
How Long is the A17 Road from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda?
Kazakhstan, asia
439 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Headed through central Kazakhstan? Buckle up for the wild ride from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda! This stretch of the E123, also known as A344, clocks in at a hefty 439 km (272 miles) – linking the city of Jezkazgan in the Karaganda Region to Kyzylorda, the capital of the Kyzylorda Region.
Now, let's talk road conditions. This isn’t your average Sunday drive, folks. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved sections, and be prepared to dodge some serious potholes – maintenance is not exactly a priority out here. Imagine a wide road cutting through a cold, harsh desert landscape. The first 130 km? Decent asphalt, with a sprinkle of well-maintained dirt. Then, get ready for about 200 km of fairly smooth dirt road – nothing a good vehicle can't handle at a steady 80 km/h. But hold on, the last 100 km or so throws some asphalt back into the mix, ranging from barely-there to just-passable. The sun really does a number on that pavement, and those heavy trucks don't help, leaving the asphalt pretty rough for smaller vehicles.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be cruising through thousands of square kilometers of raw, untouched landscape between these two cities, a mix of steppe and pure desert. This is true wilderness, offering a scenic – albeit challenging – adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Road Details
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 439 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Namika La?
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! Namika La, also known as Namika Pass or Pillar of the Sky Pass, is a Himalayan high-five at a whopping 3,823 meters (12,542 feet)! You'll find this beauty in Ladakh, India, nestled in the Zaskar Range, connecting Leh and Kargil. Getting there is part of the thrill! You'll be cruising on National Highway 1 (NH 1), also known as the Srinagar Leh Highway. This fully paved road is no Sunday drive, though. Expect hairpin turns and curves that'll keep you on your toes. Newbies beware: night driving or poor visibility can be seriously tricky! Keep an eye out for memorials along the way and always yield to the big rigs. The stretch from Mulbekh to Khangral is roughly 24.1 kilometers (14.97 miles) of pure adrenaline. Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from October to June (weather permitting, of course!). High winds are the norm year-round, so brace yourself! The landscape around Namika La is seriously lunar – barren and weathered. But once you conquer the pass, get ready for eye-popping views of lush green valleys and snow-dusted peaks. If you're in Ladakh, hitting Namika La is a no-brainer. Plus, it's the last pass before you roll into the Kargil region!
hardPavarotlar
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Pavarotlar Peak, chilling at a cool 10,275 feet, straddles the Azerbaijan-Armenia border and boasts one of the highest roads in the country. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking the Soyuq Yolu ("Cold Road") on the Azerbaijan side – a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes downright wild ride through the Zengezur Mountains. Definitely not a winter wonderland up here; this road is impassable when the snow flies. This is a playground for seasoned off-roaders only; if unpaved mountain tracks aren't your thing, steer clear. The climb is seriously steep. Starting near Gənzə, a village nestled in the Ordubad region, you'll ascend nearly 6,200 feet over just 9 miles. Expect an average grade of 12.55%, with some sections hitting a butt-clenching 16%. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Oh, and if heights make you queasy, maybe pack some ginger ale. A muddy road in wet conditions can really spice things up, too! As for the scenery? Picture postcard views if you're brave enough to take your eyes off the track!
moderateYashikul Lake
🌍 Tajikistan
Yashikul lake is a fresh-water alpine lake at an elevation of 3.976m (13,044ft) above the sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, in southeast Tajikistan. Nestled in the center of the Pamir Mountains in the Alikhur valley, the road to the lake is unpaved. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. 4wd vehicle required. Being 50 metres deep at its deepest point, Yashikul lake is 19 km long and from 1 to 4 km across. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Locals believe the lake is a home for a huge and magic animal - "Tuya Suu" - the water camel. The area offers many “lunar landscapes”, scenic views and spectacular sunsets. The terrain here is desolate but grandiose. The water is fresh and has rich flora and fauna. It is known as one of the coldest places in the former Soviet Union, with a record minimum temperature of -63 degrees Celsius recorded. Even in summer, you should dress warm once the sun goes down. Pic: Gianfranco di Summa 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.
hardKilik Pass
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Kilik Pass: we're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at 15,567 feet! You'll find this bad boy straddling the border between Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and Xinjiang, China, deep in the heart of the Karakorum Mountains. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. Basically, you need a 4x4 and a hefty dose of courage. Word to the wise: winter hits hard up here. Expect it to be impassable from October to June, give or take, depending on Mother Nature's mood. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? Heights not your thing? Maybe skip this one. Bonus bummer: The Chinese side around Mintaka Pass has been a no-go for foreigners since way back in '47. Still, the views up there are worth bragging about—if you dare to make the trek!