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
hardTraversing the Tunnel Beneath Kumbhe Waterfall: Maharashtra's Majestic Intersection
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, and BAM! You stumble upon the Kumbhe Waterfall – seriously stunning. Tucked away in the Sahyadri mountains, this natural beauty sends water cascading down about 175 feet. Think lush greenery and the sound of water hitting a clear, tranquil pool. While it’s pretty year-round, monsoon season (June to September) is when it REALLY puts on a show. But wait, there's more! At the base of the mountains, you'll find a crazy cool handmade tunnel, like something Indiana Jones would explore. It's about 820 feet long, and the locals built it! Heads up, though: it's dark, rugged, and totally raw. No fancy lights or smooth concrete here! There are some holes in the ground, too, so watch your step. And during the monsoon? That waterfall gets intense, so be extra careful. Safety first, folks! But if you're up for a little adventure, this place is unforgettable.
hardS304 is an unforgettable journey in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure awaits on Provincial Road 304 in Tibet! This little 170 km (105 mile) shortcut is a stunner, linking Yangbajain (off the main China National Highway 109) to the legendary 318 National Road (G318), the Tibet-Sichuan highway, near Dazhuka. Now, it's unsealed, but don't let that scare you off – most cars can handle it when it's dry. Just keep in mind we're talking serious altitude here, hovering above 3,800m, so that thin air is no joke. Weather can be a factor, too. The real highlight? Mula Mountain Pass! Prepare for jaw-dropping views from 5,453m (17,890ft) high in the Nyenchen Dangla Mountains. Seriously, the views are worth the climb!
moderateNavigating the Terrain: Journey to Siyah Kamar Peak
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Siyah Kamar in the Alborz Mountains of Iran! This peak soars to 3,335 meters (that's 10,941 feet!), making it one of the highest roads in the country. Picture this: you're cruising on a 4.7 km (about 3 miles) unpaved road in northwestern Iran, not far from the west of ... with most regular cars able to make the journey! You'll climb 333 meters, averaging a 7% gradient. Keep your eyes peeled as you get higher, because the scenery is unreal. When you finally reach the top, you'll find some cool, abandoned buildings! Word to the wise: this route is typically snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan your trip accordingly!
extremeThe "Rollercoaster" Engineering: Eshima Ohashi Bridge
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan is a gearhead's dream, where futuristic highways meet ancient mountain roads. Forget Tokyo's bright lights and dive into the "Touge" (mountain pass) scene, where you'll find incredible engineering alongside active volcanoes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Driving here means mastering unique etiquette, navigating toll booths, and experiencing some of the best-engineered alpine routes on the planet. Whether you’re chasing the famous "Rollercoaster Bridge" or the sacred hairpins in the Japanese Alps, these routes are the ultimate Asian road trip. **The "Rollercoaster" Eshima Ohashi Bridge** Probably the most mind-blowing sight is the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. Connecting Matsue and Sakaiminato, this bridge has become famous for its crazy-steep look. While the actual gradient is around 6%, the photos make it seem like a vertical drop! It's an incredible feat of engineering, designed to let big ships pass underneath while giving drivers a wild ride. **The Sacred Hairpins of Irohazaka** Nestled in the mountains of Nikko, the Irohazaka Winding Road is a masterpiece of mountain road design. It features two separate roads—one up, one down—with a total of 48 hairpin turns. Each turn is named after a syllable of the old Japanese alphabet. It’s a spiritual experience and a driving challenge, demanding smooth braking and steering, especially when the autumn leaves are at their peak. **Touching the Sky: Norikura Skyline and Fuji Subaru Line** For some high-altitude thrills, check out the Norikura Skyline. It's Japan's highest public road, climbing to 2,702 meters. The views rival the Swiss Alps, but access is limited to protect the environment. Closer to Tokyo, the Fuji Subaru Line is the go-to route for driving up Mount Fuji. Reaching the 5th Station at 2,305 meters, this toll road takes you through different ecological zones, ending above the clouds on Japan’s most famous peak. **Hokkaido: The Wild Frontier** Up north, Hokkaido offers a completely different vibe. The Hokkaido Route takes you through vast national parks and along rugged coastlines. Start in Sapporo and head towards Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Instead of tight mountain passes, Hokkaido features long, straight roads, and extreme winter conditions that can turn a drive into a survival challenge. **The Kyushu Volcanic Belt** Down in Kyushu, the southwestern island, you'll find fiery volcanoes and geothermal areas. Drive the Kyushu Volcanic Belt to Mount Aso, one of the world's biggest active calderas. The roads here are constantly monitored for volcanic activity, adding some excitement to the journey. Driving through these otherworldly landscapes, with steaming vents and green craters, shows off Japan’s spot on the Pacific Ring of Fire. **The Shikoku Remote Circuit** Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's main islands, offers a glimpse into "Old Japan." The Shikoku Island Circuit winds through lush valleys and rugged coastlines steeped in tradition. It's home to the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and the roads are narrower and more challenging than the mainland highways. For the adventurous driver, Shikoku is the last frontier of remote, rural Japanese driving. A road trip through Japan is an unforgettable journey. From the gravity-defying Eshima Ohashi Bridge to the high-altitude slopes of Mount Fuji, every route showcases the country's passion for perfection and its respect for the landscape. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let Japan's amazing roads blow your mind.