Can I drive to the summit of Mount Nebo?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
9.4 km
680 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Jordan, southwest of Amman, headed towards Mount Nebo. This isn't just any drive, it's a pilgrimage to Siyagha, the highest point in the ancient kingdom of Moab! The road, a sweet 9.4 km jaunt from Madaba, is totally paved and takes about 20 minutes.
As you ascend to 680m (2,230ft), you're not just climbing a mountain; you're tracing steps through history. Mount Nebo is a major Christian holy site. Up top, there's a cute little museum, a gift shop to grab souvenirs, and the Memorial Church of Moses.
The views? Unreal! You're perched on the Abarim mountain range, peering out towards the Dead Sea and the Holy Land. On a clear day, you can even spot Jericho and Jerusalem! It's the same spot where Moses gazed upon the Promised Land, and you can feel the history in the air. Pope John Paul II even planted an olive tree here. Plus, legend says this is where Moses kicked the bucket at 120 years old. Whether you're religious or not, the views alone make this drive totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 9.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 680 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering China National Highway 219
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for a wild ride on China National Highway 219 (G219)! This isn't your average road trip; think high altitude, super dry air that chills you to the bone, intense sunlight, and winds that'll knock you off your feet. It's an adventure from Kom-Kanas in Xinjiang all the way to Dongxing in Guangxi, hugging China's southwestern border for a staggering 10,002km (6214 miles). Large swaths of the highway are total "no man's land", so pack accordingly. We're talking long stretches with zero water, food, or gas stations, plus dozens of high passes to conquer. Forget showers for weeks, and brace yourself for -25°C nights (or colder!). You might not see another soul for miles. The "Sky Road", as it's known, winds through the Aksai Chin region, so expect a heavy military presence and passport checks. This road was built starting in 1951 and wasn't fully paved until 2013. Oh, and did we mention the altitude? You might want to pack an oxygen mask because you will be driving up to 5,394m (17,696ft) above sea level, and you'll be crossing mountain passes at 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 meters. Despite the desolation, G219 passes by some incredible historical and religious sites. Keep your eyes peeled for Tibetan antelopes, wolves, and other wildlife. The region has seen some unrest, so stay alert. Before you go, CHECK THE WEATHER. Winter is brutal, with extreme cold and constant strong winds. You could face road closures due to snow. Even summer can bring snowy days. Truck stops are few and far between, so bring food, a sleeping bag, and maybe a tent for emergencies. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rains. Plus, remember that internet access in China can be limited. Despite these challenges, this is a road trip like no other for those with a spirit of adventure.
hardDriving the hazardous Kennon Road in the Philippines
🇵🇠Philippines
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip along Kennon Road, snaking through the heart of northern Luzon in the Philippines! This stunner connects Baguio City with Rosario, offering incredible views every kilometer of the way. Also called Rosario–Baguio Road, this route clocks in at around 41 km (25 miles) long, linking the mountain paradise of Baguio City at a cool 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, to the town of Rosario down in La Union province. If you’re an experienced driver, you can probably handle this twisty climb in 45 minutes to an hour. Opened in 1905, there's even talk of declaring it a national heritage park! Trust me, this drive is worth it. If you're coming from Manila or the central plains of Luzon, it's the quickest way to reach Baguio. But heads up: you'll need your wits about you thanks to the sharp hairpin turns and blind curves. Some guardrails are missing or a little weak, so stay focused! During certain times of the year, afternoon fog can seriously reduce visibility. Unfortunately, the road can be in rough shape, making travel times unpredictable. It's known as one of the more dangerous roads in the country, especially when it rains, and landslides can cause closures. But if you're careful, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
hardHow to get to the summit of Sang Da La Pass in the Dhawalagiri Zone
🇳🇵 Nepal
Get ready for Sang Da La, also known as Dushe La, an insane Himalayan pass in Nepal's Dhawalagiri Zone, clocking in at a whopping 5,310m (17,421 ft)! This is seriously one of the highest roads you can drive in Nepal. Tucked away in the Mustang District, right near the Chinese border, you'll find this beast marked only by a few prayer flags at the summit. This isn't your Sunday drive; the entire route is a wild, unpaved ride! Think super-narrow sections barely wide enough for two vehicles, crazy steep inclines hitting 25%, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and serious drop-offs that will make your palms sweat. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so take it slow, hydrate like crazy, and get used to the thin air. Some parts can be heavily washed out, too, so be prepared. The track from Sangda is just over 15 km (9.5 miles), but you’ll climb a total of 2,070 m, with a leg-burning average gradient of 13.44%. A 4x4 isn’t just recommended; it's essential for this high-altitude adventure! Picture this: rugged, mountainous terrain that's part of the legendary Himalayas. The best time to tackle this road is late spring or early autumn (late April to June, or September to mid-November). Heads up: Visiting Chhusang requires special permits since it's a restricted area. You'll need to go through a local trekking agency to get these from Nepal’s Department of Immigration. Independent travel isn't allowed. Even with all the challenges, the views are breathtaking. Think deep valleys, sky-high passes, and glaciated peaks, all in a part of the world that feels completely untouched.
extremeHow long is the Makran Coastal Highway?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Running along Pakistan's Arabian Sea coastline, the Makran Coastal Highway is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world How long is the Makran Coastal Highway? The road, officially known as National Highway 10 (N10), is totally paved. It’s 683 km (424 miles) long, running from Karachi in Sindh province (the largest city in Pakistan) and extending to Gwadar (a strategically important port city in Balochistan province). It then continues further westward, connecting several other towns and cities along the coast, including Ormara and Pasni, before reaching the border with Iran. How challenging is the Makran Coastal Highway? While the highway provides essential connectivity, it also presents challenges due to its remote and isolated location, harsh climate conditions, and limited infrastructure development. The road tops out at 323m (1,059ft) above sea level, by The road is pretty defiant, cut through often impossible terrain. It is narrow and often steep. The region is prone to extreme weather events, including cyclones and flash floods, which can affect road conditions and safety. Additionally, the highway passes through sparsely populated areas with limited access to services such as fuel stations and rest stops, making it important for travelers to plan their journey carefully and ensure they have adequate provisions. Is the Makran Coastal Highway worth it? Running along the southwestern coastline of the country, particularly in the province of Balochistan, it offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, with picturesque landscapes featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky terrain. Travelers often appreciate the natural beauty along the route, making it a popular destination for tourists, particularly those interested in coastal scenery and marine activities. Despite its challenges, the Makran Coastal Highway has significant tourism potential due to its scenic beauty and unique coastal landscape. Efforts to promote tourism along the route have been made to attract visitors and boost economic activity in the region. Tourists can explore attractions such as pristine beaches, fishing villages, historical sites, and cultural landmarks along the coastline. When was the Makran Coastal Highway built? Construction of the road, also known as Balochistan Coastal Highway, started in 2002 and was completed by 14 December 2004. It follows a route once taken by Alexander the Great's army. Over the years, there have been efforts to improve and upgrade the Makran Coastal Highway to enhance its safety, accessibility, and efficiency. These efforts include road maintenance, construction of bridges and tunnels, and implementation of safety measures to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters and accidents. Why is the Makran Coastal Highway very important? The road is truly a symbol of pride for all Pakistanis. Previously, there was a muddy track linking Karachi with the town of Gwadar. The construction of the road was essential to the development of the port of Gwadar. The highway serves as a vital transportation artery, facilitating trade, commerce, and travel between various regions in Pakistan, as well as with neighboring countries such as Iran and Afghanistan. It plays a crucial role in connecting Gwadar Port, which is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to the rest of the country. Pic: http://www.tresbohemes.com/2015/05/makran-coastal-highway/ A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Gholleh Siah Sang Driving a military road to the summit of Qandil Mountain 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.