The road to Brithawari Gali: 35 hairpins to the top

The road to Brithawari Gali: 35 hairpins to the top

Pakistan, asia

Length

34.2 km

Elevation

2,995 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Brithawari Gali in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a wild ride to 9,826 feet!

The road? Let's just say "unpaved" is an understatement. Newbies, maybe sit this one out. Picture this: a super narrow, single-lane track carved into the mountainside, hairpin turns galore, and some serious drop-offs that will make your palms sweat. It's known as Leepa Valley Road, and it's a slow burner.

But hey, the views! Forests as far as the eye can see. The 34.2 km climb from Srinagar - Muzaffarabad Road (near Hattian Bala) is packed with 35 hairpin turns and delivers scenery that’s absolutely worth the white-knuckle driving.

Pro tip: Mother Nature's got her own schedule here. Rain can roll in at any moment and hang around for hours. So, drive smart, especially when it’s wet. And definitely don't attempt this in the evening. Also, winter from November to March is a no-go, and the rainy season from April to June can be tricky. Be warned, this road is not for the faint of heart!

Where is it?

The road to Brithawari Gali: 35 hairpins to the top is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 30.5705, 70.2700

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Pakistan
Continent
asia
Length
34.2 km
Max Elevation
2,995 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
30.5705, 70.2700

Related Roads in asia

Driving the paved G349 road to Ka La in Tibethard

Driving the paved G349 road to Ka La in Tibet

🇨🇳 China

Hey fellow adventurers! Buckle up for Ka La, a high-altitude thrill ride in the heart of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This mountain pass soars to a staggering 4,805m (15,764ft), making it a must-see (if challenging!) stop on any western Tibet road trip. Picture this: dramatic landscapes with dark, rocky slopes, prayer flags flapping wildly in the wind, and an air so thin it’ll take your breath away (literally!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road itself is paved, part of the G349 National Highway, but don't let that fool you. The altitude is the real challenge, with the road staying well above 5,000 meters for significant stretches. If you're not used to high altitudes, take it slow, and acclimatize! This epic 61.5 km (38.21 miles) journey from Sangsang to Kagazhen takes you through some of the most remote and uninhabited terrain on Earth. We're talking freezing temperatures (think -25°C!), but also access to incredible historical and religious sites. Be prepared for extreme conditions, as even in summer snow can unexpectedly close the road! Imagine driving through a high-altitude desert, feeling the wind buffet your car from all directions. The paved road is a lifesaver, but this is still a remote route. Pack plenty of emergency supplies – food, water, the works! Monsoon season (July and August) can bring heavy rains, but the pavement is a huge improvement over the old gravel tracks. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Where is Sa Mu Pass?moderate

Where is Sa Mu Pass?

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I just conquered the Sa Mù Pass in western Quảng Trị, Vietnam, and you NEED to add this to your bucket list. This baby sits at a seriously high elevation. Think winding roads carved into the mountains, about 20 km long, snaking between Cồ Nhổi Phùng Linh and Thôn Trăng. The road is paved, but let's be real, it's seen better days – even with concrete sections! Expect some steep climbs and seriously tight turns. Locals used to call Sa Mù a "death pass," thanks to some dicey sections. Landslides are also a thing around here, so keep your eyes peeled. But hey, all that challenge comes with a reward: insane views of Vietnam. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and maybe say a little prayer to the road gods!

Mt. Saraswati: Driving to one of the World’s Highest Observatorieshard

Mt. Saraswati: Driving to one of the World’s Highest Observatories

🇮🇳 India

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Ladakh in northern India, you HAVE to check out Mt. Saraswati. This isn't just any mountain; it's a 4,532m (14,868ft) beast boasting an incredible astronomical observatory at the top! Think of it: you, driving *literally* amongst the clouds! You'll find this beauty tucked away in the Hanle Valley, in southeastern Ladakh. Imagine a stark, high-altitude cold desert landscape – seriously otherworldly. They picked this spot for the observatory because it's super isolated with crystal-clear air. The crazy part? The road all the way to the summit is paved! Yes, you read that right. A smooth ride at that altitude in the Himalayas is a rare treat. Up top, you'll find the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), a top-notch facility for peering into the cosmos. They chose this spot because Hanle gets almost year-round clear skies and unbelievably dry air, perfect for stargazing. Now, a word of warning: driving above 4,500 meters is no joke. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and be prepared for the altitude! But trust me, the views – and the chance to visit a world-class observatory – are SO worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure!

Driving the dangerous road from Rudrabeni to Ridi along the Kali Gandaki Riverextreme

Driving the dangerous road from Rudrabeni to Ridi along the Kali Gandaki River

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Shantipur Road in central Nepal is not for the faint of heart! This isn't just a road; it's an experience, linking the tiny towns of Rudrabeni and Ridi along the Kali Gandaki River. Clocking in at just under 7 miles, this mostly paved route is seriously intense. Picture this: hairpin turns hugging cliff edges with gut-wrenching drop-offs – no guardrails to be seen! Yeah, it's *that* kind of drive. Heavy truck and bus traffic adds to the fun on this super narrow path. If you get queasy easily or have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. Landslides are a real threat, and icy patches are common. During bad weather, things get hairy quick with avalanches and heavy snow! But if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposedly killer. Just remember to breathe (and maybe say a little prayer).