Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal
Nepal, asia
158 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through eastern Nepal? You NEED to experience the BP Highway! Named after a former Nepali leader, this paved ribbon of road (also called H06 or the Banepa Bardibas Highway) winds for 158 km (98 mi) from Dhulikhel, just east of Kathmandu, all the way to Bardibas where it joins the East West Highway.
Construction started way back in 1996 and it finally opened in 2015. This route links the Kathmandu Valley to the Eastern Terai, carving its way through a landscape of rivers, hills, and valleys. Think picturesque bends and jaw-dropping viewpoints perfect for soaking in those majestic mountain vistas.
Budget around 4 hours for the drive – without stops, that is! You'll definitely want to pad that time to pull over and enjoy the scenery.
Now, a word of caution: locals will tell you this road is a bit spicy. It's in good shape, but super narrow with tons of curves and hairpin turns – sometimes barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass. Larger public vehicles are banned, and speeding is a real problem. Plus, the road is prone to flooding, earthquakes, and landslides, and some of the bridges have seen better days. Drive carefully and keep those eyes peeled!
Where is it?
Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal is located in Nepal (asia). Coordinates: 28.9755, 84.3121
Road Details
- Country
- Nepal
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 158 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 28.9755, 84.3121
Related Roads in asia
hardLamo Latse La is pure adventure
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Lamo Latse La! This beast of a pass clocks in at a staggering 17,618 feet (5,370m) high up in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet. Seriously, we're talking thin air – make sure you're acclimatized before tackling this one, folks, because altitude sickness is no joke at these heights! The road? Well, let’s just say it's "rustic." You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this unpaved track. Stretching for about 63 miles (102 km), this north-south route connects the S301 and X710 Roads. The whole area is pretty remote, so expect stunning, untouched scenery. Just keep in mind you're basically in the middle of nowhere, which is part of its charm, right? Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
extremeWhere is Aqabat Thirah?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Yemen on the N6, heading towards the legendary Aqabat Thirah, also known as Lawdar Pass. This paved road is a wild ride, stretching for almost 50 kilometers between Al Ayn and Owen Al-Down. This mountain pass climbs to a staggering 2,283 meters (that's nearly 7,500 feet!). The views are probably insane, but fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking steep climbs, a never-ending series of turns, and a whopping 34 hairpin switchbacks that'll test your driving skills. Daylight is definitely your friend here; you would NOT want to tackle this at night. Plus, and this is a BIG plus, the security situation in Yemen is super unpredictable. Seriously, governments are advising against travel there, so if you're in the area, plan your exit. But hey, if you ever get the chance (when things are safer, obviously), Aqabat Thirah sounds like an unforgettable adventure!
hardHow to get to the summit of Niwar La Pass in the Dhawalagiri Zone
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Niwar La, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in Nepal's Dhawalagiri Zone! We're talking serious altitude here – 5,204 meters (17,073 feet)! It's right up there with the highest roads Nepal has to offer. You'll find it in the Mustang District, practically hugging the Chinese border. The summit is marked by those colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind. Now, hold on tight because this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road from Sangda is a wild, unpaved beast stretching for 18 km (12 miles). Get ready for super narrow sections, crazy steep climbs (up to 20%!), stomach-churning drops, and more hairpin turns than you can count. You'll gain 2,095 m of elevation, so the average gradient is a hefty 11.63%. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so take it slow, drink plenty of water and acclimatize. And be warned – some parts of the road can get washed out. A 4x4 is essential. This whole area is part of the Himalayas, so expect seriously rugged, high-altitude terrain. The best time to tackle this beast is late spring (late April to June) or early autumn (September to mid-November). Keep in mind that Chhusang, in Upper Mustang, requires special permits since it is a restricted area. Secure these through local trekking agencies - independent travel is a no-go. But hey, the rewards? Dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, towering passes, and those glaciated peaks. Trust me, it's worth the effort!
hardHeaven's Gate is one of China’s most famous landmarks
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in China's Hunan Province, heading to one of the country's most iconic spots: Heaven's Gate! This natural rock arch is nestled way up in Tianmen Mountain National Park, in the northwestern part of the province. Getting there is half the adventure. You can glide up in a cable car for insane views, or, if you're feeling hardcore, tackle the legendary 999 steps. Seriously, these aren't your grandma's stairs – they're at a 45-degree angle! Now, about that "Heaven's Gate" name… Once you reach the top and pass through the arch, it's clear how it got its name. This place feels like you're on top of the world. And get this: a Range Rover once climbed these stairs, becoming the first SUV to ever do so!