Where does the Highway of Death start and end?
Iraq, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a drive along Highway 80, the infamous "Highway of Death." This six-lane highway stretches from Kuwait City, Kuwait, all the way to Basra, Iraq, passing through the border town of Safwan. This road gained notoriety during the Persian Gulf War. Back then, it became a tragic scene as U.S. aircraft bombed retreating Iraqi forces. Imagine a massive column of tanks, trucks, and civilian vehicles all caught in the crossfire. The destruction was immense, with estimates ranging from 1,800 to 2,700 vehicles destroyed or abandoned along the road. Journalists later called sections of the highway the Mile of Death due to the uninterrupted lines of destroyed vehicles. It's a sobering reminder of the war.
Related Roads in asia
hardAn awe-inspiring drive to Lisuo Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Lisuo Pass, or Gongbucuo as the locals call it, is calling your name from the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, Southwest China. This baby tops out at a staggering 4,675m (15,337ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious altitude! Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and has some seriously sketchy drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. There are also some super-narrow sections, so make sure you're comfortable reversing! A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. But hey, the views are absolutely killer! Prepare to be blown away by the stunning panorama, especially the iconic Mt. Minya Konka, which looks unreal when mirrored in Lisuo Lake. The climb itself is no joke, with gradients hitting a lung-busting 16% in places. The ascent from Shangmujucun is only 8.1km, but you'll gain a whopping 928 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 11.45%! Trust me, the bragging rights are worth it!
hardTravelling the defiant Nujiang River Road
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers! If you're craving a road trip that's equal parts breathtaking and butt-clenching, let me introduce you to Nujiang River Road in Yunnan, China. This isn't just a road; it's a hand-built masterpiece carved into the side of cliffs in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Following the wild and winding Nujiang (Salween) River for around 100 kilometers (62 miles), stretching from Pengdangxiang up to Dengqu Village, this route is a true test of your nerve. Seriously, if heights make you sweat or landslides give you the shivers, maybe sit this one out. While it's been paved recently, don't think that makes it a cakewalk. The final stretch is off-limits to foreign visitors, and flash floods can (and do!) wipe out sections of the road completely. Picture this: you and your trusty vehicle, suddenly facing a raging river where the road used to be. Yeah, not ideal. But hey, the scenery is out of this world!
hardDriving through the wild Galung La tunnel
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Galongla Tunnel! You'll find this epic passageway nestled high in the Nyingchi Prefecture of southwestern Tibet, China. We're talking serious altitude here – 3,771 meters (12,372 feet) above sea level. This 3.3 km tunnel is a key piece of the 117km Medog Highway, connecting Medog to Bome county. Before this marvel of engineering, Medog was the only county in China you couldn't reach by road. Now, thanks to Galongla, this once super-isolated spot is connected! Construction wrapped up in 2013, and it's a game-changer. The old road was *rough*, but this tunnel bypasses the worst of it. Be warned, though: this area is prone to rain, earthquakes, landslides, and mudslides, and the road leading up to the tunnel is seriously twisty and turny. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery, if you can peel your eyes off the road!
extremeDriving the Highest Road in the Philippines: Kiangan to Buguias
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on what's said to be the Philippines' highest road, soaring to a breathtaking 2,406m (7,893ft)! We're talking about the stretch from Kiangan to Buguias, snaking through the heart of the Cordillera Central range. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. The road, clocking in at around 63 km (39 miles) from Buguias in Benguet to Kiangan in Ifugao, carves its way through mossy forests and kisses cloud-covered peaks. Prepare for views that will blow your mind — seriously, this is postcard-perfect Philippines! But hold on, this beauty comes with a challenge. The road is STEEP. Think hairpin turns and zigzags galore, with some climbs hitting a 20.4% gradient. Mother Nature throws in her own curveballs too: heavy fog, thick mist, and slippery roads when it rains. Landslides are a real threat, with rocks and debris occasionally making an unwelcome appearance. So, check your ride, take it slow, and aim to conquer this beast before nightfall. Factor in at least 2.5 hours of driving time — and that's without stops! Those sharp curves, crazy gradients, and mesmerizing forest views demand your full attention. Word to the wise: pack warm clothes! This high-altitude playground stays chilly all year round, and fog can roll in at any moment, cutting visibility down to practically nothing. The cloud forest vibe is magical, but it amps up the risk, especially in heavy rain. Basically, be prepared, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!