
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
hardWhy is called the Hell Road?
🇮🇳 India
Kaksang La, nicknamed "Hell Road" by the locals, sits way up high in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, at a lung-busting 17,834 feet! Fully paved as of 2022, this is possibly the highest pass a foreign driver can conquer in India with just a regular Protected Area Pass. Located near the Line of Actual Control with China, this remote road is usually snowed in during winter. The weather can be brutal up here, so prepare for icy winds! This isolated 42-mile (67.2 km) stretch twists and turns between Chushul and Mahe in the Changthang region, sometimes facing small landslides and loose rocks. While not as famous as other passes, the drive is visually stunning. Picture this: mind-blowing views of lakes, mountains, and valleys as you journey through the Himalayas.
moderateWhere is Erkeshtam Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Ready for an epic border crossing adventure? Then buckle up for the Erkeshtam Pass! Straddling the Kyrgyzstan-China border at a lofty 2,838m (9,311ft), this is a popular route for those exploring Central Asia. You'll find it connecting Sary-Tash (Kyrgyzstan) to Ulugqat (China), stretching 165 km (103 mi). The road itself is paved on both sides, so no need for a 4x4! It’s known as in Kyrgyzstan and S309 in China. Expect smooth sailing unless the snow starts falling on the Kyrgyz side. Keep in mind that crossing this border isn't a walk in the park (literally, you can't walk the 10km no-man's land between posts!). You'll need to switch from a Kyrgyz to a Chinese vehicle at the border. Also, it's only open during daylight hours, closed on weekends and holidays, and immigration can be tricky, so plan accordingly and arrive early. Budget 1-3 hours for the process. While it might sound a bit challenging, the unique experience and incredible scenery make it all worthwhile!
moderateWhat’s Emba‑5?
🌍 Kazakhstan
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a trip to Zhem, formerly known as Emba 5! This former Soviet missile and air defense test site is located in the wilds of western Kazakhstan, a relic of the Cold War era. So, can you actually *get* there? Absolutely! A road runs right through the town, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart. This approximately 127km stretch runs in a north-south direction and slices through totally remote territory. Speaking of the road... Originally paved, time and weather have taken their toll. Think broken pavement, and seemingly endless stretches of gravel. A high-clearance 4x4 is highly recommended, especially if the weather turns sour. As for Zhem itself? Imagine a ghost town, complete with crumbling Soviet-era military structures and abandoned housing blocks. Watchtowers, barriers, and maybe even a bunker or two might peek out, but there's little to no signage or visitor info. Don't expect any tourist services either - this is a true off-the-beaten-path experience! While you no longer need special permission, this is about seeing the remnants of a forgotten world.
hardWhere is Burzil Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a pass for you that's seriously going to blow your mind. We're talking about Burzil Pass, chilling way up in the Himalayas in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan territory. We're talking 4,210m (13,812ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious altitude. You'll find it north of the Line of Control, about 30km, near Gilgit. The road is paved, but don’t think it’s a cakewalk! This historic caravan route linking Srinagar and Gilgit will put your driving skills to the test with some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 11%! The adventure kicks off near the exciting , and from there it’s a 115km (71-mile) ride to the top. But here's the catch: this road is ONLY open from July to September, thanks to the crazy amounts of snow it gets. But trust me, it's worth the wait! You'll be rewarded with incredible views of grassy slopes absolutely bursting with wildflowers. Seriously, a feast for the eyes!