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
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.
moderateWhere is the Patapat Causeway Bridge?
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the northern tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines, wind in your hair, heading towards the Cagayan Valley Region. Suddenly, you hit the Patapat Causeway Bridge, and BAM! Jaw-dropping views of Pasaleng Bay explode before your eyes. This concrete beauty, stretching 1.3 km, hugs the coastline, perched 31 meters above the waves. It's a two-lane road, one lane each way, that zigzags its way along the mountain. Forget landslide worries – this bridge was built to ditch those dangers! Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! On a clear day, you can even spot the islands of Fuga and Calayan in the distance. And when it rains? Prepare for a mesmerizing spectacle of water cascading down the cliffs to the sea below. Trust me, this isn't just a bridge; it's a total scenic experience!
moderateHow to Get by Car to the Scenic Imamzadeh of Mazandaran Province?
🇮🇷 Iran
Nestled high in the Alborz Mountains of Iran, at a cool 2,766m (9,074ft), lies the Imamzadeh shrine, a hidden gem in Mazandaran Province. This sacred spot, dedicated to a Shia Imam's descendant, dates back to 1396. The journey there is an adventure in itself. The Elit-Foshkour road, a winding 8.2 km (5.09 miles) unpaved track, climbs from Elit to the mausoleum. You'll need a 4x4 for this one! Think narrow, dirt, and utterly breathtaking views. Imagine driving through mountains, past charming villages, and rising above the clouds into a dreamlike, misty world. The area is famous for its lush scenery, frequent fog, and refreshing cooler temperatures. Some even call it the "Alps of Iran"! Just keep in mind that certain governments advise against travel to Iran due to safety concerns.
extremeWhere is the Kiangan-Buguias Road?
🇵🇭 Philippines
Wanna hit the highest road in the Philippines? Then get ready to rumble on the Kiangan-Buguias Road! This insane stretch of asphalt winds its way through the Cordillera Central range, clocking in at a breathtaking 2,406m (7,893ft) above sea level at its peak. You'll find this epic 63km (39-mile) route connecting Kiangan in Ifugao to Buguias in Benguet, and trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles. Picture yourself cruising through mossy forests and under cloud-draped peaks. Seriously stunning! But hold up, this ain't no Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep climbs (some hitting a wild 20.4% gradient!) and enough switchbacks to make you dizzy. Mother Nature likes to throw curveballs too: think heavy fog, mist, and slick roads when it rains. Oh, and keep an eye out for landslides – rocks and debris are known to crash the party. Factor in plenty of time for this one, because the twists and turns mean you’ll be averaging a snail's pace. It's a chilly ride up there with all that cloud cover, so pack accordingly, and always be ready for the unexpected. Trust me, conquering this road is an adventure you won't soon forget!