
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
hardKaatu Bannari and Talamalai viewpoints
🇮🇳 India
Okay, Tamil Nadu road trip alert! You absolutely HAVE to check out the NH948 leading up to the Kaatu Bannari and Talamalai viewpoints. This paved road is a total stunner, winding its way up with seriously incredible views. Get ready for a workout though, this climb is NO joke! In just under 10 kilometers, you'll tackle 26 hairpin turns, making your way from around 422 meters to over 1,000 meters above sea level! That’s a pretty consistent steep grade of over 6%, with some sections hitting a whopping 10%! Be prepared to share the road, especially with trucks, but trust me, the scenery is worth the white knuckles.
extremeSinan Pass, a curvy road only for experienced drivers
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Sinan Pass (also known as Talaa Pass) in the Aseer Region of southwest Saudi Arabia is calling your name. Perched high in the Asir Mountains at nearly 8,000 feet, this pass is not for the faint of heart. Picture this: a narrow, paved road clinging to the mountainside with literally hundreds of twists and turns. The pavement? Let's just say it's seen better days. But trust me, the views are worth it! Towering mountains surround you in every direction. This isn't your leisurely Sunday drive. It's a seriously technical and dangerous route, so maybe leave the automatic at home. Low gear is your best friend on the descent. A 4x4 is highly recommended due to the extreme steepness of the road and potential for brake failure. Starting from Al Magarda, you'll climb a staggering 5,436 feet over just 8 miles, with an average gradient of almost 13%! Yeah, it's intense. But if you're up for the challenge, Sinan Pass promises an unforgettable driving experience.
extremeThe road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hidden away in Shawan County, China, is the mind-blowing Anjihai Grand Canyon, also known as the Hongshan (Red Mountain) Grand Canyon. Seriously, this place is a photographer's dream! Picture this: you're in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, staring down into a canyon carved by the Anjihai River. We're talking about a 30-kilometer-long gash in the earth, plunging a staggering 400 meters deep. At points, it’s only two or three meters wide! Expect sheer cliffs, jagged rocks, and stones bursting with color. Getting there is an adventure in itself. This unpaved road snakes along the northern base of the Tianshan Mountains and it is NOT for the faint of heart. I'm talking precipices, hanging cliffs, and a max speed of 40 km/h. Newbies, maybe sit this one out. The views from the top of the canyon are insane! But heads up, it’s a serious drop. And just to keep things interesting, the road dead-ends at the edge of the mountain, right above a mine. This one is for those who like to live life on the edge!
extremeWhere is the Naktse La pass located?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Naktse La in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture is calling your name, if you're brave enough. We're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at a staggering 18,152 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 22.6-mile trek from Yarexiang that demands respect and a proper 4x4. The road? Let's just say "unpaved" is putting it mildly – think gravel and dirt, all the way up, gaining 2,332 feet in elevation. The scenery is mind-blowing, raw, and utterly remote, but be warned: this isn't for the faint of heart. Altitude sickness is a real threat, as you're constantly above 16,400 feet, and help is a long, long way away. Expect some seriously steep sections that will test your engine's limits. The road's generally only open in summer, and even then, prepare for freezing temps and surprise storms. Naktse La is a pure, unadulterated Himalayan experience that you'll never forget!