The road to Brithawari Gali: 35 hairpins to the top
Pakistan, asia
34.2 km
2,995 m
hard
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
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
extremeDriving the challenging road to Se La Pass in the Himalayas
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up for the epic Sela Pass! This beauty sits way up high at 13,772 feet, marking the spot where Tawang meets West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Seriously, it’s *the* place to be for tourists around here. Legend says it's named after a local hero, Sela, who helped out a soldier back in the day. So yeah, history *and* killer views! You'll be cruising on National Highway 13, the lifeline to Tawang. Expect mostly smooth pavement, but Mother Nature sometimes throws in a bit of gravel to keep things interesting, especially after wild weather. The road's all twists and turns, but those Himalayan vistas? Totally worth it. Just keep your eyes peeled on those tricky sections! It's a 62-mile stretch from Jang to Dirang. The whole drive's a snowy mountain panorama. Be warned: the air's thin up here, so pace yourself. Normally, Sela Pass is open, but heavy snow or landslides can shut things down temporarily during winter. Factor in 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but trust me, you'll want to stop. Hit up Sela Lake (aka Paradise Lake) – it's right near the top and super sacred to the Tibetan Buddhists. Heads up! They're building a new tunnel that'll make getting here even easier year-round. Word is, it'll be done soon, connecting Guwahati to Tawang with tunnels and better roads.
moderateJradzor
🌍 Armenia
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because Jradzor Pass in Armenia's Syunik province is calling your name! We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at a breathtaking 2,909 meters (that's 9,543 feet!). Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and let's just say it's got character – rocky, bumpy, and definitely tippy in places. You're gonna need a proper 4x4 for this one! Heads up, you'll likely find this pass is closed from October through June, depending on the snow. Also, keep an eye on the weather, those mountain thunderstorms can turn a manageable track into a 4WD-only nightmare in minutes. But for those who dare, Jradzor is your ticket to a seriously wild ride leading to Ulaghbyur. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and jolt!
hardWhere is Mana La Pass?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're dreaming of conquering insane altitudes, Mana Pass is calling your name. This bad boy straddles the India-China border in the Himalayas, clocking in at a staggering 18,458 feet! You'll find it nestled within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand, India, connecting to Tibet through the Zanskar range. Think epic mountain vistas and bragging rights for days. Now, let's get real. This isn't your Sunday drive. Landslides are a serious concern, and the air is THIN. Seriously, if you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. The Indian side is a mix of gravel, dirt, and some paved sections, built by the Border Roads Organization. Word on the street is they're widening it to two lanes by 2026-2027. The Chinese side? A bit of a mystery, with newly built roads and unknown conditions. Important note: this pass is generally closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And here's the kicker: civilians aren't typically allowed. You'll need permits from basically everyone (local police, army, district court), and even then, the army can shut it down. Mana Pass is mainly for the Army and ITBP, hauling supplies to the border. So, while permits are super rare for tourists, keep dreaming, keep planning, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get a shot at this legendary pass!
hardKawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge rotates traffic through 720 degrees
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Highway 414 from Tokyo, heading towards the Izu Peninsula's steamy hot springs. Suddenly, BAM! The Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge appears. Seriously, this thing is wild! Imagine two massive spirals coiling down a mountainside – it’s like a roller coaster for cars! Built back in '82, this 1.1 km long beauty tackles a 147-foot elevation change in the most dramatic way possible. Each loop stretches 80 meters across, giving you incredible panoramic views as you wind your way down (or up!). Word to the wise: take it slow. The speed limit is just 30 km/h. You'll want to keep your eyes peeled, and enjoy the insane scenery while navigating this concrete corkscrew. This bridge isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.