Tian Men Shan Big Gate Road, a true test
China, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Hunan Province, China. Towering cliffs, unreal scenery, and a ribbon of road called Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road winding its way up, up, up. They also call it the Tianmen Winding Mountain Road. Trust me, "winding" is an understatement!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 99 hairpin turns, each one steeper than the last. It's a total adrenaline rush and a true test of driving skills – but with views of the Tianmen National Park so stunning, you might forget to be terrified.
This road is legendary. Red Bull drivers, the Hoonigan crew with Ken Block at the wheel of his 914 horsepower Ford F-150 Hoonitruck, a record-setting electric Volkswagen ID.R tearing up the course driven by Romain Dumas in an unbelievable 7:38.585 minutes, and Fabio Barone in his custom lightweight Ferrari – they’ve all taken on the challenge here. It's a pilgrimage for anyone who loves pushing the limits.
Where is it?
Tian Men Shan Big Gate Road, a true test is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.7355, 107.7830
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.7355, 107.7830
Related Roads in asia
hardHow long is the Friendship Highway?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're hitting the open road on the Friendship Highway, part of China's epic G318! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 753-800 km (468-497 mile) dash from Lhasa, Tibet, straight to the Nepalese border. Originally built for military purposes, it's now *the* route for explorers of the "Roof of the World." Yes, it's paved, but don't get complacent! This road has seen some things—earthquakes, landslides, you name it. Expect bumps, so maybe a high-clearance vehicle is best for some sections. The altitude? Oh, it's high! We're talking above 4,000 meters for much of the trip. You'll cross some seriously legendary passes, including: * **Karo La Pass**: Your first big hurdle west of Shigatse * **Gyatso La Pass**: The ultimate high point, your gateway to Everest. * **Lalung La & Nyalam Tong La**: The last Himalayan challenges before you drop down to Nepal. But the views? Totally worth it. Think turquoise lakes, like Yamdrok Lake, incredible glaciers like the Karuola Glaciers, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and the Sakya Monastery. And the "Himalayan Panorama" will blow your mind—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma all lined up for your viewing pleasure! From the vast Tibetan Plateau to lush forests, it's a crazy beautiful journey. Just a heads-up: altitude sickness is a real thing at these elevations. Also, your vehicle might feel the power loss at those 5,000m+ passes. Be sure to get the necessary permits and a guide, as there are military checkpoints along the way. This is a "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure, for sure!
hardJalebi bends: 23 hairpin bends on the old road to Fotu La
🇮🇳 India
Get ready for the Jalebi Bends – or Hangro Loops – in Ladakh, India! This road is an absolute masterpiece of engineering, winding down from Lamayuru to Khaltse (20.5 km / 12.73 miles) with a dizzying 23 hairpin turns that resemble the famous Indian sweet, jalebi. Trust me, this drive isn't for the timid. The curves are seriously sharp and can be tricky to navigate, especially with potential traffic. But the views…oh, the views! As you climb each loop, you're rewarded with incredible vistas of the Moon Land landscape. Once you reach the top, it's a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas Zaskar Range. Just remember, this road is only accessible in the summer months. It climbs to a height of 3,626m (11,896ft) above sea level, and the area is prone to rockslides, so keep an eye out. While it was once the main route to Fotu La, the new NH1 highway bypasses it now. But if you're after an adrenaline-pumping adventure with scenery that'll blow your mind, the Jalebi Bends is where it's at!
moderateWhere does Grand Trunk Road start and end?
🇮🇳 India
The Grand Trunk Road: a South Asian legend stretching a whopping 2,400 km (1500 miles) from Kabul all the way to Kolkata. This isn't just a road; it's a living, breathing piece of history connecting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Seriously, this route has been around for over two thousand years! Locally known as "Gernaili Sadak" or "Sadak-e-Azam," the GT Road is mostly paved. The journey begins in Kabul, winds its way through the legendary Khyber Pass (a relatively low 1,070m (3,510ft), but steeped in history), then meanders through Lahore, Delhi, before finally reaching Kolkata. Be warned though: this road is not for the faint of heart. It's not the altitude that gets you, but the sheer volume of traffic! Imagine being stuck in a jam caused by camels casually strolling along. Trucks, buses, bicycles, pedestrians – you name it, it's all here, turning parts of this road into a chaotic symphony. You'll need your wits about you behind the wheel. Historically, the Grand Trunk Road, once known as Uttarāpatha, has been a vital trade artery and a path for invading armies. Rebuilt by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, it was later developed by the British who gave it the name it has today. It’s a "river of life," as Kipling called it, but a wild one!
easyRoad to Adventure: Journeying to Sahand Ski Resort in Iran
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: You're in East Azerbaijan, Iran, ready for some serious mountain vibes. Head northwest to the Sahand mountain range and get ready to climb! The Sahand Ski Resort Road is your perfectly paved path, winding 24.4 km (15.16 miles) up from Saied Abad to a whopping 2,942m (9,652ft) above sea level. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure in one of Iran's most stunning regions! The road is usually in great shape, but keep an eye on the weather – things can get dicey, and access might be limited. The locals even say the skiing can last until June because it's so cold up there! For the truly adventurous, there's a gravel road south of the resort that's begging for a 4x4. It's a chairlift access trail that climbs to 3,209m (10,528ft) on the northern slopes of Mount Sahand. Only take this route if you're prepared. Get ready for epic views!