Hawz e Wighnaan

Hawz e Wighnaan

Afghanistan, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,600 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Wighnaan pool is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.600m (8,530ft) above the sea level, located in Takhar Province, northern Afghanistan. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. One mistake and it's a free fall to your death. In many places the road is bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters (many hundreds of feet) unprotected by guardrails.

The gravel road to the lake is pretty narrow and steep. Drivers must remain cautious as the pass has been known to claim the lives of careless drivers. It’s certainly breathtaking and it has a fearsome reputation. If you do choose this route please check up to date information due to the security situation. Obviously you would have to really (!) check what is going on now. You might want to contact your embassy in Kabul as they have really the best info about terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, risk of kidnapping and high crime rate.

The road links the small villages of Warsaj and Aspogh. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Drive with care as this is a mountain road with dangerous dropoffs. You might want to take this into consideration if you have passengers that don't like heights. Be prepared, this road is not for the faint of heart or ill prepared. One mistake can have serious consequences.

Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Afghanistan
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
2,600 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in asia

Where is Karkang La?hard

Where is Karkang La?

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Karkang La in southeastern Tibet is calling, and it's a wild one. Perched way up high – think lungs-screaming altitude – this pass straddles the border between Qusum and Lhünzê counties. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking serious off-road territory here. This ain't a drive for your Prius. You'll need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 beast to even think about tackling it. It's not just steep climbs that'll get you, it's the relentless combo of a rough, unmaintained track and crazy altitude that can bring on vehicle failure and altitude sickness. Winding for about 37.6 km (23.36 miles) alongside the untamed river, the road snakes from Nieding to Duobuzha (near the paved G219). Pro Tip: Don't even think about attempting this journey between late October and late June/early July. Mother Nature's snowstorms turn it into an impassable winter wonderland. But for those brave enough to venture forth, get ready for views that'll knock your socks off.

Where is Mianah Pass?extreme

Where is Mianah Pass?

🌍 Afghanistan

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading deep into the heart of Afghanistan's Bamyan Province, to tackle the legendary Mianah Pass (Kotal-e Mianah). Think hardcore. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a serious expedition across the Hindu Kush mountains. Picture this: you're smack-dab in the Bande Pitaw Wildlife Refuge, surrounded by massive valleys and jagged, rocky peaks. It's stunning, raw, and seriously isolated. This road – and I use that term loosely – follows ancient paths, untouched by modern upgrades for decades. We're talking total wilderness vibes. The route itself is a 121 km (75 miles) north-south beast, linking Nargis and Nowjok. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a relentless gauntlet of deep potholes, brutally steep climbs, and narrow, exposed ledges that will test your nerve. Hairpin turns? You'll be dizzy from them! Plan for several days to conquer this stretch – help is virtually non-existent, so you're on your own. Now for the reality check: Afghanistan comes with significant security concerns. The threat of conflict is real, especially in remote areas like this. Emergency services? Fuel stations? Medical help? Don't even think about it. If you absolutely HAVE to travel this route, do it in a convoy and be hyper-vigilant. Vehicle-wise, a seriously prepped 4x4 is non-negotiable. High clearance, low-range gearing, the works. The altitude (we're talking over 3,500m/11,500ft) will sap your engine's power, so make sure your cooling system is top-notch. Pack extra fuel (enough for at least 300 km/186 miles), multiple spare tires, heavy-duty recovery gear, and a comprehensive first-aid kit. You'll be glad you did. And a final word: winter is a NO-GO. Heavy snows shut this pass down completely from late October to at least May. Spring thaw? Think mud, treacherous snowmelt streams, and more danger. The sweet spot is summer, but even then, be aware of potential flash floods. This road is not for the faint of heart, but the scenery? Unforgettable.

The Road to Salambar Pass: A Deep Abyss to the Right Handhard

The Road to Salambar Pass: A Deep Abyss to the Right Hand

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Salambar Pass in Iran, a seriously stunning (and slightly terrifying) road that tops out at a lung-busting 3,204 meters (that's 10,511 feet!). This isn't your smooth, Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking a narrow, winding dirt track clinging to the side of the Elburz Mountains, with a heart-stopping drop-off on one side. Hope you're not afraid of heights! You'll find this epic route straddling the Qazvin and Mazandaran provinces, snaking through the legendary Alamut Valley – home to the infamous Castle of the Assassins. Talk about atmosphere! The road itself stretches for about 45 kilometers (28 miles), connecting Garmarud in the south to Sar Balan in the north. And the cherry on top? Right at the summit sits the Pichebon Carvansaray, an abandoned Silk Road-era building. Imagine traders, shepherds, and travelers stopping here centuries ago! It's incredibly well-preserved and offers unbelievable panoramic views of the rugged landscape. Now, a word of warning: This road is totally unpaved and those drop-offs are seriously unforgiving. But if you're an experienced driver looking for an unforgettable adventure and breathtaking scenery, Salambar Pass might just be calling your name!

The destryed road to Pereval Tongextreme

The destryed road to Pereval Tong

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Region and have a serious off-road itch, Pereval Tong Pass is calling your name. Nestled high in the Tian Shan Mountains at a dizzying 13,162 feet, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain with a side of serious rock slide risk. Forget your low-rider – high clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers are essential. Seriously, leave the stock vehicle at home! Finding your way is half the battle; even with GPS, the confusing network of barely-there roads will test your navigation skills. You can drive most of the way, but be warned, the last mile or so to the summit has been hammered by avalanches and landslides. Time to stretch those legs for a final hike to the top! Be smart, don't attempt this solo, and remember it's generally impassable from November through June. Get ready for some incredible scenery – if you dare!