Is Daha Ata Wanguwa (18 Bends Road) paved?
Sri Lanka, asia
6.2 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Daha Ata Wanguwa – the legendary 18 Bends Road in Sri Lanka's Central Province! This paved beauty is part of the main A26 highway, connecting Kandy and Mahiyanganaya. For generations, this was the only route between these cities, and it definitely put drivers to the test.
Funny thing about the name – it's the "18 Bends Road," but you'll only find 17 hairpin turns these days! One was straightened out ages ago. This 6.2 km (3.85 miles) section of road snakes its way west of Mahiyanganaya, boasting 10 bridges and a mind-boggling 320 culverts.
After some serious renovations, this once daunting road is now a much smoother ride, cutting travel time from four hours to just one and a half. The road is now a dual-carriage highway, a wide 8.25m. But the best part? The views! Make sure to stop at the top to soak in the stunning scenery of the Mahiyanganaya valley. Counting bends and taking in the vistas is practically a travel tradition here!
Road Details
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow is the drive to Pereval Kara-Kul’dzha?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in northwestern Kyrgyzstan, straddling the Talas and Jalal-Abad regions, lies Pereval Kara-Kul’dzha. We're talking about a high-mountain pass topping out at 3,166m (10,387ft), practically on the doorstep of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve near the Chatkal River's source. Forget smooth highways, this is a primitive mountain track. We're talking 60km of completely unpaved road from Bashky-Terek to the Chatkal Valley. Think narrow paths, bone-jarring potholes, and hairpin turns clinging to steep slopes. Loose dirt and stones are the name of the game, turning into a muddy mess if it rains. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing to conquer this beast. Is it dangerous? You bet. You're in the middle of nowhere, sandwiched between the Chatkal and Talas Ala-Too ranges. Expect perilous drop-offs with zero guardrails, and the very real possibility of landslides and rockfalls blocking your path. Solo travel? Not recommended. This is a place where self-sufficiency is key. Up top, at 3,166m, be ready for anything. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, even in summer. Expect cold winds and sudden storms. This isn't just a drive; it's a rugged mountain trail designed for drivers who crave solitude and want to put their vehicle through its paces on a raw, untamed route. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
hardWhat is the route to Cho La like?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the Himalayas, right on the Sikkim-Tibet border, tackling Cho La Pass. This ain't your Sunday drive. At 15,068 feet, you’re climbing from Tsomgo Lake on a seriously technical track. Think relentless switchbacks—46 of them—zig-zagging up some gnarly slopes. Now, here's the catch: this isn't open to just anyone. Being a sensitive international border zone, it's heavily guarded. The Indian side has a road to the top, and the Chinese are getting close with their infrastructure. But forget about visiting October through June; it's snowed in solid. The "road"? More like a rugged track, often loose rocks and debris. Your engine's gasping for air at that altitude, so you need a high-clearance 4x4 and nerves of steel. This is strictly military and authorized personnel territory, one of the toughest drives in Sikkim. But, if you ever get a chance, near the summit you'll find Chola Lake, a high-altitude gem frozen most of the year. Dramatic peaks, stark beauty, and, uh, military outposts everywhere. Hazards? Oh, just the usual: crazy weather, rockfalls, and altitude sickness. The road is narrow, those switchbacks are no joke, and there's zero support along the way. So, bring your A-game, self-sufficiency, and top-notch gear. It's the adventure of a lifetime, if you can swing it!
moderateLungzang La, the road less traveled
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Lungzang La in Tibet! This high-altitude pass punches in at a whopping 17,450 feet, so prepare for thin air. You'll find it tucked away in Xaitongmoin County, Shigatse. The road, known locally as Qingqu Line, is a 28.83-mile mix of rough and smooth, mostly unpaved but with some paved stretches as you approach from the south. Be warned: the weather can be brutal, so keep an eye on the forecast. This is serious mountain territory, and oxygen is definitely at a premium! Best time to go? Definitely summer. Don't expect any luxuries up here – you're lucky to find the basics. But the views? Unreal. You'll be staring right at Sholapu Gangri, a majestic peak towering over 20,000 feet. Lungzang La isn't for the faint of heart but if you're looking for an unforgettable SUV adventure, this is it!
hardDriving the dizzying 564 Country Road
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Y564, aka 564 Country Road, a real heart-stopper snaking through Zogong County in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 74km (46-mile) roller coaster ride that climbs to a dizzying 4,854m (15,925ft) above sea level, up near the Nujiang River. Expect a mix of paved sections and rugged terrain, plus hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep climbs and drops? And let's not forget those dramatic, oh-my-god-don't-look-down drop-offs! This road links China National Highway 214 to Zhonglinkaxiang, and it’s packed with views that'll leave you breathless (if the altitude doesn't first). So, if you're craving a true test of driving skills and a dose of adrenaline, Y564 is calling your name. Just be prepared for an unforgettable ride!