How Long is the A17 Road from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda?

How Long is the A17 Road from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda?

Kazakhstan, asia

Length

439 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Kazakhstan
Continent
asia
Length
439 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in asia

Is the road to Riverston Peak paved?hard

Is the road to Riverston Peak paved?

🌍 Sri Lanka

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Riverston Peak in Sri Lanka's Central Province is calling your name! The road to the top is paved, but let's be real, it's seen better days. Think potholes galore and super tight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. It's manageable in most cars (skip the massive trucks, though!), but a 4x4 would definitely make the ride smoother. The journey clocks in at roughly 12 km, climbing about 700 meters. That's an average gradient of around 6%, not too crazy but enough to feel it! Pro tip: Avoid weekends like the plague – it's packed with locals, making it hard to soak in the views. And a heads up, the weather here has a mind of its own. Rain can roll in anytime, and the wind? Intense! Especially in the evenings when the fog can get super thick. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! You're cruising through the northern part of the Knuckles Mountain Range, and the views are seriously epic. There's even a viewpoint about halfway up that offers panoramic vistas on clear days. The summit itself is home to a transmission tower and unbeatable views of the valley. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you.

Where is Wenquan?moderate

Where is Wenquan?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (part of China National Highway 109), and you find yourself climbing, and climbing, and climbing... until you reach Wenquan. Also known as Wenchuan or Wenzhuan. This high-altitude town sits way up in the Tanggula Mountains of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, claiming a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. The journey to this remote spot is about 642 km (398 miles) from Nagqu to Budongquan, and you'll be driving at a staggering 5,100m (16,732ft) above sea level. Keep in mind that while Wenquan might be one of the highest towns reachable by car, there are other settlements out there that are even higher. Heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The weather in this part of the Tibetan Plateau can change in a heartbeat, from sunshine to snow. The altitude means the air is thin, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. But, the views? Totally worth it! Plus, you might even spot a snow leopard or a panda in the wild — this area is a haven for endangered species. So buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Driving Hayama 2nd Tunnel through a cavehard

Driving Hayama 2nd Tunnel through a cave

🇯🇵 Japan

Okayama Prefecture, Japan, holds a secret! Just northwest of Nariwacho Hayama in Takahashi City, you'll find Prefectural Road 300 snaking along the Shimaki River in the Wazan Gorge. But this isn't your average road trip, because here, you actually drive *through* a cave! Hayama 2nd Tunnel isn't your typical, man-made tunnel. It's a limestone cave carved out by the Shimaki River over eons. Once much bigger, the river whittled it down, but the entrance was just begging for a road. They raised the ceiling to fit cars, and voila! Now, a word of warning: this tunnel is SHORT (max height 2.5 meters), and NARROW. Think one car at a time, so forget about bringing your RV. Plus, it's completely unlit, so proceed with caution! The road is paved, thankfully, but those tight squeezes and pitch-black conditions definitely add an element of adventure. Dug out by hand about a century ago, you can still see the chisel marks in the walls. It's a seriously cool peek into the past. Because of the narrowness and blind turns, honk your horn before entering. Definitely not suitable for larger vehicles! This is a quiet rural road, but weekends can bring more curious visitors, so keep an eye out. You can park a car or two at the north entrance. Honestly, exploring on foot is the safest (and coolest) way to experience this incredible spot!

How challenging is the road from Sêrxü to Luoxuzhen?extreme

How challenging is the road from Sêrxü to Luoxuzhen?

🇨🇳 China

Deep in the heart of Sêrxü County, northwest Sichuan, lies a hidden gem – the Dzi La pass, a true test for any adventure driver. We're talking serious elevation here, nearly 4,800 meters above sea level! Nestled within the rugged Ngonkhori mountain range, this is high-altitude driving at its rawest in the Kham region. Forget smooth asphalt; this 75-kilometer stretch is a proper off-road challenge from the town of (connected via the G345) heading south to . The old unpaved track twists and turns relentlessly, hugging the steep mountainsides. The newer S456 might be quicker, but this original route is way more thrilling (and demanding!). Forget graceful curves – this track attacks the slopes head-on, with sections hitting a crazy 16% gradient. Expect deep ruts and loose gravel requiring low-range gears to keep your engine from stalling in the thin air. And did I mention there are zero safety barriers? The drops into the Ngonkhori valleys are seriously steep. Weather in the Kham Highlands is no joke. It can change in minutes, turning a dusty track into a slippery mud pit thanks to sudden snowstorms or heavy hail, even in summer! Landslides and washouts are common since this route isn't maintained as frequently anymore. Come prepared! This is a remote stretch, so bring extra fuel, professional recovery gear, and even medical-grade oxygen to fight altitude sickness. Driving here as a foreigner means getting the right permits and local guides, too. Dzi La is an unforgettable journey for the brave, but respect the mountains and come prepared!