Ohmba
Bhutan, asia
10.4 km
1.307 m
hard
Year-round
Ohmba, a charming mountain town nestled in Bhutan's Trashiyangtse District, sits at a lofty 2,052m (6,732ft). Getting there is an adventure in itself!
The asphalt road is a real rollercoaster: super steep, seriously narrow (think one-car width only!), and packed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Oh, and did I mention the unprotected drops of hundreds of meters right beside you? Not for the faint of heart, or those with a fear of heights! Beginners might want to skip this one.
Starting from the Mongar - Trashigang - Trashiyangtse Road at 1,307m, the 10.4 km climb is relentless. You'll gain a whopping 745 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7,17% and some sections hitting a butt-clenching 12%. This route demands your full attention. Trust me, this road will test your driving skills, so leave the ego at home!
Where is it?
Ohmba is located in Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.3566, 90.2106
Road Details
- Country
- Bhutan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 10.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.307 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 27.3566, 90.2106
Related Roads in asia
moderateMuzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: a must do in India
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Malabar Coast in Kerala, India, sun shining, and you're not just near the beach, you're *on* the beach! Muzhappilangad Beach is Asia's only drive-in beach, a four-kilometer stretch of packed sand where you can literally take your car or motorcycle for a spin. Think golden sands, clear blue waters, and gentle waves lapping at your tires. Seriously, where else can you do this? The beach is super wide, so there's plenty of room to maneuver, even for buses! Just remember it's popular, and there's a small entry fee for vehicles. Sunset drives here are epic, but it gets crowded. Pro tip: head there early, like 6:00 AM, for a serene experience. Rainy days are a no-go, obviously. There are tons of spots to pull over, soak in the views, and watch the waves crash. Just a heads up: stick to the firm sand and don't get too adventurous in the water unless you want to get your car stuck. Also, keep it under 20 km/h, and be careful of getting salt water on your vehicle. Cruising here is a must-do. Trust me, it is an unforgettable adventure!
hardDriving the new Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road in India
🇮🇳 India
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready to explore the brand-new Zanskar Highway, connecting Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh through the stunning Zanskar region. This 298-kilometer (185-mile) route links Nimmu in the Indus Valley to Padum, the heart of Zanskar, and then continues to Darcha. This fully paved road is a game-changer, offering a shorter and safer way to reach Leh. You'll only have to conquer one major pass, Shingo La, which sits at a cool 5,048m (16,561ft). And get this – they're building a tunnel under Shingo La, set to open in 2025, which will make this route accessible year-round! While the landscape is challenging and the weather can be extreme, the views are totally worth it. Plus, this road is a strategic asset, strengthening defense capabilities in the region. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road cuts down travel time significantly, clocking in at just 10-12 hours compared to the Leh-Manali highway's 14-16 hours (weather permitting, of course). Get ready for an epic road trip!
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.
hardTanggu La is one of the China's top drives
🇨🇳 China
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Tanggu La! This beast of a pass hits a whopping 17,162 feet above sea level in the heart of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, China. Nestled in the Tanggula Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau, you might also hear it called Dang La, Tanggula, or Tanggu. You'll find it along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (part of China National Highway 109), which is paved, linking Beijing to Lhasa. Prepare for some serious altitude – you'll be cruising above 16,400 feet for nearly 50 miles before the next pass! The highway itself stretches almost 2,500 miles, heading west from Beijing through a string of cities before hooking southwest to Lhasa. Keep your eyes peeled on the weather, though. Conditions here are notoriously harsh and change on a dime. Sunny skies can quickly turn into a snowstorm. Once you reach the top, soak in the endless plains – if you can handle the killer winds, that is!