What’s the Highway to Hell?

What’s the Highway to Hell?

Afghanistan, asia

Length

485 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Want a real adventure? Try the road from Kabul to Kandahar, also known as NH0101—some even call it the "Highway to Hell!" This 485km (301 mile) stretch of Highway 1 (or A01, the Ring Road as locals call it) slices through the heart of Afghanistan, connecting its two biggest cities.

Don't expect a smooth ride, though. While totally paved, years of war, corruption, and neglect mean you'll be dodging potholes, navigating ruts, and crossing damaged bridges. It runs through five provinces: Kabul, Wardak, Ghazni, Zabul, and Kandahar.

But the rough road is only part of the story. The real danger lies in the Taliban presence and the potential for attacks. The narrow road winds its way up 600 meters through the Kabul gorge and right through Taliban territory. Plus, there's the risk of roadside bombs and even local militias acting as "traffic police". Seriously!

Given the security situation, traveling here isn't recommended. If you’re determined to go, you'll need up-to-the-minute intel. Check with your embassy in Kabul about terrorist threats, armed conflicts, kidnapping risks, and crime rates. This is a place where you need to know what you're getting into!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Afghanistan
Continent
asia
Length
485 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in asia

Where is Pen La?hard

Where is Pen La?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Pen La Pass in southeastern Tibet hits a staggering 17,299 feet above sea level! Think you're ready to ditch the predictable? This 17.14-mile stretch, running from south to north from Dêqên to Showuwa, is NOT your average highway. We're talking unpaved goodness (or, well, challenging-ness!), a twisty, turny climb with super narrow spots and seriously steep grades. Forget guardrails; it's just you, your ride, and the raw Tibetan landscape. Heads up, though - this is remote, so check conditions beforehand, as facilities are basically non-existent. But if you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, this wild ride is calling your name!

Eshima Ohashi Bridge: Japan's Roller Coaster Road Over Lake Nakaumiextreme

Eshima Ohashi Bridge: Japan's Roller Coaster Road Over Lake Nakaumi

🇯🇵 Japan

# The Eshima Ohashi Bridge: Japan's Ultimate Adrenaline Rush Ever dreamed of driving a roller coaster? Welcome to the Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Tottori Prefecture, Western Japan—a gravity-defying engineering marvel that'll make your palms sweat and your heart race. Stretching across Lake Nakaumi for about a mile, this beast of a bridge connects Sakaiminato and Yatsukacho Eshima in the Chūgoku region. Built between 1997 and 2004, it was designed with one ambitious goal: let massive cargo ships sail underneath without breaking a sweat. Spoiler alert: the architects *nailed* it, but at what cost to our nerves? Here's where it gets wild. The bridge rises at a jaw-dropping 5.1 percent gradient on the Tottori side and 6.1 percent on the Shimane side—making it arguably the steepest bridge on the planet. When you photograph it head-on, it genuinely looks like you're about to drive straight into the clouds. In reality, the gradual ascent is less terrifying than it appears, but that doesn't stop drivers from white-knuckling their steering wheels. The numbers are impressive: 1.7 kilometers long, 11.3 meters wide, 44.7 meters tall, with a main span of 250 meters. It's a two-lane concrete highway and the largest rigid frame bridge in Japan. It even scored a starring role in a Daihatsu car commercial, which tells you everything you need to know about its showstopping presence. This isn't just infrastructure—it's an unforgettable driving experience that'll make you feel like you're conquering the sky.

The Old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is not for the faint of hearthard

The Old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is not for the faint of heart

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road in China's Shanxi province! Nestled in Pingshun County, get ready for a seriously steep climb—we're talking a 30-degree incline! This isn't your typical highway; this is raw, unpaved dirt road, winding through the South Taihang Mountains. What makes it epic? Five cliffside tunnels carved way back in 1968. Imagine 800 villagers, basic tools, and sheer determination creating this route between Tihou-Cun Village and Hongtiguan Pass. The height difference between the first and last tunnel is around 200 meters! Bring your camera because the views are insane. Picture majestic landscapes, hidden springs, cascading waterfalls, and sleepy villages dotting the scenery. While there's now a new expressway (the S76) bypassing this old road, the original Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is still there waiting for the adventurous!

Where is Nara La?hard

Where is Nara La?

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, picture this: you're trekking through the remote Karnali Zone of Nepal, near the Chinese border. You're heading for Nara La, a seriously high mountain pass that tops out at a lung-busting 14,786 feet! Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! You'll know you've made it when you see the cairn and the vibrant Tibetan prayer flags flapping wildly in the wind, sending blessings skyward. And the views? Forget about it. Think sweeping valleys and snow-capped Himalayan peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too. You might spot a Himalayan blue sheep, jackal, or even a musk deer! If you’re super lucky you might even see a marmot, wild horse or even a Himalayan black bear! The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. It’s unpaved, bumpy, and known as the F145 (Hilsa Simikot Sadak). Expect curves, hairpin turns, steep climbs, narrow sections and some serious drop-offs that will test your nerves, so definitely bring your A-game! This 22-mile stretch is part of an old salt trade route, running from Hilsa to Karnali Bridge. Once you conquer Nara La, brace yourself for a long, steep descent down to Hilsa, practically spitting distance from Tibet. Trust me, it’s an adventure you won't soon forget!