
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
hardLung La is a truly outstanding SUV adventure
π¨π³ China
Alright adventure junkies, let's talk Lung La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Gyaca County, Tibet, clocking in at a lung-busting 17,112 feet (5,216m). You'll find it southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Forget your fancy sports car, because the road to the top is a wild, unpaved ride. We're talking serious off-road terrain, so bring your high-clearance SUV. This 20-mile (33km) stretch connects Cijiuxiang and Jilongnacun. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views of the untouched lakes, Ge Salangcuo and La Mulacuo. Trust me, the scenery makes the bumpy ride totally worth it!
extremeHow long is Fairy Meadows Road?
π΅π° Pakistan
Okay, buckle up, adrenaline junkies! Fairy Meadows Road in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is NOT for the faint of heart. This isn't your average scenic drive β it's a 16 km (almost 10 mile) rollercoaster on a completely unpaved track that winds its way into Fairy Meadows National Park. Imagine this: a narrow, rocky path hugging the mountainside, carved out ages ago and practically untouched since. We're talking about a road so skinny, sometimes it's barely wider than your Jeep. Oh, and did I mention there are zero guardrails? Yep, one wrong move and you're taking a serious tumble. Starting near the Indus River, this insane "Road of Death" climbs almost 8,000 feet! You'll need a 4x4 to tackle the beginning, but eventually, you'll have to ditch the wheels and hike or bike the final stretch to reach Tato village near Fairy Meadows, sitting pretty at 3,300 meters. The good news? If you survive, you're rewarded with insane views and access to Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain on earth. The best time to tackle this beast is in the summer months (June & July), when the snow has (hopefully) cleared. This private toll road, built by local villagers, is closed in winter. So, is it worth it? If you're a serious mountain lover, a daredevil photographer, or just someone with nerves of steel, then HELL YES. But seriously, bring your courage β you're gonna need it!
hardWhere is the Chapursan Valley?
π΅π° Pakistan
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan to be exact, heading towards the Wakhan Corridor. You're about to embark on a 51 km (31 mile) off-road adventure from Khuda Abad to Yashkuk through the Chapursan Valley β a place where the road is more of a suggestion than a perfectly paved path. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think lunar landscapes dotted with towering granite peaks, and vast alluvial fans carved by the Chapursan River. The "road" itself? A mix of loose shale, sandy stretches, and thrilling river crossings. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? There are some serious unprotected edges plunging down to the river below. Landslides and rockfalls are common, especially when the snow melts or after a good rain. From December to March, the valley can be completely snowed in, so plan accordingly. Your ultimate destination, at the end of the road, is the Shrine of Baba Ghundi, a spiritual haven for the local Ismaili community. It's a high-altitude oasis near the Afghan border where the road ends and yak trails begin. Important notes for your trip: This area is remote, and close to the Afghan border, so youβll need to be prepared. Make sure youβre up-to-date on local regulations, bring copies of your ID for checkpoints, and consider hiring a local guide who knows the area well. There are no facilities here, so bring enough fuel, food, and emergency supplies. Avoid driving at night!
hardDriving the most beautiful Spiral Highway of Shanxi
π¨π³ China
Cruising through Zezhou County, in southeast Shanxi, China? Buckle up, because National Highway 207 has a wild twist! This isn't just a road, it's a 27.6 km (17.14 mile) long engineering marvel designed to tame those crazy inclines. Imagine spiraling up over 600 meters! The Tupo Bridge does exactly that, looping around like a helix to gain elevation quickly. Think super steep hillsides needed a solution β this is it! It's a relatively new section, opened in 2019 after a multi-year project designed to make this former "bottleneck" section a smooth, if slightly dizzying, ride. Get ready for views and some serious curves!