Bulun Kul Lake
Tajikistan, asia
N/A
3,751 m
moderate
Year-round
Bulun Kul Lake is a fresh-water alpine lake at an elevation of 3.751m (12,306ft) 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.
The lake is also known as Bulunkul. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. 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
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Uy-Bulak Pass
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Tajikistan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,751 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
moderateTsola La: The 4,500m Threshold of the Friendship Highway
🇨🇳 China
Buckle up for Tsola La, a Himalayan high point hitting a staggering 14,937 feet! You'll find this beast in Lhatse County, Tibet, China, right on the famed Friendship Highway (G318). Think of it as your gateway to Everest, connecting the Tibetan plateau to those epic high-altitude valleys nearing Nepal. This isn't a quick jaunt – we're talking about a 20.3-mile stretch, running east to west from Resaxiang to Xiqinxiang. But hey, the views are worth it! Picture this: Endless blue skies meet the Transhimalayan range, showcasing desert-like mountains as far as the eye can see. Get ready for scenery that'll leave you breathless!
moderateThe wild road to Pensi La in India
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Pensi Pass, also called Penzi La, is your gateway to Zanskar, and it's sitting pretty high up in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. We're talking 4,494 meters (14,744 feet) high! This north-south route is about 150 km (93 miles) long, connecting Panikhar to Phe, and it's freshly paved, making it a smoother ride than you might expect. Keep in mind, though, that it's generally only open from May to October, so plan accordingly. The views? Absolutely unreal. Picture this: the Suru River valley stretching out before you, shimmering glacial lakes dotting the landscape, and the majestic Drang Drung Glacier looming in the distance. And near the top, you'll find Statso/Langtso Lake, a vibrant blue beauty that's begging for a photo op.
extremeIs the road over Dariga Pass paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Dariga Pass, also called Dalijia Yakou by the locals, is calling your name in the Haidong Prefecture of China! Tucked away in Qinghai Province, this legendary pass punches through the mighty Qilian mountain range at a whopping 11,817 feet. Think dramatic alpine meadows and jagged limestone peaks—this is central China at its finest! For ages, this route has been THE way to get around, south of Lanzhou. While a super convenient tunnel now handles most of the traffic, the original mountain road? Still there, still epic, and still ready to test your mettle. We're talking a fully paved, concrete ribbon of pure adrenaline, stretching from to . But don't let the pavement fool you—this baby boasts over 60 hairpin turns! The road just clings to the mountainside, giving you insane bird's-eye views. Yeah, it'll take you longer than the tunnel, but trust me, it's worth it for the breathtaking scenery. Just keep in mind you're playing in high-altitude territory. Expect sudden weather changes, that thinner air, and a drive you won't soon forget. If you live for technical driving and mind-blowing views, the "60 bends" of Dariga Pass are calling your name.
moderateTaking on the Twists and Turns of Road S202
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the S202 in southeastern Tibet! This fully paved road stretches for 224 km (139 miles) between Shannan (Lhoka) and Cona, near the India-Tibet border. Don't let the "pretty straight" description fool you – this route is packed with seriously steep climbs. And the altitude? We're talking a lung-busting 5,119m (16,794ft) above sea level! Factor in 6-7 hours of driving time, minimum. Oh, and pro tip: keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Things can change fast up here. Get ready for an unforgettable ride with views that'll blow your mind!