
Jalebi bends: 23 hairpin bends on the old road to Fotu La
India, asia
20.5 km
3,626 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for the Jalebi Bends – or Hangro Loops – in Ladakh, India! This road is an absolute masterpiece of engineering, winding down from Lamayuru to Khaltse (20.5 km / 12.73 miles) with a dizzying 23 hairpin turns that resemble the famous Indian sweet, jalebi.
Trust me, this drive isn't for the timid. The curves are seriously sharp and can be tricky to navigate, especially with potential traffic. But the views…oh, the views! As you climb each loop, you're rewarded with incredible vistas of the Moon Land landscape. Once you reach the top, it's a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas Zaskar Range.
Just remember, this road is only accessible in the summer months. It climbs to a height of 3,626m (11,896ft) above sea level, and the area is prone to rockslides, so keep an eye out. While it was once the main route to Fotu La, the new NH1 highway bypasses it now. But if you're after an adrenaline-pumping adventure with scenery that'll blow your mind, the Jalebi Bends is where it's at!
Where is it?
Jalebi bends: 23 hairpin bends on the old road to Fotu La is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 24.6244, 76.2342
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 20.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,626 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 24.6244, 76.2342
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