
The rough and bumpy road to Tashtuni Lernants’k’
Armenia, asia
1.43 km
2,489 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found another stunner for your bucket list: Tashtuni Lernants’k’ in Southern Armenia's Syunik province. This peak soars to 2,489m (8,166ft), and getting there is an experience in itself.
Picture this: you're in Arevik National Park, tackling a seriously steep, unpaved road. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. But be warned: Mother Nature throws everything she's got at this place. Think blizzards, crazy winds, thick fog, and the ever-lovely black ice. Oh, and avalanches are a real possibility, especially in winter when the road is generally impassable.
The views though? Totally worth it. The road is only 1.43 km (4,679.02 ft) from the nearest paved road, but it feels like another world. Plus, there are some cool communication facilities at the top if you're into that kind of thing.
Road Details
- Country
- Armenia
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 1.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,489 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
Tianmen Mountain Road
🇨🇳 China
# Tianmen Mountain Road: The Road to Heaven Ready for one of the most intense drives in the world? Welcome to Tongtian Avenue, or as locals call it, "The Road to Heaven" — and trust me, this 11-kilometer stretch in Hunan Province isn't for the faint of heart. Snaking up Tianmen Mountain near Zhangjiajie, this engineering marvel climbs from 200 meters straight up to 1,300 meters, gaining elevation so fast your ears will pop. Here's what makes this road legendary: 99 hairpin bends. And no, that number isn't random — in Chinese culture, nine is sacred (representing heaven's nine palaces), so 99 feels pretty cosmic. Built in 2005 as the centerpiece of Tianmen Mountain National Park, this road was designed to challenge and impress in equal measure. Expect white-knuckle moments as your bus winds through lush subtropical forest with impossibly tight turns and steep grades that'll have you gripping your seat. (Pro tip: private vehicles aren't allowed up here — it's bus-only for good reason.) Every bend is numbered and named, and the views? Absolutely breathtaking. At the summit, you'll spot the jaw-dropping Tianmen Cave, a massive natural arch punching clean through the mountain — 131 meters high and 57 meters wide — visible all the way from Zhangjiajie below. Reach it by climbing 999 more steps if you're feeling ambitious. Not thrilled enough? The summit also features a glass skywalk suspended 1,432 meters above the valley (it's as terrifying as it sounds) and the world's longest commercial cable car ride at 7,455 meters. Car manufacturers have even staged promotional events here to show off their vehicles. Visit year-round, but expect cold, foggy conditions if you go in winter.
extremeShargang La is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, ready for an epic adventure? Shargang La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! Situated way up high in Banbar County, we're talking a staggering 17,503 feet above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The 21-mile route from Taoqiuge to Zhama'er is unpaved, super steep, and packs in over 50 hairpin turns. Built back in 2000, it's a proper white-knuckle ride! Word to the wise: this road isn't maintained anymore since they're building a tunnel underneath (at a mere 15,583 feet!). The new Xia Gongla Mountain Tunnel will be 4.3km in length. Definitely bring an off-road vehicle for this one – small cars need not apply. Also, keep an eye on the weather as conditions can change rapidly up here. Remember, we're in the mountains, so oxygen is scarce, and the altitude will definitely make you feel it. But hey, the views are insane! Think snow-capped peaks all around and air so fresh you can practically taste it. Danda Mountain (or "East Snow Mountain") looms large in the background. Shargang La is not for the faint of heart, but the raw beauty of the Tibetan landscape makes it worth the journey.
hardXiya Valley Hanging Tunnel is dug out by hand
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in China, deep in the Taihang Mountains, specifically the Xiyagou Valley between Henan and Lingchuan counties. This isn't just any road trip; it's a wild ride on the Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel, also known as Xiyagou Guabian Road. This incredible road, carved by hand starting in 1962, twists and turns in three layers up the mountainside like a giant "Z". Think of it—over 30 years to build this thing! The whole point was to connect the remote Xiyagou village to the world. The entire road is paved, clocking in at nearly 8 km (5 miles), making it a pretty epic adventure. The highlight? A short tunnel section, finished in 1991, where things get seriously narrow. Forget passing another car—it’s a one-vehicle-at-a-time kinda situation. Natural light streams in through side windows, adding to the surreal experience. Just a heads up: this road is now exclusively for buses, so ditch the rental car and hop on board for this unforgettable journey!
moderateHow to Get by Car to Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along NH 1 in Ladakh, India, heading towards the legendary Lamayuru Monastery. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 150km (93-mile) adventure into the Himalayas! The monastery itself sits at a staggering 3,510m (11,515ft), nestled in the Zanskar Range, a little east of the formidable Fotu La pass. The drive is pretty new and paved now, but don't let that fool you – prepare for some serious hairpin turns! Trust me, though, the views are worth it. You're surrounded by this unreal, lunar-like landscape that Lamayuru is famous for. And the monastery? Forget about it! Rich paintings, ancient murals, and a vibe that's been attracting trekkers and photographers for ages. It’s also called Tharpa Ling, or "Place of Freedom," and is the oldest and largest in the region. If you are looking for breathtaking scenery this is a must see!