How long is Neelum Valley Road?
Pakistan, asia
149 km
2,097 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Neelum Valley Road! This wild, mostly unpaved track stretches for 149 km (92.58 miles) through Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, snaking alongside Kaghan Valley and right next to the Line of Control (LOC).
You'll start in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, and climb to Kel, a village sitting pretty at 2,097 meters above sea level. Kel's got you covered with an army base, a hospital, phone service, and shops for supplies.
Fair warning: this route is a real challenge! A 4x4 is a must to handle the rough terrain left by the 2005 earthquake. Beyond Kel, you'll definitely need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to keep going. The section from Keran to Kel isn't kind to low-riding cars.
Winter here is no joke. The road turns extreme, passable only in good weather, and often blocked by heavy snow. Landslides are common, so be prepared for freezing temps and potential food shortages if you get stuck.
But is it worth it? Absolutely! You're diving into Neelum Valley, a slice of paradise with stunning blue waters, endless valleys, and lush greenery. They don't call it "Heaven on Earth" for nothing!
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 149 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,097 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeRoad A303
🌍 Mongolia
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the A303 in western Mongolia! This isn't your average Sunday drive, but a proper expedition. Picture this: 388 km of mostly asphalt ribbon winding its way between Bayankhongor and Altai, the provincial capitals. Now, before you hit the gas, a few things to keep in mind. You're heading into remote territory, so come prepared. And, oh yeah, there's a river crossing – the Baidrag – with NO bridge! When the river's up, things get interesting, but luckily tractors stand ready to pull you across. Mother Nature can throw curveballs here, too. Heavy snow is a real possibility, bringing treacherous ice patches with it. Seriously, think twice about tackling this road in bad weather. But, with the right prep, you'll be treated to some stunning Mongolian scenery along the way. Ready for the ride of a lifetime?
extremeWhere is Commonwealth Avenue?
🇵🇠Philippines
Cruising through Quezon City in the Philippines? Buckle up, because Commonwealth Avenue—affectionately (and perhaps ominously) known as the "Killer Highway"—is quite the experience. This 12.4-kilometer (7.7-mile) stretch runs from Elliptical Road to Quirino Highway and boasts a whopping 6 to 18 lanes, making it supposedly the widest road in the country. Originally named Don Mariano Marcos Avenue, this major artery was built in the 1960s as part of Radial Road 7. The speed limit is nominally 60 km/h, but don't count on anyone sticking to it. Now, for the not-so-pretty part. Commonwealth Avenue is notorious for its crazy traffic, a wild mix of cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians all vying for space. Unfortunately, this chaos, coupled with a lack of clear traffic regulations and enforcement, leads to a high number of accidents. Public transportation vehicles are especially known for their aggressive driving habits. You'll notice a lack of streetlights, road signs, and designated lanes for motorcycles or bicycles. Add to that a poor drainage system that causes major flooding during the rainy season, and you have a recipe for a stressful drive. While Commonwealth Avenue might not offer breathtaking views or scenic overlooks, it's definitely an eye-opening experience. Just be prepared for heavy traffic, unpredictable drivers, and a general sense of controlled chaos. Drive defensively, stay alert, and maybe say a little prayer before you hit the road.
extremeA road with 44 hairpin turns to Bangmeilong Peak
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Bangmeilong Peak in Tibet's Yadong County, near Bhutan, is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here – 5,190m (17,027ft)! This isn't your Sunday drive; you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this totally unpaved route in the stunning Chumbi Valley. Seriously, the air gets thin, so be prepared. But the reward? A mountaintop astronomical observatory and views that'll make your jaw drop. Get ready for a wild ride from Phari (Pagri). This 12.5km climb is packed with 44 hairpin turns, averaging a 7.4% gradient (spiking to almost 12% in places!). Trust me, every twist is worth it. The Himalayas spread out before you, dominated by the majestic 7,000m Chomo Lhari peak. It’s a feast for the eyes!
hardHow long is Kelok 9 road in Indonesia?
🌍 Indonesia
Get ready for Kelok 9, a legendary stretch connecting Central and Eastern Sumatra! This 2.7 km ribbon of road, nestled in West Sumatra's Riau province, winds its way from the Central Trans-Sumatra Highway to the East Trans-Sumatra Highway, near the city of Payakumbuh. Originally built between 1908 and 1914, Kelok 9 was infamous for its nine super-steep, winding climbs that could cause major traffic jams. But don't worry, it got a $49.6 million upgrade in 2013! Six shiny new bridges replaced the old climbs, easing congestion and offering killer views. "Kelok" means curve, and this road lives up to its name, delivering nine adrenaline-pumping hairpin turns. And get this: it was built over the old Kelok 44 road, so you know it's got a wild history. The flyover structure was a game-changer, turning what used to be a 5-6 hour crawl into a much shorter cruise. But it's not just about the thrills, the road cuts through two stunning nature reserves, showcasing lush green hills. You’ll find both the White Water Reservation and the Harau Nature Reserve along the way. Kelok 9 has turned into a full-blown tourist attraction, boasting plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and admire Indonesia's incredible engineering.