Driving the high mountain road to Kandovan Pass in Iran
Iran, asia
12.1 km
2,989 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Iran and craving a serious mountain adventure, you NEED to check out Kandovan Pass! Nestled way up high – think 2,989 meters (that's a whopping 9,806 feet!) – this epic pass straddles the Alborz and Mazandaran provinces.
Winding for 12.1 kilometers (or 7.5 miles) through the Central Alborz range, the Kandevan Pass isn’t always paved but is generally accessible to most vehicles. Prepare for killer views between the Karaj and Chālūs rivers!
Located in northwestern Iran, get ready for a challenging drive! We’re talking tight turns, narrow sections, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 8% in spots.
Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully! This road is usually a no-go from late October to late June/early July due to snow.
FYI, the famous Kandovan Tunnel, a key part of the Chalus Road, now bypasses the pass and is one of Iran's busiest roads, built way back in the 30's. So, make sure you take the old road to experience the pass!
Where is it?
Driving the high mountain road to Kandovan Pass in Iran is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 33.6308, 54.7327
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 12.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,989 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 33.6308, 54.7327
Related Roads in asia
hardIs Bomdi La Pass unpaved?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: Bomdi La Pass, way up in Arunachal Pradesh, India, clocking in at a cool 8,556 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Forget smooth sailing—we're talking mostly unpaved NH13, or Chariduar - Tawang Road if you're feeling formal. Think steep climbs and seriously uneven terrain. Landslides? Yeah, those are a thing, so keep your eyes peeled! This wild ride stretches for about 34 miles from Dirang to Rupa and is twistier than a pretzel. Hairpin turns galore! If you get car sick easily, maybe pack some ginger. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely unreal. Jaw-dropping landscapes are around every bend. Bomdi La Pass isn't just a road, it's your gateway to all the incredible spots this region has to offer.
hardIs the road to Thato La paved?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Thato La, sitting way up high in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India, at a dizzying 5,090m (16,699ft), is calling your name. Good news! This beast of a road, also called Satatho La, got a full makeover in 2022 and is now paved. Locals used to call this road "hell" because of the gnarly turns on gravel, but now it's a smooth ride – well, as smooth as it can be with hundreds of hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills! You can totally drive it! Located way up north near the border with China, it's typically snowed in during winter. Expect crazy weather and a seriously biting wind. It's pretty remote, carved into the mountains, and you might spot some small landslides. The good news is you don't need special permits other than the standard Protected Area Pass/ILP. This incredible stretch of road is about 67.2 km (41.75 miles) long, connecting Chushul to Mahe in the Changthang region on a north-south axis. Is it worth it? YES! You'll be blown away by the stunning scenery, with views of gorgeous lakes, mountains, and valleys. It's located north of Mirpal Tso lake, so keep an eye out for some amazing photo ops.
hardThe road to Kharpo La is not for the sissies
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer pass to tell you about: Kharpo La. This beauty sits way up high in southeastern Tibet, China, chilling at a cool 16,410 feet. We're talking Lhünzê County, so get ready for remote! The road? Oh, it's a doozy. Seriously winding, seriously steep, and seriously narrow. You're gonna want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Kharpo La links up the Char and Tsari valleys by way of the Kyu valley, just north of Sangak Choling. Now, let's be real: this route isn't for the faint of heart. Think thrilling (or terrifying, depending on your perspective) drop-offs. That hairpin road to the top? Yeah, it’s pretty intense. The climb kicks off from Legaduo and stretches for about 11 miles, gaining over 2,300 feet in elevation. But hey, the views will be epic!
moderateIf you love to drive, you’ll love the Kubaky Pass road
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around the Issyk-Kul Region in Kyrgyzstan and craving a little elevation, you HAVE to check out Kubaky Pass. This baby climbs to a cool 2,168 meters (that's 7,112 feet!). The road is in pretty sweet shape - all paved, so no need to worry about crazy off-roading. Think of it as a nifty shortcut on the A-365, heading north to south. Fair warning, there are some sections that get pretty steep (we're talking up to a 6% grade!), so make sure your engine is ready to rumble. The pass is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. A bit of snow can close it down temporarily, so plan accordingly! Get ready for some epic views!