
Is Banihal Pass Paved?
India, asia
39 km
2,157 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Banihal Pass in Jammu and Kashmir, India! This beauty sits way up high at 2,157m (7,076ft) in the Ramban district.
The Srinagar-Kanyakumari Highway takes you there, and while it's mostly paved, get ready for an adventure. This 39 km (24 mile) stretch from Shaitani Nallah to Mundah is packed with curves and hairpin turns. Seriously twisty stuff! They’ve bypassed the worst part with a tunnel, but it’s still a wild ride.
Heads up: Banihal Pass is a summer fling only. Heavy winter snowfall shuts it down completely. But when it's open? Prepare for some seriously stunning views in the Pir Panjal Range!
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 39 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,157 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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