
Danyore Suspension Bridge: the bridge between heaven and hell
Pakistan, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, you'll find the Danyore Suspension Bridge, and this ain't your average stroll in the park. We're talking about a 510-foot-long suspended walkway that used to connect to a short tunnel.
Locals call it "Pul-e-Sirat" – the bridge between heaven and hell – and honestly, the name kinda fits. Back in the day, this bridge linked Gilgit to Danyore across the wild Hunza River, but now it's only open to pedestrians. Word on the street is that it's been deemed unsafe for vehicles.
They say driving it used to be a true test of skill and nerves. Imagine being stuck mid-stream? Definitely not a chill vibe! Nowadays, the views are still incredible, but maybe best enjoyed on foot.
Where is it?
Danyore Suspension Bridge: the bridge between heaven and hell is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 28.5400, 68.9509
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 28.5400, 68.9509
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