How long is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route?
Japan, asia
37 km
2,450 m
moderate
Year-round
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: get ready for an epic adventure through the Japanese Alps! Straddling the border between Toyama and Nagano prefectures, this isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
Spanning 37 kilometers (23 miles), the route snakes through the Tateyama Mountain Range, linking Toyama City to Omachi Town. You'll climb to a breathtaking 2,450 meters (8,038 feet) above sea level.
Heads up: this road closes from December to mid-April because of insane snowfall. But here's the payoff: when it reopens in mid-April, you're greeted by colossal snow walls, sometimes reaching 15 meters high! Murodo-daira, a stop along the way, averages about seven meters of snow. The Otani snow area? That's where you'll find the real giants, hitting up to 20 meters and forming those legendary walls.
The "Roof of Japan" definitely earns its name! On a clear day from the summit, you can actually spot Mt. Fuji in the distance. The Tateyama Mountain Range is the star of the show, and don't miss those incredible snow walls. Come during summer and autumn for wildflowers and autumn foliage transforming the landscape. Just a heads-up: No personal vehicles are allowed between Tateyama Station and Ogizawa—making it a major tourist hot spot!
Road Details
- Country
- Japan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 37 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,450 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardThe Old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is not for the faint of heart
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road in China's Shanxi province! Nestled in Pingshun County, get ready for a seriously steep climb—we're talking a 30-degree incline! This isn't your typical highway; this is raw, unpaved dirt road, winding through the South Taihang Mountains. What makes it epic? Five cliffside tunnels carved way back in 1968. Imagine 800 villagers, basic tools, and sheer determination creating this route between Tihou-Cun Village and Hongtiguan Pass. The height difference between the first and last tunnel is around 200 meters! Bring your camera because the views are insane. Picture majestic landscapes, hidden springs, cascading waterfalls, and sleepy villages dotting the scenery. While there's now a new expressway (the S76) bypassing this old road, the original Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is still there waiting for the adventurous!
extremeWhere is Burkhatskiy Pass?
🌍 Kazakhstan
is a high mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the Katonkaragay district of the East Kazakhstan Region. Where is Burkhatskiy Pass? The pass is situated in the , in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, within the Katon-Karagaisky State National Nature Park How Long is Burkhatskiy Pass? , the road to the summit, also known as , is completely unpaved and referred to as the , running north-south from (on Highway P-163) to How Challenging is Burkhatskiy Pass? ascend the pass in rainy weather —the road can become extremely hazardous. A is required, and it’s highly recommended not to travel alone. Before setting off, ensure you have adequate as the journey is strenuous. The road traverses with continuous hairpin turns. Due to the area’s remoteness, be prepared to camp overnight if necessary. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Altai's highest peak, (4,506m), the tallest in all Siberia, from the summit. When Was the Austrian Road Built? , mostly unpaved, was built from as a strategic transport route across what is now the East Kazakhstan region. Constructed by Austro-Hungarian WWI prisoners —Czech, Slovak, Austrian, and Hungarian soldiers captured on the Eastern Front—this challenging track was forged through a remote wilderness using only basic tools like shovels, saws, pickaxes, and cables . Despite difficult climatic conditions, they managed to create a legendary route that stands as a tribute to their labor. Today, the Austrian Road is both a historical and natural landmark , honoring the resilience and determination of its builders. More info&pics: http://silkadv.com/en/content/summer-kazakhstan Conquering the potholed A27 road in Kazakhstan Traveling the A17 Road from Jezkazgan to Kyzylorda in the Middle of Nowhere 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.
moderateWhere is Chanther Gali?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan, you HAVE to check out Chanther Gali, also known as Shounter Pass. This insane mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 4,558m (14,954ft) – seriously high! You'll find this beast of a road nestled in the Neelum Valley, a truly stunning area with views for days. Think towering hills, lush forests, and the sparkling Neelam River winding below. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you. Now, for the gritty details: This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about roughly 80km (50 miles) of completely unpaved road stretching between Gorikot and Shounter. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Low-clearance vehicles need not apply! The road is rough, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Word on the street is there's a tunnel in the works that would cut down travel time to the China border, which would be pretty epic! Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots here. Chanther Gali is only accessible for a few months out of the year. Heavy snows make winter travel impossible, so plan your trip accordingly!
extremeDriving the wild Road to Ma La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ma La! This beast of a road is tucked away in Nyalam County, Tibet, connecting Gyirong to the breathtaking Paiku Co lake. We're talking serious Tibetan Plateau vibes here—remote, high-altitude, and calling for your A-game driving skills. Forget smooth tarmac; this climb is all about that raw, unpaved life. Expect a gravel surface that’ll keep you on your toes, especially when the weather throws a curveball. Oh, and did I mention it peaks at a whopping 5,245m (17,208ft)? Translation: winter snow can shut this baby down in a heartbeat if the path isn't cleared. Hold on tight for 32 hairpin turns of pure adrenaline! This part of the road is a twisty, turny, up-and-down roller coaster that demands laser focus. Think steep inclines, loose gravel, and a serious test of your driving prowess. Clocking in at 17.5 km (10.8 miles) from Zhongma to the top, this climb packs a punch with a 1,752-meter elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 10%! The air gets seriously thin up here, messing with both you and your engine. Altitude sickness? Yeah, you'll probably feel it.