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
moderateTravelling through the unfinished Old Provincial Highway 14
🇹🇼 Taiwan
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!
extremeXiagete Wall Road: A Nerve-Wracking Cliff Drive in Guizhou
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Xiagete Wall Road in Southern China is about to blow your mind! Tucked away in Shuicheng County, Guizhou Province, right on the edge of Yunnan, this isn't just a road – it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure carved into the side of a cliff. Picture this: you're hugging the vertical limestone cliffs of the Beipan River Valley, an area renowned for its crazy-deep canyons and those incredible karst mountains. This road is the wild, untamed cousin of the nearby Duge Bridge (you know, the one that's almost 2,000 feet above the river!), representing the old-school, edge-of-your-seat way of traversing this landscape. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved surfaces that get super slick when wet, plus the Beipan Valley fog can roll in thick, turning the road into a real-life video game. So, if you're thinking of taking on Xiagete Wall Road, keep an eye on the weather and pack your courage! The views are epic, but respect the road!
moderateCrossing the Braldu Valley Road bridges isn't for the sissies
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Hey adventure junkies! Wanna experience something truly epic? Then you HAVE to check out the Braldu Valley Road in northern Pakistan's Skardu District. This isn't just a road; it's a full-blown adventure that carves its way through the stunning Braldu Gorge all the way to Askole and Korphe, those last little villages before you hit K2 base camp. Forget smooth asphalt. We're talking a wild ride with countless river crossings over rickety wooden suspension bridges. Seriously, these bridges are not for the faint of heart. Think broken planks and a LOT of exposure. But hey, that's what makes it an unforgettable experience, right? The Korphe bridge is the star of the show— a nail-biting 215-foot span over the roaring Braldu River. Picture this: you're inching across, the wind is whipping, and you're staring down at the glacial waters below. Talk about a thrill! And the views? Absolutely insane.
hardRiong La: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Riong La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! Perched way up high at 5,153 meters (that's 16,906 feet!), this bad boy sits right on the edge of Lhari County (Nagqu) and Gongbo'gyamda County (Nyingchi City). Forget pavement; this 70.4 km (43.74 miles) stretch from Codoi Township down to the Linla Highway is strictly off-road territory. We're talking 4x4 ONLY. Seriously. This area is REMOTE. Expect a solid 3-4 hour drive if you're not stopping (but you'll WANT to stop for the views!). Be warned: it gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 11%! Oh, and pro tip? Don't even THINK about attempting this from late October through late June/early July. Snow makes it impassable. Always double-check conditions before you go. Trust me; this is a trek you won't soon forget!