The closed road to Bedel Pass, on Kyrgyzstan-China border

The closed road to Bedel Pass, on Kyrgyzstan-China border

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,093 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Kyrgyzstan and China, practically touching the sky at a whopping 13,428 feet! That's Pereval Bedel for ya, a seriously high mountain pass tucked away in the Tian Shan Mountains.

This place has history etched into its very gravel – once upon a time, it was a bustling part of the Silk Road, connecting cultures and trade between China and Central Asia. These days, it's a bit more…rustic. The road on the Chinese side is gravel only, so you'll need a trusty 4x4 to even think about tackling it, and even then, you're pretty much limited to summer adventures. While officially closed, it is still possible to cross with the proper permits. Incredible views come standard, but be prepared for a wild, remote, and unforgettable ride.

Where is it?

The closed road to Bedel Pass, on Kyrgyzstan-China border is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 39.0210, 101.9869

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
4,093 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
39.0210, 101.9869

Related Roads in asia

How challenging is the drive from Xiaoyuxiong to Nachama?extreme

How challenging is the drive from Xiaoyuxiong to Nachama?

🇨🇳 China

Deep in eastern Tibet, you'll find Mob La, a seriously high mountain pass that hits an elevation that’ll leave you breathless (literally!). It's smack-dab on the infamous S303 Provincial Road, known for hanging out above 4,200 meters and giving even seasoned high-altitude drivers a run for their money. Driving over Mob La is all about focus and your vehicle's ability to handle some serious strain. The air's thin, the scenery's epic, and your body will probably start feeling the altitude sickness long before you reach the top. The S303 isn’t just a road; it's a high-altitude trek through snow-covered peaks where the weather has the final say. The 19km stretch from Xiaoyuxiong to Nachama is a real test. While some of the S303 is paved, this part is riddled with gravel, deep ruts, and some major road damage. Expect stretches where the road is underwater from rain or melting glaciers, and landslides can wipe out sections in a heartbeat. Oh, and did I mention the hundreds-of-meters drops right next to the road, with zero guardrails? And then there are the tunnels. Imagine unlit, muddy tubes with water dripping everywhere. Navigating these dark spots while dodging speeding trucks will definitely get your heart pumping. Throw in countless hairpin turns and super-steep climbs, and this short distance feels like a proper expedition. Seriously, do NOT attempt Mob La in bad weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are common. Even in summer, you might find icy patches in the shadows. After a storm, the road turns into a muddy mess that'll trap even the toughest off-road vehicles. Self-sufficiency is key. There are no repair shops, medical facilities, or reliable gas stations for ages. Bring extra fuel, recovery gear, and oxygen to deal with potential altitude sickness. Driving Mob La is a raw, intense experience with incredible views of the Tibetan mountains. Just remember, it's a route that demands respect and leaves absolutely zero room for error.

How long is the road through Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa?extreme

How long is the road through Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa?

🌍 Mongolia

Located in the heart of the in western Mongolia, the (also known as Ar-Bulagiyn Pass) is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of above sea level. This route is part of an ancient and vital corridor that has historically connected the uninhabited wilds of Western Mongolia with the Chinese border. The journey through this pass is a traverse of one of the most desolate landscapes on Earth. The road, as seen in recent satellite imagery and ground photos, has seen significant improvements during the 2010s. While once a treacherous dirt track, large sections are now paved as part of a strategic regional development project. However, the modern asphalt does not diminish the intensity of the environment: a vast, treeless expanse where the horizon is dominated by the jagged peaks of the Road facts: Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa Khovd Province, Western Mongolia Altai (City) to Tsetseg Mostly Paved (Improved 2010-2020) How long is the road through Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa? The road through the pass stretches for , running from the town of . This is a journey through what locals call "nowhere land." Settlements are extremely scarce, and the few people you may encounter are nomadic tribes and diverse ethnic groups living in temporary homes (gers) according to the seasons. For travelers, respecting local traditions and maintaining impeccable manners at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa is not just a courtesy—it is the law of the desert. While the road has been improved to facilitate trade, the isolation remains total. Most tourists visiting the Altai Mountains never reach this far south or west, staying closer to the infrastructure surrounding Ulaanbaatar. Driving here requires absolute self-sufficiency. If your vehicle breaks down at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa, help may be days away, and there is virtually no information online regarding motorized transit in this specific sector, with most accounts coming from extreme long-distance cyclists. What are the weather hazards at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa? is notoriously "crazy." Due to the high altitude and the northern latitude, the soil remains in a state of for most of the year. This can lead to unexpected road damage as the ground shifts during the brief summer thaw. Even in the middle of July, temperatures at the pass can plummet below freezing at night, and sudden snowstorms can blind drivers in minutes. China-Mongolia border posts at either end of this corridor is often uncertain and subject to sudden closures. Before attempting this route, it is crucial to verify if the international crossing is open to foreign nationals. The lack of reliable road reports makes Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa one of the last frontiers for adventure driving in Asia. How to prepare for driving the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa pass? Because of the extreme desolation of the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa route, you must carry a surplus of fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. The road is now mostly paved, but the shoulders are often soft sand or gravel, and there are no guardrails or lighting. High winds are constant at these altitudes, which can make steering a high-profile 4x4 challenging. This is an ancient trade route that demands modern respect; it is a place for the experienced explorer who values the silence of the high steppe over the comforts of civilization. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez Aksu Hot Spring: 4x4 Road in the Altai 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.

Where is Taroko Gorge?extreme

Where is Taroko Gorge?

🇹🇼 Taiwan

Cruising through Taroko Gorge in Taiwan's Hualien County is an experience you won't soon forget! Picture this: you're snaking your way through a canyon carved by nature, with views so gorgeous the local Truku tribe named it "magnificent and splendid." This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Zhongbu Cross-island Highway, a 118 km (73-mile) paved path from Xincheng Township to Ren'ai, has some serious personality. We're talking blind curves, hairpin turns, and spots so narrow you might have to hold your breath! Imagine this: you're sharing the road with tour buses, scooters, pedestrians, and trucks hauling marble (yes, marble!). It's a tight squeeze! The road itself is a marvel, slicing through the mountains and offering insane views of the Liwu River way, way below. But let's be real, this route isn't for the faint of heart. Heavy rain from typhoons loves to send rocks tumbling onto the road, and the gorge walls are prone to seismic activity. Plus, the road's seen better days. Think unlit tunnels, constant rockfalls, and landslides after heavy rain. The weather can shut things down at any moment. It's best to travel only when there are no typhoons or earthquakes. Despite the hazards, trucks use it to deliver crops and supplies! Built by Nationalist Army soldiers between 1956 and 1960, the Zhongbu Cross-island Highway is a true engineering feat, and the views are unreal.

Where is Kazerun Pass?moderate

Where is Kazerun Pass?

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, buckle up for the Kazerun Pass! You'll find this beauty winding through western Fars Province, way down in southern Iran, connecting Kazerun and Shiraz counties. Get ready to climb, because you'll be hitting an altitude of 2,203 meters (that's 7,227 feet!). The pass stretches from west to east, starting near the heart of Kazerun County. The road itself is paved. As you make your way, keep your eyes peeled, because while the road is generally in good condition, there can be some unexpected twists and turns. But the views? Totally worth it! You'll be surrounded by stunning scenery that will make you want to stop and snap photos every few minutes. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget.