How high is Jabal Al Jais?

How high is Jabal Al Jais?

Arabian Peninsula, asia

Length

20 km

Elevation

1,925 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Jabal Al Jais: UAE's highest peak, but way more than just tall! This baby hits a staggering 1,925m (6,315ft) above sea level and the road to get there? Epic.

You'll find this beauty tucked away in the Al Hajar Mountains, right on the border between the UAE and Oman. The Jebel Jais Mountain Road clocks in at around 20 km (12 mi) of pure driving bliss.

Now, hold on tight, because this road throws eight hairpin turns and more curves than you can count at you! You’re carving through this insane, rocky landscape the whole time. At first, it's a two-lane highway showing off views for days. But then, BAM! You're plunged into a canyon, hugging a dried-up riverbed with massive cliffs providing shade.

Once you're near the top, there's plenty of parking, places to grab a bite, and restrooms. And a viewing platform is there to soak in the panoramic views. Past a security checkpoint, you can check out the world's longest zip-line, a cell tower, and event spaces.

While the paved road doesn’t *quite* make it to the tippy-top 1,925-meter peak, you can get super close. Just be warned: the last 4.8km is unpaved and can be tricky.

Trust me, this drive is worth every second. There are viewing points everywhere, each offering a totally unique view. Seriously, park and take it all in.

Oh, and pro-tip: it gets COLD up there. Think 10-13ºC cooler than down below. It’s the perfect escape from the desert heat.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Arabian Peninsula
Continent
asia
Length
20 km
Max Elevation
1,925 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in asia

How long is the road to Kigunaru Pass?hard

How long is the road to Kigunaru Pass?

🇨🇳 China

Kigunaru Pass (also known as Yeban Xian) is an extreme high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 5,407m (17,739ft) above sea level, located in Rutog County, within the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Reaching such an altitude puts this track among the highest motorable routes in the world, crossing a desolate and oxygen-thin landscape in western China. The drive is a serious expedition that requires full self-sufficiency. At over 5,400 meters, atmospheric pressure is roughly half of what it is at sea level. This leads to a severe loss of engine power—often exceeding 40-50% for naturally aspirated engines—and puts immense strain on the vehicle’s cooling and fuel systems. Travelers must be prepared for extreme isolation, as there is no medical aid, electricity, or mechanical support for hundreds of kilometers. Road facts: Kigunaru Pass (Yeban Xian) 25.1 km (15.59 miles) Unpaved / Primitive Track How long is the road to Kigunaru Pass? and spans 25.1 km (15.59 miles) to reach the summit. While the average gradient is 4.21% , the profile is highly irregular. Drivers will face sudden, brutal ramps where the maximum gradient hits 11% . On unpaved surfaces at this altitude, maintaining traction on 11% slopes is extremely difficult; low-range gears and high-torque 4x4 vehicles are essential to avoid stalling or losing momentum in the loose Himalayan scree. Is the road to Kigunaru Pass open year-round? Due to its extreme elevation, the road to is impassable for the majority of the year. Heavy snow and permafrost conditions typically close the track from late October through late June or early July. Even during the short summer window, the "Yeban Xian" road remains unpredictable. Rapid weather changes can bring blizzards or freezing rain in minutes. The unpaved surface can turn into a muddy trap or be blocked by rockfalls, making it mandatory to check for up-to-date local information before attempting the climb. What are the driving risks at 5,407 meters? Driving at 5,407m involves risks that go beyond the road surface. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real threat to drivers, and the mechanical reliability of the vehicle is pushed to the limit. The 1,059-meter elevation gain over the 25.1 km stretch requires a cooling system in perfect condition, as engines run hotter in thin air. There is no infrastructure in Rutog County for travelers—no western toilets, no running water, and no fuel stations. Total preparation, including carrying extra oxygen, satellite communication, and enough fuel for the return journey, is the only way to safely navigate this remote Tibetan frontier. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Dare to drive the dangerous Debo La 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.

What’s the Irohazaka Winding Road?hard

What’s the Irohazaka Winding Road?

🇯🇵 Japan

Okay, picture this: you're in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, ready to tackle the legendary Iroha-zaka! These aren't just any roads, they're a pair of winding routes that connect Nikko to the stunning Okunikko region. Think of them as your personal rollercoaster, but with way better views. Here's the cool part: Each hairpin turn is marked with a letter from the ancient Japanese alphabet, so you're basically driving through a history lesson. We're talking 48 curves in total! The uphill route, built later, is exclusively for ascending, while the original road is for the descent, complete with a pit stop to check out a couple of waterfalls. The roads climb over 1,300 feet (396 m), and trust me, the higher you go, the more breathtaking the scenery gets. This road has been around for ages and was originally used by Buddhist pilgrims heading to Lake Chuzenji. It opened in the Showa era. The original road opened in 1954 and the uphill only road opened in 1965. Now, they're toll-free, so you can enjoy the ride without breaking the bank! Get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Why is Gate Tower Building famous?moderate

Why is Gate Tower Building famous?

🇯🇵 Japan

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Fukushima-ku, Japan, and you spot it—the Gate Tower Building. This isn't your average office block; it's a 16-story marvel with a twist. Get this: a highway punches straight through floors 5, 6, and 7! Yep, the Hanshin Expressway, a hefty 239 km stretch of road that loops around Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, actually *rents* those floors. Wild, right? The building was built in 1992 to specifically accommodate the Umeda Hanshin Expressway, and the expressway structure doesn't even touch the building. Think of it like a bridge running through a giant hole! It's a seriously cool piece of engineering and a must-see if you're ever in downtown Osaka.

Is Gänja La paved?hard

Is Gänja La paved?

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Gänja La, also called Gaenja La, is calling your name from the heart of Tibet. We're talking a whopping 4,775m (15,666ft) of pure, unadulterated altitude in Drongpa County, Shigatse Prefecture. Yep, China's Tibet Autonomous Region doesn't mess around! This isn't your Sunday drive. The Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, nicknamed the "Sky Road," is where you'll find yourself firmly planted above 5,000m. The good news? It's paved. The catch? It's seriously challenging. Think breathtaking landscapes mixed with a brutal reality check. We're talking vast stretches without food or water for potentially hundreds of kilometers. Forget showers – you might not even get a chance to wash for weeks. And those nighttime temps? Brace yourselves for -25°C or even lower. This 48.3 km (30 miles) journey between Zhaci Village and Zhuzhucun will throw everything it has at you, including multiple passes at 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 meters. Acclimatize, or it could be a very bad time. But hey, if you're up for an epic, unforgettable adventure, Gänja La awaits!