How was the road from Chitral to Parsan built?
Pakistan, asia
25 km
1,219 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a ride you won't forget! The road from Chitral to Parsan in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is not for the faint of heart. Imagine a 25km (15-mile) stretch carved right into the mountainside, hugging the Lutkho River as it snakes through the Parsan Valley past Garam Chashma.
Locals built this entirely unpaved track, and "challenging" is a massive understatement. We're talking hairpin turns, crazy steep inclines, and a serious lack of safety barriers. Picture this: you're navigating a super narrow dirt track, cliffs towering above, the river rushing far below, and then—bam!—oncoming traffic. Get ready to reverse… maybe for a kilometer!
And then there's the infamous "Parsan's Tunnel of Death," a ridiculously tight squeeze through the mountain itself. This is strictly 4x4 territory. The elevation gain is insane, rocketing you from 4,000 to 10,000 feet in just a few miles. Seriously, the scenery is breathtaking, but you'll be too busy trying not to plummet off the edge to fully enjoy it. Be prepared for a white-knuckle adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,219 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
easyTaking on the Twists and Turns of Shakaleb La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're headed to Shakaleb La, a mind-blowing mountain pass chilling at a whopping 5,143 meters (16,873 feet) in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. You'll find it nestled in Comai County of Shannan, and let me tell you, the views are worth the trek. The good news? The road's mostly paved, so you don't need a crazy off-roader to conquer it. Any car should be fine. But heads up: we're talking serious altitude here. Oxygen's thin, so take it easy and listen to your body to avoid altitude sickness. Seriously, though, the scenery is stunning. Plan to pull over a bunch to soak it all in. The pass stretches for about 46.6 km (28.95 miles), cruising from Comai town (Tamzhol) in the south up to Zhegucun on the edge of the mesmerizing Zhegu Lake (also called Crescent Moon Lake). One last thing: winter brings the snow, making things slippery. Check conditions before you go during the colder months!
moderateDaxuenshan Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Da Xue Shan Pass in northwestern Yunnan, China! This beast sits at a whopping 4,337m (14,229ft), so be prepared for some serious altitude. You'll find this gem, also known as Da Xue Shan Pass, along Provincial Road 217 (S217), about 140km north of Shangri La on the way to Litang. Word of warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road's gravel, rocky, and can get pretty bumpy, so a 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended. And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe skip this one. It's a steep climb, and wet weather turns the road into a muddy challenge. But, oh, the views! You'll wind through vast pine forests surrounded by stunning rocky mountains. Just be aware that heavy mist rolls in frequently, making visibility a real issue. So, common sense prevails – avoid this pass in bad weather. Trust me, the scenery is worth waiting for a clear day!
hardThe road to Beru La Pass, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Beru La Pass in Tibet is calling your name. This bad boy sits way up high at 15,682 feet in the Nagqu Prefecture, near Baqên County. Now, don't expect any smooth sailing—the 11-mile road is entirely unpaved. We're talking rugged mountain terrain here, so yeah, the air's thin. A 4x4 is highly recommended! Starting from the G317 National Road and heading south to Kezadacun village, you’ll find yourself wrestling with six seriously tight hairpin turns. The views? Absolutely epic. The challenge? Totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardIs the Road to Wadi Arbaeen Unpaved?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Located in the Al Sharqiyah region in northeastern Oman, Wadi Arbaeen is one of the most amazing wadis in Oman. Drive slowly and carefully, as some sections have sharp heights and curves. Is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen Unpaved? The road to the wadi, also known as Wadi Al Arabiyeen or Wadi Al Arabieen, is completely unpaved. Ensure your tires are in good condition with thick sidewalls, as the wadi is filled with sharp rocks and gravel. The road to this oasis, set amidst barren and dry mountains, is very narrow in parts and slippery in some areas due to the gravel. How Long is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen? Starting from Dibab, the road is 14.6 km (9.07 miles) long and follows the course of the Wadi Al Arbaeen river. Can I Drive My Vehicle on the Road to Wadi Arbaeen? If you dare to take on this challenging road, ensure the driver has experience with off-road driving. Most SUVs should be capable, though some may be too low and could get damaged by rocks on certain stretches. This route is unsuitable for regular cars. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must, as you will need to go off-road to reach the wadi. How Remote is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen? The trail passes through remote areas, so be prepared. Mobile coverage is lost in some sections, and it's important to fill up on gas well before heading out. Wadi Al Arbaeen is not easily accessible due to the lack of signage and the challenging off-road sections. Is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen Worth the Drive? The drive is absolutely worth it. The bed of Wadi Al Arbaeen is rich in flora, and the wadi itself is stunningly beautiful, with pool after pool of picturesque green water among large boulders. Some of the pools are quite deep. This wadi offers a thrilling experience, with plenty of rock-crawling and water crossings. Often overlooked due to the lack of signage, Wadi Al Arbaeen is well worth the effort of navigating the off-road path and reading the map. Along the way, you'll also encounter unique hills with striking grey and orange rock formations. Driving the rough 4x4 trail through Wadi an Nakhur in Oman The remote and isolated road to Jabal Shaharah 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.