
Pir Ki Gali Pass is the highest point on the Mughal Road
India, asia
50 km
3,485 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Pir Ki Gali Pass in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is calling your name! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a proper mountain pass sitting pretty at 3,485 meters (that's 11,433 feet!).
You'll find it on the legendary Mughal Road, stretching for 50 km (31 miles) between Shopian and Poshiana. The road's mostly paved, but don't let that fool you. Think hairpin turns, steep climbs, and enough curves to make you dizzy, not to mention some seriously exposed drop-offs. It's the highest point on the Mughal Road, so you know the views are insane.
Up at the summit (Peer Ki Gali), you'll find some little souvenir shops and a couple of shrines – perfect for a quick pit stop. The drive itself is gorgeous, with hardly any traffic to spoil your zen. Just remember you're at altitude, so take it easy and soak in the views of the Pir Panjal Range! Keep in mind this road is often closed in winter due to snow. One more thing: you'll need to register your vehicle and passenger details along the way, so keep your documents handy.
Where is it?
Pir Ki Gali Pass is the highest point on the Mughal Road is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 21.3395, 76.7980
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,485 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 21.3395, 76.7980
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Yotong La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Yotong La is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at a lofty elevation, making it one of the highest roads in the country! Locally known as , it straddles the border between Bumthang and Trongsa Districts, right in the heart of Bhutan. What awaits you at the summit? Prayer flags fluttering in the wind. On the south side, the road climbs even higher to a radio/TV repeater station at above sea level. Be warned, though: this stretch is super steep and narrow! A 4x4 with good clearance is definitely recommended. Is it paved? Yes, the road to the summit is. How long is the adventure? The road through the pass is approximately from , the district capital in central-eastern Bhutan. Heads up: you might get stuck for a day or two because of . Oddly enough, despite the altitude, it rarely snows here! Expect misty conditions, though. This curvy road gives Thrumshing La a run for its money!
moderateWhere is the Moreeb Dune?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Cruising through the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, you'll find the epic Moreeb Dune, or Tal Moreeb, one of the planet's tallest dunes. This beast is nestled near the Liwa Oasis, right on the edge of the Empty Quarter desert, practically waving to Saudi Arabia. So, what makes it a must-see? For starters, it's the tallest dune in the UAE! We're talking a whopping 5,250 feet long and almost 1,000 feet high, with a seriously steep 50-degree slope. It's not just a pretty face though—it's famous for hosting insane drag races. Getting there is surprisingly easy. The whole 13.6-mile stretch from the Arada - Hamim Road (E90) is paved. As you drive south of Mzeerʻah, the road winds through the desert, treating you to incredible sand dune vistas before you even reach the legendary Tal Mireb ("Horrifying Hill"). The paved road takes you all the way to the base of Tal Moreeb and ends in a parking lot, so no 4x4 needed, thanks to the government's efforts to make this place accessible. Just follow the signs for 'Moreeb Dune' or 'Tal Mireb'. One heads up though: the desert wind loves to blow sand onto the road, so keep an eye out!
hardHow to Travel the Duku Highway to Laerdun Daban?
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Laerdun Daban pass! This incredible route winds its way up to 2,723m (8,933ft) in northwestern China, linking Xinyuan County and Hejing County. Also called Tuilan Sala Daban, this section of the Duku Highway (G217) is entirely paved, though watch out for gravel in landslide-prone spots. This 42.7 km (26.53 mile) stretch is an engineering marvel, packed with over 30 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. But the views! Oh, the views! Expect to be surrounded by clouds, mist, and the stunning beauty of green plateau meadows, lush pine forests, and majestic mountains. The whole area is unreal. The Duku Highway is typically open from June to the end of September due to snow, so plan accordingly. July and August are peak season, so be prepared for more traffic. Keep an eye out for landslides and rockfalls, especially during bad weather. The speed limit is 40 km/h overall, dropping to 30 km/h on curves. Heads up: the road generally has specific entry hours. Except for the section from Nalati to Bayinbuluke (Laerdun Daban), which has no time limit, the entire route is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nighttime restrictions are in place, prohibiting entry into the mountainous area from 21:00 to 9:00 am. Important stuff to know: the entire highway is accessible to vehicles with seven seats or less. However, trailers are not allowed, and the height limit for RVs is 4.5 meters. Also, there are no service stations on the winding mountain road, so fill up in Nalati Town or Bayinbuluke Town before you hit the mountains. You also need to pack all your supplies in advance, as there are no stores along the way.
extremeThe road to Zimei Pass will take your breath away
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China, you HAVE to check out Zimei Pass. We're talking about a sky-high pass topping out at a whopping 14,950 feet! Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and can get seriously dicey, especially from October to June when the weather turns. Expect hairpin turns that'll make your head spin and some seriously steep drop-offs the entire way, but that is part of the fun! The views though? Absolutely breathtaking! You'll be stopping every few minutes to snap pics of the incredible scenery. The summit has a big parking lot and even a communication tower. Just be prepared for some intense wind – seriously, the snow sometimes falls sideways! Setting up a tent is definitely not recommended. Keep in mind the altitude and the rough road conditions. This trip isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to altitude sickness). But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with a view of Mt. Minya Kongka, the highest peak in Sichuan, that is out of this world. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget!