Is Dolon Pass Paved?
Kyrgyzstan, asia
114 km
3,030 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Dolon Pass in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Province! This baby climbs to a whopping 9,940 feet (3,030 m), so get ready for some serious altitude.
The A365 (aka E125), which is the main drag between Bishkek and Torugart, will take you there. It's mostly paved, but watch out for some gravel patches to keep things interesting.
Speaking of interesting, this pass is no joke! The climb is STEEP, and the descent is even steeper. Plus, you'll be sharing the road with massive 18-wheelers hauling goods from China. The road can be uneven and super slick after a snowfall, so keep your wits about you.
The whole stretch from Naryn to Kochkor is about 71 miles (114 km) of up-and-down driving.
But, oh man, is it worth it! You'll be smack-dab in the middle of Kyrgyzstan, with killer views of the valley and the Tien Shan mountains. We're talking glaciers, ice caps, the whole shebang! There's even a weather station chilling near the road at the top. Definitely a drive you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 114 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,030 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardA Brutal Road to the Edge of the Sky: Shiquanhe Observatory and AliCPT
🇨🇳 China
Gear up for an incredible climb near Shiquanhe in western Tibet! This isn't your average road trip; it's a high-altitude adventure to the Shiquanhe (Ali) Observatory and the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT). Starting from China National Highway 219 (G219) near Sha Zi La, you'll ascend about 15 kilometers (9+ miles) to a staggering 5,403 meters (17,726 ft) above sea level. Expect a steep climb with hairpin turns and some exposed sections that will get your heart pumping! While the road is mostly paved and wide enough for maintenance vehicles, a 4x4 is highly recommended due to the incline. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you, as this area is prone to severe weather like avalanches, snow, landslides, and icy patches. At the summit, you'll find the Shiquanhe Observatory sitting pretty at around 5,100 meters (16,700 ft), with the AliCPT B1 site nearby at 5,176 meters (16,981 ft). The altitude here offers some of the best observing conditions on Earth. Remember, this route isn't just a scenic drive; it's crucial for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to keep these observatories running. Be sure to factor in the altitude, limited services, and rapidly changing weather when planning your trip. With the right prep, you'll be set for an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s highest scientific outposts!
moderateS305 road is truly an unforgettable experience in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure awaits on the S305 in Tibet! This 413 km stretch of asphalt connects the G109 (near Nagqu) and the G318, offering a fairly straight shot through some seriously breathtaking, yet challenging, terrain. A word of caution: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart (or lungs!). We're talking serious altitude here, peaking at 5,190m (17,027ft) at Aba La. If you have any respiratory or heart issues, this might be one to skip. The elements here are no joke. Expect strong winds and wildly unpredictable weather, no matter the time of year. Pack for cold conditions and be prepared for sudden snowstorms, even in summer. The scenery is absolutely incredible, but respect the power of Mother Nature on this high-altitude route!
hardTsugaru Iwaki Skyline: A Road So Winding, You'll Feel Dizzy Just Observing!
🇯🇵 Japan
Ready for an epic road trip in northern Japan? Buckle up for the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, a twisty-turny dream (or nightmare, depending on your driving skills!) in the Tōhoku region. Starting from the Ajigasawa Highway at the foot of Mount Iwaki, this paved road climbs all the way to the mountain's 8th station, a staggering 1,247 meters (4,091 feet) high. While you can't drive to the very top (1,625 meters), you can hop on a lift to reach the peak. What's so special about this road? Only 69 hairpin turns of pure driving bliss (or terror!). Seriously, it's one of the most intensely hairpinned roads on the planet. But it's not just about the adrenaline rush. At the top, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views. Feeling adventurous? Hike from the 8th station to the summit, passing through a gorgeous 90-year-old beech forest near the 3rd station. Located near Hirosaki city in Aomori Prefecture, the road stretches for 9.3 km (5.77 miles), climbing 806 meters with an average gradient of 8.66% (and some seriously steep 10% sections). It's open from mid-April to late October, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closes at 5:00 p.m.). Keep in mind that cyclists aren't allowed. Opened back in 1960, it begins at 441m above sea level. Get ready for the drive of your life!
moderateWhy is Khyber Pass so famous?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Khyber Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft) above sea level, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The road through the pass is the main route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Why is Khyber Pass so famous? Located in the northwestern region of the country, the pass is the most northerly and important of the passes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has long been a significant trade and invasion route. Well-known invasions of the area have been predominantly through the pass. It is the scene of various historic battles and one of the routes once known as “the Silk Road”. The area between Peshawar and Afghanistan is known as the tribal lands. Is it safe to go to Khyber Pass? Traveling to this area is not recommended, as the area is not safe. A place where tribal warlords ruled. Here neither the police nor the Pakistani army have any jurisdiction whatsoever. At the top of the pass is the town of Landi Kotal, famous for smuggling everything from consumer electronics to AK-47s. Attractions for the truly intrepid tourist include weapons factories and hashish warehouses. Alongside the dusty road are corrugated metal rooftop storefronts. Here it isn't milk powder nor water they sell. Here, t hey sell wholesale weaponry. AK-47s by the dozen, or maybe a single pistol for a single job. Grenades, mortars, not a problem. Discounts available. Next door it’s a different kind of merchandise. Hashish by the ounce, kilo, or bale. Opium for export and cocaine for retail. The pass is clearly far too dangerous for most. How long is Khyber Pass? Set high on the northeastern part of the Spin Ghar mountains, the road to the summit is completely paved. It’s called N5 Torkham Highway, part of the . The pass is 32.0 km (19.88 miles) long running east-west from Shalkani to the border of Afghanistan. Road trip guide: Conquering Nathia Gali in Pakistan Pir Chinasi is a frighteningly narrow road in Pakistan 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.