Driving the dangerous Haraz Road in the Alborz mountains
Iran, asia
200 km
2,701 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you’re in Iran and craving an adventure that'll take your breath away (literally and figuratively), you NEED to experience the Haraz Road, aka Road 77.
This 200 km stretch is the lifeline connecting Tehran to the Caspian Sea coast at Mahmudabad. We're talking a fully paved route that punches straight through the Alborz Mountains, so buckle up for some serious elevation – you'll climb to a whopping 2,701m above sea level!
Picture this: stunning scenery, twisty turns, and a bunch of tunnels. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, heads up, this beauty comes with a bit of an edge. Keep an eye out for potential mountain and snow slides. Also, this road can get super crowded, especially on Iranian weekends (starting Thursdays) and holidays, so plan accordingly. Sometimes, the police make it one-way to handle the congestion. But hey, a little chaos is part of the adventure, isn't it?
Where is it?
Driving the dangerous Haraz Road in the Alborz mountains is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 30.2292, 55.4711
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 200 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,701 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 30.2292, 55.4711
Related Roads in asia
hardKheriya ancient road is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for an epic 4x4 adventure on the Kheriya ancient road, snaking through the legendary Kunlun Mountains in Tibet, China! This high-altitude trail, also called the Keriya/Keliya, is a recently opened route linking Xinjiang and Tibet. Think mixed terrain—paved sections blended with seriously rugged gravel that'll test your off-roading skills. You'll rumble from Pulu village all the way to the Kongka La Highway/S519, near the serene Shouxing Lake. Trust me, this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on, unforgettable journey. Nestled way up in the Kunlun Mountains, straddling Tibet and Xinjiang, this beast stretches for 335km (208 miles). You'll conquer Liuhuang Daban (5,170m/16,961ft), Tuopolagate Daban (5,020m/16,469ft), At To Pass (5,500m/18,044ft) and Kheliya Pass (5,440m/17,847ft). Remember you're in a seriously mountainous zone, so expect thin air and unpredictable weather. With canyons, cliffs, dabans, volcanoes, and stunning plateau lakes, this route is scenic, but demanding.
hardA scary road to Lasdana in the mountains of Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride to Lasdana, a hilltop paradise nestled in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan! This spot sits pretty high at 2,596m (that's 8,517 ft!), offering incredible views. The road, known as Lasdana - Mahmood Gali Road, stretches for about 20.8 km (12.92 miles) and links Mahmood Gali to Nar Sher Ali Khan, winding its way north to south. It used to be paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. Passenger cars and RVs can usually make it, but be prepared for a bumpy ride! This road is narrow with lots of curves and blind turns – so keep your eyes peeled and drive carefully. Some sections are pretty steep, maxing out at a gradient of 17.7%. Your reward? A bar and resort await you at the summit, perfect for soaking in the views. Speaking of views, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, making Lasdana a true gem of Rawalakot. But don't let the beauty fool you – this drive can be tricky. Rain makes things extra dicey, and nighttime driving? Maybe skip it. The weather is a real wildcard here, especially in winter (November to March). Expect snow, ice, fog, and rain to throw some curveballs your way. Landslides are also a concern after heavy rainfall. And a final note: keep up-to-date on the local security situation before you go, as the area does have risks related to terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence, and kidnapping. Stay safe and happy travels!
hardWhere is Kongta La?
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer pass for your bucket list: Kongta La. Nestled high in the Himalayas, in northern India's Jammu and Kashmir, this baby hits a staggering 16,492 feet! We're talking seriously stunning scenery in the Pangong range, just west of the unreal blue of Pangong Tso lake. Locals call it Kangju Kangri, which basically means "revered mountain" – and trust me, you'll feel some type of way when you're up there. Heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, so a 4x4 is a MUST. And if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger chews, because there are hairpin turns galore! Some sections are crazy steep, so get ready for a white-knuckle ride. This epic dirt track stretches for 52.75 miles from Tangtse to Chushul, running north to south. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
hardHuilong-Hanging Tunnel is an epic road in Henan Province
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Huilong Hanging Tunnel in China's Henan Province! This isn't just a road; it's a daredevil's dream carved into the Southern Taihang Mountains. Locals call it the Huilong Wall Road, and trust me, it lives up to the name. We're talking a fully paved, but seriously narrow, 8km stretch that hugs a cliff face like it's going out of style. This winding route is your ticket between Henan and Shanxi, snaking its way through the stunning Taihang range. The highlight? A heart-pounding 1km tunnel, the Huilong Tunnel itself, shaped like a giant 'S'. It's only 8 meters wide, so keep your eyes peeled! This incredible feat of engineering took over four years to build, opening in 2002, and it's an experience you won't soon forget. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush to match!