
When was Chalus Road built?
Iran, asia
13 km
2,700 m
easy
Year-round
Get ready for the ride of your life on Chalus Road (Road 59), near Tehran! This isn't just a road; it's an experience. Built in 1933, this masterpiece of engineering winds its way through the Alborz Mountains, reaching a dizzying elevation of 2,700m (8,858ft) near the Kandovan Tunnel (which shaves off a good 13km, by the way!).
This 160 km (100 mi) paved road connects Karaj in Alborz to Chaloos in Mazandaran, and it's usually open year-round, though winter snow can sometimes shut it down. You'll be treated to ever-changing scenery: lush greenery, snow-capped peaks, and rugged mountains all in one trip!
Fair warning: Chalus Road isn't for the faint of heart. It's packed with hairpin turns, so if you're a newbie driver, take it slow. And definitely ditch the speed demon tendencies – this road, while beautiful, demands respect.
But oh, the views! Waterfalls, springs, historical sites...it's a feast for the eyes. Trust me, this road is a destination in itself. Starting near Karaj, you will begin your ascent through dramatic cliffs, followed by ancient beech forests that are home to wildlife, and finally a glimpse of the Caspian Sea in the distance. If you're planning a trip to northern Iran, Chalus Road is an absolute must!
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 13 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,700 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in asia
moderateTravel guide to the top of Gele La
🇨🇳 China
Gele La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.369m (14,333ft) above the sea level, located in Jomda County, in Chamdo in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The curvy road to the summit is the challenging China National Highway 317 . It’s paved. When the snow falls - which it does in the winter – things get tough and slippery. The pass is 41.0km (25.47 miles) long, running from Qu’nyido to Kargang. There are many dangerous sections of road along the route, and oxygen is scarce in the high altitude, making driving even more of a challenge. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson A Once in a Lifetime Drive through Orkyi La Driving the remote road to Ji La Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardA truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Gholleh Siah Sang
🇮🇷 Iran
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Ghollah Siah Sang, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in northern Iran, just north of Tehran and straddling the Alborz and Tehran provinces. The name translates to "Black Stone Peak" or "Black Rock Summit," and trust me, it lives up to the hype. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 26 km (16 miles) of unpaved, rugged terrain winding its way from Sangan to Laniz. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and narrow sections where you'll be holding your breath. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. The Taloun Pilot Tunnel might be the easier option, but where's the fun in that? The summit sits pretty at 3,527m (11,571ft), offering stunning views. You'll also find some communication towers and facilities up there, a testament to just how remote this location is. If you are up for an unforgettable off-road adventure, Ghollah Siah Sang will surely deliver!
hardWhere is Semiz-Bel Pass?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled high in the rugged mountains of northeastern , west of the stunning , you'll find Semiz-Bel Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive – the entire 8-mile stretch from Kara-Künggöy is unpaved and seriously steep in sections, so you'll definitely want a 4x4. Clocking in at 8,917 feet above sea level, you'll climb over 2,000 feet from the starting village, averaging almost 9% grade. The scenery is epic, but be warned: this road is remote! You might not see another soul, so be prepared. Also, Mother Nature likes to shut things down with snow from October to March, so plan your trip accordingly. Semiz-Bel Pass is a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Chak La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in Tibet: Chak La, also known as Qag La. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,514 meters (that's 14,809 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. You'll find it nestled in Nagqu, up in northern Tibet, part of China National Highway 317. The road stretches for about 46 kilometers (or 28.5 miles) from Ya'anzhen in the north to Rongbuzhen down south. Fair warning: this isn't a smooth, paved joyride. We're talking unpaved all the way! The road is technically open year-round, but Mother Nature might have other plans. Expect possible closures during winter if the weather gets nasty. So, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for some epic scenery!