Kelok 9
Indonesia, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
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.
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is Gu La?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Gu La, a seriously sky-high mountain pass clinging to the roof of the world in Cona County, China. We're talking a whopping 5,075m (16,650ft) above sea level! Also known as Thermu La, you'll find this beauty in the Shannan Prefecture of southern Tibet, practically breathing the same air as the stunning Lake Nariyong Co. The road itself? It's a fully paved ribbon stretching for 23.7 km (14.72 miles) from the S202 highway to Quzhuomuxiang. Don't let the "paved" part fool you, though. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking some seriously steep climbs, maxing out at a gut-busting 31% gradient in places. And the curves? Forget about it! Hairpin turns galore and switchbacks that'll have you questioning your life choices (in a good way, of course). Get ready for unforgettable views and an adrenaline rush that’ll leave you buzzing!
extremeRiadong La: Driving the remote S224 road in the Qiajajima Mountains
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Riadong La Pass in Qinghai, China, is calling your name! Perched way up high at 5,005m (16,420ft), this mountain pass straddles the edge of Zadoi and Zhidoi counties, deep within the Yushu Prefecture. We’re talking serious Tibetan Plateau wilderness vibes here. Think of it as a brand-new (and I mean *brand-new*) gateway slicing through the Qiajajima mountains, which act as a natural barrier between the Mekong and Yangtze rivers. You'll be smack-dab in the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve, cruising alongside the Angqiansong River. Trees? Forget about it. This is high alpine tundra all the way. Now, about the road... well, "road" is a generous term. It’s the S224, and it’s completely unpaved. Picture this: loose gravel, dirt tracks, and a surface that's constantly battling the elements. A high-clearance 4x4 is absolutely non-negotiable. Get ready for washboards, dust clouds in the dry season, and mud pits after the rain. Oh, and did I mention there are no guardrails? The path often hugs the cliffs right next to the river! The entire route stretches 198 km (123 miles) from Zhidoi to Zadoi, and plan on a solid 8-9 hours to complete the journey, even without long stops. The challenging terrain and the altitude (most of the drive is over 4,000 meters!) will slow you down. And remember, there are zero gas stations or repair shops between the two towns, so you need to be fully self-sufficient. The two biggest concerns? Altitude sickness and mechanical issues. At that height, the air is thin, so be prepared for potential headaches and engine struggles. Also, the weather can flip on a dime – expect snow or sleet, even in August! That gravel can get super slippery. And because you are right next to the Angqiansong River, be aware that parts of the road can disappear due to erosion or flash floods. Pack extra fuel, a satellite phone, and maybe some oxygen for good measure. This pass is generally only open from late June to early September. The rest of the year, it’s a snowy, sub-zero wasteland. Even in summer, expect freezing temperatures at night. And if it starts raining hard, just stop! The roadbeds here are new and can easily wash out.
moderatePenma La: a rough and bumpy road
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Penma La is calling your name! This wild and untamed pass in Tibet tops out at a staggering 5,321 meters (that's 17,457 feet!). You'll find it tucked away in Ngamring County, part of Xigazê, and trust me, it's remote! Forget pavement – this is a purely off-road experience, so you absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer it. Penma La connects the Dotra and Nagma valleys, slicing through a desolate, almost lunar landscape. Be warned, this isn't a year-round trip; you'll mostly only have access during the summer months. Don't expect any frills out here – electricity, reliable medical help, or even the luxury of western toilets are rare finds. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Get ready for a truly unforgettable, off-the-grid experience!
hardMukha Pass: The Border Crossing Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Hey, adventure junkies! Ever heard of Mukha Pass? It's a wild ride at a whopping 2,564 meters (8,412 feet) high, straddling the border between Afghanistan's Kunar Province and Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This pass is the real deal – a crucial link through the Hindu Kush mountains. You kick things off on the Pakistani side from Mamund, and the climb is a rough and ready 22.8 km (14.16 miles) of unpaved military track. Think hairpin turns galore and seriously narrow squeezes! Now, here's the catch: this isn't your average tourist route. The Pakistani military keeps up a track for their logistics, but on the Afghan side, it's pretty much non-existent. Plus, access is a no-go unless you're military personnel. Foreigners and civilians, sadly, can't pass through. You'll see plenty of military checkpoints keeping an eye on things. Word to the wise: this border area is a restricted zone. International authorities strongly advise against travel here due to ongoing security stuff and instability. Permits are super tight, so this one's more for the armchair traveler than the road tripper, unfortunately. Still, pretty cool, right?