Travel guide to the top of Pereval Masail
Kyrgyzstan, asia
14.3 km
3,275 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on a killer off-road experience in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Region: the Masail Pass. We're talking seriously remote, seriously stunning, and seriously high – clocking in at a cool 3,275m (10,744ft) above sea level.
Located smack-dab in the At-Bashi Range, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's totally unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. The route branches off the paved A365 (part of the European route E125) near
and stretches for about 14.3 km (8.88 miles) to the summit. Don't expect a steep climb, it's relatively flat.
A word of caution, though: the altitude is no joke. Oxygen levels are noticeably lower, and the weather can turn on a dime. Before you head out, triple-check the forecast. Trust me, being caught in a storm up there is *not* the kind of souvenir you want.
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,275 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow long is the road from Bahrain to Kalam?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Cruising from Bahrain to Kalam in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province? Buckle up, because this riverside road is an adventure! We're talking about a 35 km (22-ish mile) stretch following the Swat River. It's mostly paved, part of the main N-95, but don't underestimate it! Budget around 5 hours to soak it all in – and trust me, you'll want to. While technically open to all vehicles, seriously consider a 4x4. This isn't your average Sunday drive. A regular car might not make it, unless you're feeling *very* adventurous (and maybe a little reckless). Starting in Bahrain (around 4,680 feet up), you'll climb to Kalam (a cool 6,565 feet). Get ready for hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and views that will make your jaw drop. Keep an eye out for landslides, flash floods, and the occasional traffic jam. If heights or the thought of a landslide make you queasy, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some seriously stunning scenery, this drive is unforgettable!
moderateWhere is Kyzart Pass?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Kyzart Pass is calling, perched way up high at 2,671 meters (8,763 feet) in the heart of Kochkor District. You'll find this beauty nestled in the north-central part of the country, north of a certain somewhere. Good news, road trippers! The road, known as , has had a serious glow-up lately. Pavement almost all the way means you can likely tackle it in your trusty sedan. Get ready for a 46-kilometer (28.5-mile) journey from the village of Kyzart, winding its way east to Cholpon. Just a heads-up: Mother Nature throws some serious snow parties up here! Expect closures from around October to March, so plan your visit accordingly. This high altitude pass accumulates significant snow in the winter months.
hardErzhihala Daban is for drivers with strong nerves only
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Erzhihala Daban is calling your name. This insane mountain pass sits way up high at 4,307 meters (that's 14,130 feet!) right on the border between Qinghai and Gansu provinces in China. We're talking about the legendary S204 Erga Highway in the Qilian Mountains, north-east of the stunning Hala Lake. Forget smooth asphalt, this is a proper off-road challenge. The entire 61.6 km (38.27 miles) from Qiqing Town to Yanglongxiang is unpaved, and some sections get seriously narrow. Hope you're good at reversing because you might need those skills! 4x4 is essential here, folks. The views are breathtaking, assuming you can handle the heights. Some sections boast a crazy 14% gradient, and let's just say there are a few 500m drop-offs that will keep you on your toes. Definitely not one for beginner drivers. This is an experience you won't forget!
extremeLhamonyin Shan, the road to the holiest lake in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet's Gyaca County, Shannan Prefecture (Lhoka), ready to climb to a staggering 5,226m (17,145ft) above sea level. You're headed to Lhamonyin Ri, a peak that feels like you can touch the sky. The road, paved back in 2010, is a wild ride with about 20 hairpin turns that wind up, up, up. Heads up – this route is mainly for pilgrims and Chinese travelers. And that altitude? It’s no joke! Acclimatize and prep for possible altitude sickness. Winter brings heavy snow, so plan accordingly. The weather's super unpredictable – pack for cold, wind, and rain, just in case! Starting from Cuijiuxiang, this 12.6km (7.82 mile) stretch is seriously steep, gaining 641 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 14%! Your reward? Reaching the gateway to the unbelievably blue Lhamo La-tso, known as the 'auspicious heavenly mother lake' in Tibetan Buddhism. This sacred lake is often frozen for around 7 months, so aim to visit between June and August for the best views. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.