Kelok 9

Kelok 9

Indonesia, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Indonesia is calling, and you NEED to add these roads to your itinerary! First up, get ready for Kelok 9, a twisty-turny masterpiece near Payakumbuh in West Sumatra. "Kelok" literally means curve, and boy, does this road deliver! Prepare for some serious adrenaline as you conquer its hairpin turns. Built on the path of an old, super-narrow road, Kelok 9 cuts through lush green hills, snaking between the White Water Reservation and the Harau Canyon – both total must-sees. It stretches for about 19 kilometers, connecting the regions of West Sumatra and Riau.

Then, there's the Jalan Lintas Tengah Sumatra, another gem. This road sweeps across 39 kilometers, linking Jambi and West Sumatra. Think gorgeous hills and valleys bathed in that iconic Indonesian green. Just keep an eye out – it's had a few landslide issues in the past, so stay aware of your surroundings.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Indonesia
Continent
asia
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in asia

Driving the remote road to Manman Top is an otherworldly experiencehard

Driving the remote road to Manman Top is an otherworldly experience

🇮🇳 India

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a true off-roading experience, then Manman Top in Jammu and Kashmir, India, needs to be on your radar. This bad boy hits an altitude of 4,302m (that's 14,114ft!), and it's a wild ride from start to finish. Tucked away in the Suru Valley, super close to the Line of Control (LoC), this area is seriously remote. Back in the day, it was just a trekking route for shepherds and hardcore hikers, connecting Dras and Sankoo via Manman Top and Umba La passes. But after the Kargil War, a road was carved out to create a shortcut between the towns. And let me tell you, this 65km stretch shaves a ton of time off the journey! So, about that road… It’s roughly 60km (37 miles) of mostly unpaved madness from Dras to Sankoo, and you'll conquer not one, but *two* passes: Manman Top first, followed by Umba La. Because of the crazy altitude, it’s only open from June to October. Expect narrow sections, insane drop-offs, hairpin turns that'll make you dizzy, and seriously steep climbs. The scenery is unreal, but be warned, you're basically in the middle of nowhere. No rest stops, no amenities, just you and the open road. These days, you'll mostly find bikers and trekkers tackling this route, so if you're looking for solitude and a serious adrenaline rush, Manman Top is calling your name!

Col Chewang Rinchen Setu bridge is said to be India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridgemoderate

Col Chewang Rinchen Setu bridge is said to be India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge

🇮🇳 India

Alright, buckle up adventure seekers! We're heading to Ladakh, India, to check out the Col Chewang Rinchen Setu bridge. This isn't just any bridge, folks, we're talking about India's highest altitude all-weather permanent bridge, towering 4,358m (14,297ft) above sea level! You'll find this steel and concrete marvel nestled on the border of the Leh district, practically waving hello to Chinese-controlled Aksai Chin. This beauty spans 426 meters (1400 ft) over the Shyok River and forms part of the Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road (DS-DBO Road/DSDBO Road), also known as the Sub-Sector North Road (SSN Road). This isn't just a scenic route, it's a strategic one, sitting just 45 km east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. And with a width of 4.5 meters, it's built tough enough to handle vehicles up to 70 tons! The best part? This bridge cuts travel time in half and opens up access to remote villages across the Shyok River. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking views and a true taste of adventure on this incredible road!

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Uy-Bulak Passhard

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Uy-Bulak Pass

🌍 Tajikistan

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan, practically on the Chinese border, in the heart of the Pamir Mountains. You're tackling Pereval Uy-Bulak, a mountain pass that tops out at a staggering 13,989 feet! This epic stretch is part of the legendary M41 highway. Forget smooth sailing; this road is a mixed bag of pavement and rugged, unpaved sections. Mother Nature has definitely left her mark, with erosion, earthquake damage, landslides, and avalanches throwing some serious curveballs your way. This incredible pass stretches for 69 miles, carving its way from south to north. Be warned: even with a 4x4, this climb is a beast. The altitude can hit you hard, bringing on headaches and shortness of breath. The constant dust and wind will leave you feeling pretty bunged up, and simply getting in and out of the vehicle can be a workout. But trust me, the views of the Tajik National Park? Totally worth it.

Driving the Paved NH 109K Road in Uttarakhand is Not a Good Ideaextreme

Driving the Paved NH 109K Road in Uttarakhand is Not a Good Idea

🇮🇳 India

Okay, thrill-seekers, let me tell you about NH 109K in Uttarakhand, India. This paved road *looks* innocent enough, especially since it got its fresh asphalt in the 2020s. But trust me, your GPS is playing a prank on you if it suggests this route. We're talking 293km (182 miles) of pure adrenaline, stretching from Jauljibi, a cute border town near Nepal, all the way up to Simli. Don't be fooled by the pavement; this road is basically a never-ending series of narrow switchbacks and hairpin turns with zero guardrails. Oh, and did I mention you'll be dodging waterfalls that spill right onto the road? You'll be hugging the Goriganga and Gori rivers for what feels like forever. Word to the wise: monsoon season turns this road into a potential mudslide, so check conditions before you go. Seriously, allow at least 10 hours for this drive. Despite the sketchy road conditions, the scenery is unreal. You'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the rivers snaking through the valleys, and the majestic Panchchuli peaks – those five snow-covered giants in the Himalayas – will leave you breathless. Just try to keep your eyes on the road!