How long is Malling Nala?
India, asia
22.7 km
3,875 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Malling Nala in Himachal Pradesh, India is a WILD ride! This high-mountain pass clocks in at a dizzying 3,875m (that's 12,713ft for those playing at home). The views? Epic… if you can stomach them! Vertigo sufferers, maybe keep your eyes glued to the road (good advice anyway!).
This 22.7 km (14.10 mile) stretch of NH505 runs from Chango to Nako and it’s mostly paved, but Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting with gravel surprises. Speaking of interesting, let’s talk about "The Landslide." Yeah, that's not just a cute nickname. This area is seriously landslide-prone, with entire chunks of the mountainside deciding to take a tumble. Expect road gaps and loose, rocky terrain.
Think twice if you get carsick easily, folks. A stream of water constantly flows across the narrow road, turning it into a slippery, treacherous mess. Oh, and did I mention the frequent landslides? You'll want a 4x4 for this adventure. The pass itself is super narrow with a steep incline and a drop-off that will make your palms sweat. Rocks are known to fall without warning, so keep your eyes peeled. But hey, near the top, there's a small temple, Maata Temple, where you can say a quick prayer!
Word to the wise: winter is generally a no-go (unless you're a Spiti local who laughs in the face of danger). Even in milder weather, check conditions before you head out. Temps swing wildly between day and night, so pack layers! It's also windy and dry up there, so don't forget sunscreen and lotion. Snow chains are a must. Even though you'll be acclimating, drink loads of water and take it easy to avoid altitude sickness.
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 22.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,875 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Shobo La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Shobo La, a seriously sky-high mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,119m (that's 16,794ft!) in Tibet's Shannan region. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll find Shobo La in Qusum County, a county under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Shannan. The road, running 224 km (139 miles) from Shannan (Lhoka) to Cona, north of the disputed India-Tibet border, is paved. And while it's fairly straight, prepare for some seriously steep sections that'll test your engine. Located south of , Shobo La marks the highest point along this route. Keep a close eye on the weather, as conditions can change in a heartbeat up here. Set aside 6-7 hours for a non-stop drive to fully soak in the views (and catch your breath!).
moderateA dramatic road to the summit of Salsal La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Salsal La! This epic high-altitude pass punches through the Himalayas in southeastern Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India, clocking in at a staggering 17,063 feet! Hidden near the China border, this road to the summit, sometimes called Salaal La, is gnarly – mostly unpaved and usually snowed in from October to June. Summer's brief and sweet, but watch out for random thunderstorms (hail, anyone?). Winter? Think Arctic. The road's fairly level, but don't be surprised by some ramps with a 6.7% gradient. Snaking for about 49 miles between Nyoma and Chumar, you'll be surrounded by insane cliffs and peaks in the Changtang region of the Tibetan Plateau. This road is remote, seriously remote, and permits can be tricky, so you won't see many other travelers. Definitely bring a 4x4! Altitude sickness is a real concern, so take it slow and hydrate. But hey, the views of Ryul Lake are totally worth it!
moderateGata Loops is a roller coaster road with 21 hairpin turns
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up for the Gata Loops – 21 hairpin turns carved into the Himalayas in Ladakh, part of Jammu and Kashmir! This stretch on the Leh-Manali Highway is legendary. It's all paved, but don't think it's a breeze. It's a constant up-down-and-around dance for 10.3 km as you climb to Nakeela La. Most loops are a few hundred meters, but those last two are whoppers – nearly a kilometer and then a full kilometer and a half each! The steep inclines mean even big trucks can manage. Watch for shortcuts across the loops, but they're only for smaller vehicles. You'll start at around 4,190m (13,746ft) and end up at 4,650m (15,255ft). The average gradient is almost 4.5%, so if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe rethink this one. The views are stunning, but the road demands your full attention. Pro tip: Avoid driving at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with the route. This road is usually only open between June and September. Oh, and one more thing: legend has it the Gata Loops are haunted by the ghost of a trucker! Locals say you should pay your respects with water and cigarettes at a small shrine, just in case. Spooky!
hardS207 Provincial Route
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic drive, you NEED to check out the S207 Provincial Route in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture. Recently asphalted, this 82.2km stretch is a wild ride, to say the least. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at a lung-busting 4,804m (15,61ft)! Be warned: the air is THIN, and you'll definitely feel it. It connects the region to the tiny town of Burang, but the journey is the real reward. Prepare to be blown away by the scenery as you cruise alongside the massive Lake Manasarovar and the stunning Lake Rakshastal. But don't get too distracted – the wind in Tibet can be fierce, especially in the mountains. Even in summer, temperatures can plummet from a comfy 20°C during the day to a bone-chilling -10°C at night. And keep an eye on the forecast – July and August can bring days of rain, and even snow! So, pack your layers, fill your tank, and get ready for an unforgettable Tibetan adventure!