Dare to drive the dangerous Kotal-e Lashkar Rah
Afghanistan, asia
115 km
2,934 m
moderate
Year-round
Kotal-e Lashkar Rah is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.934m (9,625ft) above the sea level, located in Ghor Province, in central Afghanistan.
The winding mountain road to the summit is unpaved. It’s called Asian Highway 77 (AH77), a main road running from Jabal Saraj, Afghanistan to Mary, Turkmenistan. 4x4 vehicle recommended after rains. The area is very remote. Open to traffic throughout the year, the road may be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. The pass is 115 km (71.45 miles) long running west-east from Chaghcharān, also called Firozkoh, on the southern side of the Hari River, to Lal wa Sarjangal, also called La'l Wa Sar Jangal or simply Lal. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find.
Travel guide to the top of Pereval Torbulak
Navigating Shah Mansoor Pass, Afghanistan's Majestic Heights
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
- Afghanistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 115 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,934 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
extremeThe "Sky Road" is A Thrilling Adventure on 219 National Road
🇨🇳 China
Qieshan La, or "Red Clay Pass," is a sky-high adventure in Tibet, northeast of the Himalayas. We're talking 5,392m (17,690ft) above sea level! It's part of the G219, also known as the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, and some call it the "Sky Road." This road officially opened in 1957 and was fully paved in 2013. But don't let the pavement fool you – you're at altitudes over 5,000m, so take it easy if you're not used to the thin air! The scenery is seriously breathtaking, even if it *is* some of the most unforgiving terrain on the planet. It's a long haul, crossing multiple passes at 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 meters. This route takes you through remote areas, so come prepared. While mostly uninhabited, you'll still find important historical and religious sites along the way. It can get super windy up there, sometimes feeling the gusts from all directions! Check the weather forecast before you go. Winter in Tibet is brutal, with extreme cold and constant strong winds – best to avoid it completely! Snow can shut down half the roads. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rains that make driving a real challenge. There are truck stops roughly a day's drive apart, but pack food, a sleeping bag, and maybe a tent for emergencies. Just a heads up: internet access can be limited in China, especially when it comes to anything about Tibet.
hardAn ancient salt trade route to Nara La
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Nara La, also known as Nara Lagna Pass, is calling your name! Perched way up in the Karnali Zone of Nepal, near the Chinese border, this baby hits an altitude of 4,507m (14,786ft)! Think prayer flags fluttering in the wind, marking a sacred spot. Think mind-blowing views of valleys and snow-capped Himalayan peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. And keep your eyes peeled because you might just spot a snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, or other amazing creatures roaming free. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The 36km (22 miles) of F145 (Hilsa Simikot Sadak) is totally unpaved and throws everything at you: curves, hairpin turns, steep climbs, narrow squeezes, and heart-stopping drops. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! You'll be traveling along an ancient salt trade route, going from Hilsa to Karnali Bridge, and the western descent towards Hilsa is a long, steep one right near the Tibetan border. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateLhasa-Nyingchi is the highest highway in the world
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime on the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway! This is the big one – the longest top-tier highway in Tibet, China, and trust me, it's a feast for the eyes. Forget bumpy tracks, this is smooth sailing on a fully paved, four-lane highway that’s opened up this amazing region to everyone. Clocking in at 409 km (254 miles), you'll cruise from Lhasa's Liuwu New District to Bayi Town in Nyingchi City, soaking up incredible scenery along the way. This road is part of China National Highway 318 (G318), so you know it's a major route. Brace yourself for some serious altitude, though! You'll hit a peak of 4,900 m (16,076 ft) as you pass through the Mi La Mountain Tunnel. The left lane stretches for 5,727 meters, and the right isn't far behind at 5,720 meters. This high-altitude road opened up in September 2018 and cuts travel time between Lhasa and Nyingchi from a grueling 8 hours to a breezy 4. Get ready for a trip you will never forget!
hardWhere is Chiragsaldi Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Chiragsaldi Pass in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region! We're talking serious altitude here – topping out at a lung-busting 16,338 feet (4,980 meters). You'll find it clinging to the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway (G219), and get this – it's actually paved now, all thanks to a 2013 upgrade! Don't get complacent though. This road keeps you above 16,404 feet (5,000 meters) for a good stretch, and trust me, that's not friendly to those who aren't used to the thin air. Plus, the scenery, while stunning, is seriously unforgiving. Think vast, empty landscapes, with no water or grub for miles and miles. And those nighttime temps? Brutal. You're venturing into one of the most remote corners of the planet, so self-sufficiency is key. While you’re out there, the G219 brushes past some amazing historical and religious spots. Now, for the safety spiel: check the weather, check it again, and then check it one more time! Tibetan winters are absolutely savage – think relentless winds and bone-chilling cold. Snow can shut things down completely, making travel a nightmare. Monsoon season (July-August) isn’t much better, turning things slippery and treacherous. Seriously, avoid those times if you can. Pack smart: lots of food, a warm sleeping bag. Getting supplies along the way won't be easy. A little extra prep will make all the difference!