,044ft) above the sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, in southeast Tajikistan. Nestled in the center of the Pamir Mountains in the Alikhur valley, the road to the lake is unpaved. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. 4wd vehicle required. Being 50 metres deep at its deepest point, Yashikul lake is 19 km long and from 1 to 4 km across. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Locals believe the lake is a home for a huge and magic animal - "Tuya Suu" - the water camel. The area offers many “lunar landscapes”, scenic views and spectacular sunsets. The terrain here is desolate but grandiose. The water is fresh and has rich flora and fauna. It is known as one of the coldest places in the former Soviet Union, with a record minimum temperature of -63 degrees Celsius recorded. Even in summer, you should dress warm once the sun goes down. Pic: Gianfranco di Summa 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.