Take the Scenic Route and Discover Dalton Pass
Philippines, asia
76.5 km
892 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising through central Luzon in the Philippines? You HAVE to check out Dalton Pass, also known as Balete Pass! Perched at almost 3,000 feet, this mountain crossing straddles the line between Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya provinces.
Okay, a little history: it’s named after General James Dalton II, who unfortunately met his end here during World War II. This area saw some serious fighting back in the day, and memorials dot the landscape, honoring soldiers from all sides.
Fun fact: a Spanish missionary, Father Villaverde, dreamed up this road way back in the late 1800s. The actual road was finished in 1928.
So, what’s the drive like? The AH26 (Pan-Philippine Highway) snakes for almost 48 miles from San Jose up to Aritao. Expect a fully paved road (though with some concrete sections), but hold on tight – it’s a seriously curvy route! Picture this: hundreds of turns hugging the meeting point of the Caraballo Sur and Sierra Madre ranges. It's a major highway, so be prepared to share the road with trucks and buses.
The views? Absolutely stunning. Just keep your eyes on the road – those curves demand your full attention!
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Dalton Pass is located in Philippines (asia). Coordinates: 11.1859, 121.3278
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 76.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 892 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 11.1859, 121.3278
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Koitezyak Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Pereval Koitezyak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,122m (13,523ft) above sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan. Where is Koitezyak Pass? The pass, also known as Koi-Tezek Pass, is located in the southeastern part of the country, within the Badakhshan National Park. Is Koitezyak Pass paved? The road through the pass is the historical , officially called M41. Most of the road is paved, except for the mountain passes, where it is unpaved and pretty sandy in parts. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. 4x4 vehicles only. How long is Koitezyak Pass? Set high in the Pamir Mountains, the pass is 71km (44 miles) long, running west-east from Dzhiland to Rabat Sasök-Kul'. Along the way, the drive provides views similar to a lunar landscape. Driving through Nayzatash Pass on the Pamir Highway How to Get by Car to Karakul Lake in the Pamir Mountains Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeA winding and treacherous road to Lawa La Pass
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Lawa La, perched high in the Black Mountains of central Bhutan's Wangdue Phodrang District, sits at a cool 3,349m (10,987ft). Think of it as the grand doorway to the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, a sanctuary for the elusive black-necked cranes. This isn't just any drive; it's a Himalayan adventure complete with a traditional stupa and a kaleidoscope of prayer flags dancing in the breeze. The scenery is pure bliss, but keep your eyes on the road! Weather can change on a dime, and the route gets pretty snug. You'll be cruising the Phobjikha Valley Road, a fully paved path that's more challenging than it looks. Picture this: narrow stretches where passing another car is a delicate dance, steep climbs, and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. And fog? Yeah, that's a regular guest, often dropping visibility to near zero. This 18 km (11 miles) stretch, running north-south, links the main east-west highway at Pele La to the Taphu Lhakhang temple nestled in the valley. Don't rush it – the constant curves and surprise encounters with local traffic (or wandering livestock!) mean you'll be taking it slow. But trust me, it's worth it. On a clear day, Lawa La serves up epic panoramic views of the towering Himalayas. As you descend into the Phobjikha Valley, get ready for a postcard-perfect scene: a vast, glacial U-shaped valley that feels like stepping back in time. At the top, you might even find local vendors dishing out tasty mountain snacks and showcasing colorful textiles by the prayer flags.
extremeDriving the defiant X716: A 223km high-altitude journey across Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, the X716 in Tibet is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive; this is a proper expedition into the heart of the Ngari Prefecture, one of China's most remote corners. The X716, or 716 County Road, stretches for 223 km between Baga (near the G219) and Xungba (on the S301), carving a rugged path through the southern Tibetan plateau. Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking gravel, dirt, and rocks that'll give your suspension a workout. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential, along with some serious off-road driving skills. The highlight (literally) is the Naktse La pass, soaring to a staggering 5,533m (18,152ft). You'll be spending a *lot* of time above 5,000 meters, making it one of the highest roads on the planet. Speaking of high altitude, be warned: altitude sickness is a real risk. Pack your meds and be prepared for a serious lack of oxygen. This road is isolated. Don't expect any luxury – medical aid, electricity, or even a proper toilet are basically non-existent out here. And don't think it's all flat! The X716 throws some seriously steep climbs your way. Some sections, especially near the passes, boast gradients of up to 12%. The thin air makes those inclines even tougher on your engine. Forget about attempting this in winter. The X716 is buried under snow and ice. Summer is the only window, but even then, be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. Pack extra fuel, food, and water – self-sufficiency is key on this epic journey. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The challenge? Unforgettable.
extremeWhere is Mingtur Pass?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, picture this: You're in Kyrgyzstan, near the border with Kazakhstan, about to tackle the mighty Ming-Tur Pass. This isn't just a road; it's more like a rugged track clinging to the side of seriously steep canyons carved with rice terraces and loose scree. Forget your average car—you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to even think about making it. We're talking serious off-roading here. Located in the Isxsyk-Kul Region, this beast tops out at a lung-busting elevation. Be prepared for anything; the weather can turn on a dime, and you'll be totally off-grid with zero phone signal. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The views of the surrounding ranges, including the dark pyramid of , are some of the best you'll find anywhere in Kyrgyzstan. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!