
Travelling through the unfinished Old Provincial Highway 14
Taiwan, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the east coast of Taiwan, in Hualien County, and stumble upon a hidden gem – the Old Provincial Highway 14. Locals call it the "Unfinished Cross Highway" or even "Little Taroko," and trust me, the nicknames fit.
This paved beauty hugs the Mugu River, winding and narrow. Word of warning: it's officially closed to the public, with access strictly for residents and power plant workers (guarded by the police!), so consider this more of an aspirational drive.
The backstory? It was meant to be a cross-island route, but the project was abandoned in 2009. What's left is a seriously gorgeous stretch within Taroko National Park. Think dramatic tunnels and galleries carved into the landscape. The views alone are worth the (hypothetical) trip!
Where is it?
Travelling through the unfinished Old Provincial Highway 14 is located in Taiwan (asia). Coordinates: 23.4769, 121.2372
Road Details
- Country
- Taiwan
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 23.4769, 121.2372
Related Roads in asia
moderateGrand Trunk Road is one of Asia's oldest and longest roads
🇮🇳 India
Get ready for the epic Grand Trunk Road – a 2,400 km (1500-mile) adventure snaking through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India from Kabul all the way to Kolkata! Imagine navigating bustling lanes, diving into rich history, and witnessing the vibrant chaos of South Asia. Known by many names, this ancient "Generals' Road" (or "Grand Road") has been around for over two thousand years and still serves as a vital artery for trade and communication. Starting high in Kabul, Afghanistan, it winds its way through the legendary Khyber Pass, reaching an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft). Picture yourself conquering this historic mountain pass before descending past Taxila, zipping through Lahore, and crossing into India at Wahgha. Finally, after an unforgettable 2,500 km, you'll roll into the vibrant city of Kolkata. But hold on tight! The GT Road is not for the faint of heart. It's famed not for its height, but for its sheer, exhilarating chaos. Think dromedaries casually strolling in your lane. Envision a symphony of trucks, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and the occasional cow – all vying for space on this incredibly busy road. You'll need your wits about you to navigate this wild ride, with drivers who may or may not value their lives, let alone yours! Be prepared for anything and everything – it’s all part of the adventure on one of the oldest and busiest roads in South Asia.
moderateA challenging mountain road to Sa Mu Pass in Quang Tri
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising through western Quảng Trị, Vietnam, get ready for Đèo Sa Mù, a wild mountain pass that tops out at 1,400 meters (that's 4,593 feet!). You'll find it hugging the Laos border in the west-central part of the country. This stretch of the Ho Chi Minh Highway is no joke. Sure, it's paved, kinda, but don't expect a smooth ride. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and a road that's seen better days. Locals used to call Sa Mù the "ghost road" because of its treacherous reputation. Oh, and watch out for wind and fog – they love hanging out here. This 36-kilometer (22-mile) stretch between Cồ Nhổi Phùng Linh and Thôn Trăng is a real test, especially if you're heading north-south. But hey, if you're up for a challenge with incredible (if a little spooky) scenery, Đèo Sa Mù is calling your name!
extremeWhere is the road to Sengri Mountain?
🇨🇳 China
Wanna tackle a seriously epic high-altitude drive? Head to the Bayi District of Nyingchi in Tibet and try to reach Sengri Mountain. This climb isn't for the faint of heart. Starting near Lacang, you'll be aiming for 4,632m (15,196ft) above sea level, where the air is thin and the views are HUGE. Okay, so it's "only" 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), but don't let that fool you. This climb is INTENSE. You'll be gaining over 1,000 meters in elevation, tackling some seriously steep sections and 26 crazy hairpin turns. It's slow-going, technical, and probably gonna take over an hour. You NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this, no question. The "road" is all unpaved – think loose dirt and rocky terrain. Combine that with the steep inclines, switchbacks, and exposure (straight drops!), and you've got yourself a "hard-core" adventure. Oh, and did I mention you're at altitude? Expect your engine to lose a serious amount of power. Low-range gearing is a must. Plus, keep an eye out for grooves in the road from maintenance vehicles servicing the astronomical observatory at the top. Careful line choice is key! Summer's your best bet, but even then, be prepared for anything. The road can be blocked by snow for much of the year, and even summer storms can bring freezing temps and snow. Always check local conditions before you go. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you start. There's NO help or services available once you leave Lacang. Remember, the summit houses a scientific observatory, so be respectful. Also, pack a satellite phone – you won't find any cell service up there. But the views? Absolutely worth the effort. Just be prepared for a proper challenge!
hardWhere Is Dungurama Pass?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between China and Kyrgyzstan at a lung-busting elevation. That's Dungurama Pass for you! You'll find it tucked away in the wilds of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and the Osh Region of Kyrgyzstan. Now, heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. This road, initially built by China with military intentions, is generally off-limits to civilian vehicles. If you somehow manage to get access, you're in for a climb – think a serious elevation gain. But, trust me, the scenery? Absolutely epic. Just be prepared for some serious adventure!