How long is Highway 10 in Saudi Arabia?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
255 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, ready to tackle one of the world's straightest roads. We're talking about a 255-kilometer (158-mile) shot of pure, unadulterated straightness, part of the massive 1,475-kilometer Highway 10.
This isn't your average desert drive; this stretch connects Haradh, the oil and gas hub, to Al Batha near the UAE border. Legend has it that it was built as a private road for King Fahd. Now, it's a paved, mostly 2x2 lane highway slicing through the Rub Al-Khali desert. Forget winding turns or dramatic elevation changes – it is just you, the endless horizon, and a whole lot of straight road. This road is heavily trafficked, moving goods from Saudi Arabia's heartland to the UAE. Two and a half hours of driving without a single curve or significant slope? It's a unique experience, to say the least!
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 255 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Jelep La pass?
🇮🇳 India
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of Jelep La? This insane international mountain pass sits way up at 4,434m (that's 14,547ft!) right on the border between India and China. You'll find it nestled in the Dongkya Range of the eastern Himalayas, connecting East Sikkim in India with Tibet. Traders have been using this route forever, but the British built the first proper road way back in 1884. Now, the road to the top is paved, but don't think it's a smooth cruise! Expect a wild ride with tons of hairpin turns, seriously narrow sections, and some seriously steep climbs. But trust me, it's worth it. The views of the mountains around you are absolutely unreal. As you wind your way up, you'll pass through vibrant rhododendron forests on the Indian side, and then be greeted by the vast Chumbi Valley on the Tibetan Plateau. Heads up, though: this pass is usually snowed in during winter. Plus, being right on the border means it's off-limits to tourists and most civilians. So, while you might not be able to drive it yourself, it's definitely one to add to the bucket list for its sheer awesomeness!
extreme232 Country Road
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Y232 Country Road in the remote Ngamring County of Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking serious altitude here – the entire 44.7 km stretch hovers over 4,000 meters! Starting from Provincial Road 205, this gravel track climbs to a staggering 5,274m (17,303ft). Yeah, that's going to take your breath away—literally. Oxygen is scarce up here, so make sure you and your vehicle are acclimatized and ready. A 4WD isn't just recommended; it's essential. Speaking of weather, winter brings heavy snow, and closures are common until the route is cleared. But, oh, the views! You'll be treated to unbelievable panoramas, including the intensely blue waters of Cuowomo and Cheluo Co. Just be warned: even a little rain can turn this road into a challenging, slippery mess. Be prepared for a bumpy ride.
extremeHow challenging is the road to Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass reaching an elevation of above sea level, located in , within the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, China. This remote pass sits in the heart of the Pamir Mountains, a desolate and high-altitude wilderness. The location of the pass is extremely sensitive, situated in the westernmost part of China, very close to the border with the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province of Tajikistan . This is a highly militarized and restricted area where travelers often face strict checkpoints. The scenery is dominated by barren, snow-capped peaks and vast, high-altitude plateaus where the weather can turn violent without warning. Road facts: Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass Xinjiang (China) near Tajikistan border How challenging is the road to Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass? The road to the summit is a grueling journey starting from the remote settlement of . Over this distance, you face a steady elevation gain of 750 meters. The track is entirely unpaved, consisting of loose gravel, sharp rocks, and fine glacial dust that can become impassable when wet. The final ramps near the summit are particularly demanding, with at an altitude where the air is significantly thinner, putting immense strain on both the driver and the vehicle's engine. The drive is characterized by narrow ledges and steep sections that offer no room for error. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is mandatory to navigate the ruts and the rough terrain. Due to its proximity to the border, the "road" is often more of a military patrol track than a public highway. Travelers should expect zero services, no reliable mobile signal, and the necessity of being completely self-sufficient with food, fuel, and emergency supplies. When is the best time to attempt this pass? At nearly 4,500 meters, Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass is subject to extreme alpine weather. The road is impassable for much of the year due to heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures that can freeze diesel fuel. Even in mid-summer, sudden blizzards are possible. The best window for a trip is between July and early September , though permits and military authorization are often required to access this specific sector of Akto County. It is a raw, high-altitude expedition for those looking to reach one of the most secluded corners of the Pamir range. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Is the military road to Uzbel Pass on the China-Tajikistan border paved? How to drive the military road to Kasa Irunun Beli Pass? 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.
hardWhere is Kirgizjangal Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Kirgizjangal Pass is a lung-buster of a mountain pass, peaking high above the world in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. So, where exactly is this beast? You'll find it in the northwestern part of China, stretching from Mazha to Xaidulla. We're talking a serious stretch of road along the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway (G219), which was thankfully paved with asphalt back in 2013. Altitude alert! This G219 section throws you straight into high-altitude territory. Expect to hit elevations that will leave you gasping for air – think over 5,000m, then down to 4,000m, and then 3,000m! Seriously, if you're not acclimatized, this could be a really bad time. But the views… oh, the views! The summit offers drop-dead gorgeous panoramas, with snow-capped peaks painting the background. The climb is definitely challenging, but the scenery is beyond spectacular. Just remember, this is one of the most unforgiving places on Earth. Be prepared for vast stretches with no water, food, or shelter. The weather up there is no joke. Temperatures are harsh year-round, and crazy winds are the norm – sometimes hitting you from two directions at once! Services are few and far between – we're talking a day's drive apart. Stock up on everything you might need for emergencies. This is a seriously remote area, so being prepared isn't just smart; it's essential. Seasonal hazards? Definitely something to keep in mind. Snow and ice can make self-driving a real nightmare. Keep an eye on the forecast and road conditions before you go. Even in this remote spot, the G219 passes by some fascinating historical and religious sites. Just a heads-up that internet access restrictions in China might make finding up-to-date travel info a bit tricky.