
Dare to drive the dangerous road from Bahrain to Kalam
Pakistan, asia
34.8 km
1,426 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising through Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and fancy a white-knuckle ride, the Bahrain to Kalam road is calling your name!
Hugging the Swat River, this mostly paved section of the N-95 is about 35 km of pure adrenaline. Don't let the short distance fool you; budget around 5 hours for this trip.
While technically open to all vehicles, trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Seriously. Unless you're okay with leaving your low-rider halfway up a mountain, a sturdy vehicle is a must.
Starting in Bahrain (at a cool 1,426 meters), you'll climb to Kalam (sitting pretty at 2,001 meters). The views are insane, but keep your eyes on the road! Expect hairpin turns, crazy drop-offs, potential landslides, flash floods, and the ever-present possibility of traffic jams. If you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe grab a postcard instead. But if you're up for an unforgettable adventure, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the dangerous road from Bahrain to Kalam is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 30.3069, 70.4525
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 34.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,426 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 30.3069, 70.4525
Related Roads in asia
hardWhen Was the G7 Expressway Built?
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the ultimate desert drive on China's G7 Expressway! This epic route cuts through the north and northwest, clocking in at a staggering 2,540 kilometers (1,580 miles). Think of it as the world's longest shortcut through the desert, including the Gobi, one of the planet's largest. Starting in Beijing, the capital, you'll make your way all the way to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the far northwest. Be prepared for vast, seemingly endless landscapes, built in part to help get to regional mineral resources. Keep your eyes peeled for stunning vistas, but also be aware that conditions can be challenging and watch out for extreme weather!
hardWhere is Qizil Dawān?
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Qizil Dawan in southwestern Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a gravel and sand track that stretches about 80km from the paved Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, mostly flat, but don’t be fooled! Firstly, you need to get your hands on multiple specialized permits from the Chinese government (and maybe even a guide) because you're playing footsie with the sensitive Aksai Chin border. Think bureaucracy on steroids. The real kicker? This is extreme high-altitude driving at its finest, with a serious risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Ascend slowly and plan for plenty of acclimatization stops. We’re talking about one of the most intense high-altitude experiences on the planet. And did I mention the weather? Brutally cold temperatures that can dip down to -40°C. Pack those diesel anti-gel additives and all the extreme-weather recovery gear you can find! Weather can change in a heartbeat. Oh, and did I mention that the scenic Youzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road and the 210 Provincial Road are also close by? Not even the most beautiful photos can capture the awesomeness.
moderateHow long is Deosai Park Road?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Get ready for an epic adventure on Deosai Park Road in Pakistan's Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a defiant 84km (52-mile) stretch of mostly unpaved road that demands a 4x4. Snaking through Deosai National Park, prepare for some serious elevation gains, peaking at 4,082m (13,392 ft) and 4.209m (13,809ft)! You'll be crossing rivers on some seriously nail-biting bridges, including one that's truly world-class. And the lakes? Countless! Keep an eye out for Sheosar Lake and the incredible Blind Lake at 4.158m (13,641ft), one of the highest lakes on Earth! Located on the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau, this road is only accessible in the summer months. From November to May, it's buried under snow. But when the snow melts, the landscape transforms. Be warned: early summer means muddy conditions and melting snowfields, making the going tough. Known as the "land of giants", Deosai is a truly spectacular, but challenging, destination.
extremeKoshbel Duban
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the Koshbel Duban, a seriously high mountain pass reaching a staggering 4,279m (14,038ft) in southwestern Xinjiang, China! This beast of a road is part of the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, also known as the "Sky Road" – and trust me, it lives up to the name. We're talking serious altitude here, consistently over 5,000m, so acclimate beforehand! The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking, but this is some of the most rugged, unforgiving landscape on the planet. Expect long stretches with zero supplies, multiple high passes, and seriously cold nights (think -25 degrees C or lower). But hey, the summit views of desert valleys and snow-capped mountains are worth it! The road itself is long and challenging, winding through remote areas. Despite feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere, you'll actually pass historical and religious sites along the way. This is a windy spot and you can feel hard winds coming from two directions at the same time. The climb is great with many switchbacks. Weather is a HUGE factor. Check the forecast religiously before you go. The high altitude means harsh winters with strong winds and extreme cold. Even in summer, snow is possible. The road can be closed due to heavy snowfall. Bring food, water, and a sleeping bag, and a tent. Monsoon season hits hard in July and August, making driving tricky.