The unpaved road to Gardaneh-ye Galeh Badush in Iran's Zagros Mountains
Iran, asia
68.8 km
2,954 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in Iran’s Lorestan province and are craving an adrenaline rush, Gardaneh-ye Galeh Badush is calling your name! Situated high up in the Zagros Mountains at almost 10,000 feet, this pass is not for the faint of heart.
Shool Abad Road, as it's known, is a wild, unpaved beast of a road stretching nearly 43 miles between Shulabad and Khanabad. We're talking hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and stretches so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Loose gravel and dramatic drop-offs add to the excitement (or terror, depending on your perspective!).
Honestly, this isn't a beginner's route. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle, and 4-wheel drive is highly recommended to conquer this bad boy. But, if you’re up for the challenge, get ready for some mind-blowing scenery as you snake your way across the western Iranian landscape! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, and maybe say a little prayer!
Where is it?
The unpaved road to Gardaneh-ye Galeh Badush in Iran's Zagros Mountains is located in Iran (asia). Coordinates: 31.4727, 52.6902
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 68.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,954 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 31.4727, 52.6902
Related Roads in asia
moderateHow to Get by Car to the Scenic Imamzadeh of Mazandaran Province?
🇮🇷 Iran
Nestled high in the Alborz Mountains of Iran, at a cool 2,766m (9,074ft), lies the Imamzadeh shrine, a hidden gem in Mazandaran Province. This sacred spot, dedicated to a Shia Imam's descendant, dates back to 1396. The journey there is an adventure in itself. The Elit-Foshkour road, a winding 8.2 km (5.09 miles) unpaved track, climbs from Elit to the mausoleum. You'll need a 4x4 for this one! Think narrow, dirt, and utterly breathtaking views. Imagine driving through mountains, past charming villages, and rising above the clouds into a dreamlike, misty world. The area is famous for its lush scenery, frequent fog, and refreshing cooler temperatures. Some even call it the "Alps of Iran"! Just keep in mind that certain governments advise against travel to Iran due to safety concerns.
extremeWhere does the road to Rib La lead?
🇨🇳 China
Rib La is one seriously epic high-mountain pass, topping out at a dizzying 4,760m (15,616ft)! You'll find it tucked away in Lhünzê County, way down in southeastern Tibet, China. Get ready for a wild ride, because this narrow dirt track is *the* lifeline to one of the most isolated places on Earth. Think unpaved roads, gravel, and maybe even some ice thrown in for good measure. Where does it lead? Well, it snakes its way north-south from somewhere in the remote Tsari Valley up to the tiny town of Yumai. Seriously, Yumai used to be known as China's smallest township, with just a single family living there! Now it’s home to a whopping 32 people or so. For years, braving Rib La was the *only* way to reach this remote outpost near the border. Driving conditions? Intense, to say the least. The road to the summit is insanely steep and narrow, demanding your full attention. We're talking about a single-lane track and a staggering 16 hairpin turns while hugging the edge of some seriously unprotected drop-offs. Not for the faint of heart, or anyone without solid driving skills! Weather plays a huge role. At that altitude, winter comes early and lingers forever. When the snow hits, things get *sketchy*, like ice-rink-on-a-cliff sketchy. It used to block the pass completely for half the year, leaving Yumai totally cut off! Modern maintenance helps, but winter's still a beast. So, is it dangerous? Absolutely. It's one of the most thrilling, but also treacherous, roads in southeastern Tibet. The thin air, the narrow, gravelly path, and the constant threat of avalanches and landslides keep you on your toes. The views are incredible, but you *have* to stay focused to avoid a costly mistake on those steep slopes. Beyond the scenery, Rib La is strategically important, connecting this remote region. Recent improvements mean Yumai stays connected year-round, but it's still a raw, untamed mountain experience that shows off the Himalayas at their most extreme.
moderateThe Wild Road to Sheosar Lake in Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Sheosar Lake in Pakistan's Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province. This alpine gem sits way up high at 13,641 feet! Seriously, one of the world's highest lakes. Getting there is half the fun. The road, Deosai Park Road, winds for 52 miles between Skardu and Astore Valley Road. Heads up, it's mostly unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must. You'll be cruising through the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau, sandwiched between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. The lake itself is heart-shaped and pretty big - over a mile long and wide, and deep too! But plan your trip carefully because it's only open in summer. Winter? Forget about it! This area is usually snowed in. The lake's frozen from November to May. Get ready for some incredible scenery!
extremeHow dangerous is Shatu Pass?
🌍 Afghanistan
Kotal-e Shatu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.405m (11,171ft) above sea level, located in Bamyan Province, in Afghanistan. The security situation in the country remains extremely volatile. How dangerous is Shatu Pass? Tucked away in the central part of the country, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Never travel alone. If you do choose this route please check up to date information due to the security situation: terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, risk of kidnapping and high crime rate. The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a 14% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. How long is Shatu Pass? The pass is 63.2 km (39.27 miles) long, running south-north from Panjab to Yakawlang. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson The road to Kotal-e Unak is not for the faint of heart Courage is required to drive to the summit of Kotal-e Tamazan 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.