
Is the road to Jabal Sabir paved?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
44.2 km
2,883 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up, up, UP into the Yemeni highlands, in the Janad region of the Taiz Governorate. You're tackling Jabal Sabir, reaching a staggering 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) above sea level!
The whole route is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don’t think it’s going to be a relaxing cruise. This 44.2 km (27.46 mile) climb from Taiz to Ad Dimnah is packed with a crazy 55 hairpin turns that will keep you on your toes. And some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 15%! It's called 412 Road (or Saber Road).
The scenery is probably incredible (if you dare to take your eyes off the road!), but honestly, with the ongoing armed conflict, terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and generally unstable situation in Yemen, this is a journey best left for another time. If you find yourself there, extreme caution is advised!
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 44.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,883 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeThe inhumane climb to Zhilung La with 20% ramps
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Zhilung La! This beast of a pass tops out at a lung-busting 16,305 feet (4,970m) in the remote Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking Ngari Prefecture, way out in the southeastern corner of the country. Forget pavement; this is a raw, unadulterated dirt track. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And pack accordingly, because you are WAY out there. The climb gets seriously steep in sections – think gradients pushing over 20%! Those ramps are straight up covered in loose rock and scree, so be ready to lock into low gear to keep from spinning out. The whole stretch is only about 14.35 miles (23.1 km) between Gê'gyai and the stunning Yakemi Lake, but don't let that fool you. Those miles will take over an hour to conquer thanks to the rough terrain. Oh, and a HUGE heads up: altitude sickness is a real threat up here. Know the symptoms and be prepared. Also, keep an eye on the weather because visibility can go from crystal clear to zero in seconds with fog or dust storms. It's epic, challenging, and absolutely unforgettable!
extremeHow long is the road to Lugu La?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for Lugu La! This high-altitude pass straddles the border between Qonggyai and Zhanang counties in the Shannan region of Tibet, China. Think of it as the wilder cousin to the Karu La pass, carving a path through the towering Transhimalaya mountains. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The route to the top stretches for about 35 km from the tiny settlement of... well, let's just say it's remote. Forget pavement; we're talking pure, unadulterated gravel and high-plateau dirt. Get ready for a rollercoaster of hairpin turns as you climb, climb, climb to the summit at a whopping 5,065 meters. Trust me, average speed is more like "scenic crawl" thanks to the rugged conditions. A 4x4 with serious ground clearance is absolutely essential to conquer this terrain. Word to the wise: Lugu La pretty much shuts down in winter. Snow and ice turn this already challenging road into an impassable beast. Even in spring or fall, be prepared for slippery conditions and unpredictable weather. This part of Tibet throws curveballs like sudden storms, and there are zero guardrails or road markings to save you. So, what makes driving at 5,065 meters so intense? First, altitude sickness is a real concern. Your car's engine might feel the burn too – expect a power loss of 35-40% in the thin air. Second, you are completely on your own out there. No electricity, no gas stations, no medical help. Make sure you're stocked with spare fuel, an extra tire (or two!), and keep a close eye on your vehicle's temperature. Planning is key! Pack extra fuel and a full-size spare tire. Those sharp rocks are just waiting to puncture your dreams. Communication is spotty at best, and traffic is practically nonexistent. Seriously, bring a satellite phone and get a weather report from Luomading before you even think about tackling that 35 km ascent.
hardLamzo La, a winding road only for experienced drivers
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Lamzo La! Nestled way up in the Chang-Chemno range of northern India's Leh District, this mountain pass sits at a staggering 16,112 feet! You might also hear it called Porandu Pass or Cholung La. The road, officially Lukumg-Phobrang-Chartse Road, is actually paved, stretching for about 48 miles. Sounds easy, right? Think again! This route is a real rollercoaster, full of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll test your driving skills. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Expect some seriously steep sections – gradients can hit 6%! Factor in the altitude (hello, altitude sickness!), unpredictable weather, and the sheer remoteness of it all, and you've got yourself a challenging, unforgettable drive. The views? Absolutely epic. The experience? Totally worth it for the seasoned traveler.
moderateDare to drive the dangerous Kotal-e Lashkar Rah
🌍 Afghanistan
Kotal-e Lashkar Rah is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.934m (9,625ft) above the sea level, located in Ghor Province, in central Afghanistan. The winding mountain road to the summit is unpaved. It’s called Asian Highway 77 (AH77), a main road running from Jabal Saraj, Afghanistan to Mary, Turkmenistan. 4x4 vehicle recommended after rains. The area is very remote. Open to traffic throughout the year, the road may be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. The pass is 115 km (71.45 miles) long running west-east from Chaghcharān, also called Firozkoh, on the southern side of the Hari River, to Lal wa Sarjangal, also called La'l Wa Sar Jangal or simply Lal. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. Travel guide to the top of Pereval Torbulak Navigating Shah Mansoor Pass, Afghanistan's Majestic Heights 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.