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
hardWhy is Shaharah famous?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, adventure junkies, picture this: Yemen, Shaharah District. We're headed up Jabal Shaharah, a mountain peak soaring to 8,284 feet! At the very top, clinging to the summit, is Shaharah, a fortified medieval village, practically lost in time. Think ancient stone houses and a way of life untouched by the modern world. The road? Paved in 2014, a twisting ribbon stretching 18.26 miles from Haboor. But hold on – this isn't your Sunday drive! It's narrow, it's steep, and it climbs relentlessly to the top. And the views? Epic! Okay, now for the not-so-glamorous part. This region is in Northern Yemen, and has seen some serious conflict. Right now, travel isn't recommended. Sadly, this incredible destination is off-limits for most travelers due to ongoing instability and security concerns. It’s a war zone, which makes it dangerous, so hold off on this one for now, sadly. Let's hope that changes soon!
hardA Road of Contrasts: Where is Almass Pass?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: the Almass Pass, snaking its way high into the mountains of northwestern Iran. It's like the star of the show on the Asalem to Khalkhal Road – arguably the most stunning drive in the whole country! This 66km (41 mile) stretch of Road 319 connects the super green Gilan forests to the rough and tumble Ardabil mountains. We're talking about a crazy transition, people! You start at sea level, practically swimming in a humid, jungle vibe, and bam! Less than an hour later, you're in an alpine wonderland. Now, is it a breeze? Nope. Even though it's paved, this road throws a lot at you. Think endless hairpin turns and seriously steep climbs. And here's the kicker: the Caspian Sea loves to blanket the road in a thick fog, so sometimes you can barely see your hand in front of your face. If you get carsick easily, pack some ginger! Pro tip: fill 'er up! There's no gas for like 80 kilometers between the towns on either side, so don't be caught short. And when it comes to places to crash, skip the fancy hotels. Instead, look for the cozy local inns and wooden cabins, especially near the top. Trust me, it's way more authentic. Keep in mind that this area of the Talesh Mountains gets hammered in winter. Snow can shut things down, and avalanches are a real risk. Even in late spring, the weather can be totally different at the top compared to the valley floor. Pack layers! You might be freezing at the summit while it feels like summer down below.
moderateDriving the scary Blade Sky Road with cliffs on both sides
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern Chongqing, China, way up in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County. You're about to tackle Blade Sky Road, a seriously wild stretch of concrete clinging to Qiyao Mountain, about 230 km from Chongqing City. Locals call it "the back of a knife," and they aren't kidding. We're talking crazy cliffs on both sides and a 600+ meter vertical drop! Driving feels like balancing on a curved saber blade. This 3km (1.86 miles) route snakes from the S202 up to Xiaofengmen, right in the heart of the mountains. Apparently, Wind Energy Group built it to reach their mountaintop windmills. Now, it's a total hotspot for drivers and photographers chasing that epic view. The scenery is unbelievable!
easyDriving the Scenic Paved Mountain Road to Namshang La
🇮🇳 India
Namshang La, sitting pretty at 16,273 feet in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a total feast for the eyes. Picture this: you're surrounded by hundreds of colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind at the summit. This pass is your gateway from the Indus Valley up to the high plateau of Tsomoriri, right near the border with Tibet and its massive lake sitting pretty at 14,700 feet. The good news? The road is a smooth, newly paved black tarmac. The area is remote, so prepare for vast, sparsely populated landscapes and raw natural beauty. Keep in mind there's next to nothing in the way of villages or gas stations along the route, so fill 'er up before you go! This 27.83-mile stretch runs north-south from Sumdo to Korzok, one of the highest towns in India. Nestled in the Rupshu region of the Changthang Plateau, expect freezing temperatures in winter, which pretty much shuts things down until summer. Even then, be prepared for some seriously high passes (like Kiagar La at 15,941 feet!), a small saline lake called Kyagar Tso at 15,436 feet and cold nights, even in the summer months.