How long is Nowjok Pass?
Afghanistan, asia
28 km
2,722 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Kotal-e Nowjok Pass in Afghanistan's Daykundi Province! We're talking serious altitude here—8,930 feet above sea level.
Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture 18 miles of pure, unpaved road winding through the heart of the country. The route stretches from Barghosang up to Qabcherakzar and is a real rollercoaster.
Expect potholes galore, seriously steep inclines, sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Oh, and did I mention the hairpin turns? Hundreds of them!
Speaking of adventure, best stick to daylight hours for this one. Night driving? Hard pass. And, let's be real, driving anywhere in Afghanistan demands extra caution. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you; this is one wild ride with stunning scenery and a serious dose of adrenaline!
Road Details
- Country
- Afghanistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 28 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,722 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeDriving the M34 road is not a piece of cake
🌍 Tajikistan
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Tajikistan's M34 highway! This major artery snakes through the northwest, connecting Dushanbe, the capital, with Khujand, the second city. Forget boring highway cruising; this 302 km (187 mile) route is a proper mountain road! Think paved... mostly. It's a wild ride, narrow in spots, with some serious drop-offs and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Plan on 6-8 hours of driving time, minimum. Be warned: This isn't a Sunday drive. You'll share the road with plenty of traffic, especially trucks, and navigate through mountain passes and tons of dark, narrow tunnels. The infamous "Tunnel of Fear" (or Death!) bypasses the old Anzob Pass, a gravel beast topping out at 3,372m (11,062ft). The road itself climbs to a respectable 2,751m (9,025ft) at the Shakhristan Pass. Usually open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs with closures due to weather. Expect fog, rain, and definitely snow in winter. The views? Absolutely epic, with dramatic mountain scenery at every turn.
moderateThe breathtaking 4x4 road to Gongma La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ever dreamt of conquering a super-remote, crazy-high mountain pass? Gongma La, sitting pretty at a whopping 16,030 feet in the Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir, India, might just be your Everest. Picture this: you, a trusty 4x4, and a rugged, unpaved track winding its way through some of the most breathtaking (literally and figuratively!) scenery imaginable. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This is a military road, so access can be tricky, and foreigners might find it's off-limits. The road stretches for about 19 miles, a north-south spine connecting Ukdungle (an Indian Army outpost) to Khuldo. Why does it exist? To give the Indian Army quicker access to the Demchok zone. This ain't just a scenic route; it's a strategic lifeline carved into the roof of the world!
moderateWho built Al Hada Road?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Located in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, Al Hada Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, with 93 bends. Who built Al Hada Road? Construction of the road started in the 1950s, under the reign of King Abdulaziz. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and important mountain roads in the region. The drive offers enchanting and attractive views at night. How long is Al Hada Road? Set high in the southwestern part of the country, the road, known as Route 15, is fully paved. It’s 79.9 km (49.64 miles) long, running east-west from Taif to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. Why is Al Hada Road famous? The road climbs up to Al-Hadā, a mountain resort city at an elevation of 1,975m (6,479ft) above sea level. The road is most notable for its wavy, spiral design, and the occasional twists and turns. Along the way, you can stop to watch the monkeys that live in the mountains. Is Al Hada Road challenging? The road is not easy, with very steep parts and sweeping turns. Breathtaking and majestic, the road rises 6,500 feet in 21 km and has 93 bends. At higher elevations, you can expect foggy conditions around the mountains and temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius. Driving the defiant Al Baha's 25 Tunnels of Saudi Arabia Highway 1 of Iraq was the world's scariest highway 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.
moderate210 Provincial Road: not even the most beautiful photos can do the road justice
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for an epic road trip through the Jiajin Mountains in western Sichuan, China! 210 Provincial Road is calling your name, and trust me, you want to answer. This incredible stretch of pavement clocks in at 193 km, winding its way from Feixianguanzhen (a cozy 1,018m above sea level) up to Daweixiang (at a cool 2,917m). Brace yourself for hairpin turns galore – they’re endless! But it’s all worth it because the views are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Jinjiashan Scenic Area and the snaking Donghe River below. The road peaks at an incredible 4,102m (that's 13,458ft!), offering panoramic views you won't forget. Keep in mind that at such an altitude, snow can close the road anytime. Plus, heavy mist is common, so be extra cautious if visibility drops.