
Where is Ali Malik Mar Pass?
Pakistan, asia
84 km
4,082 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Have you heard about Ali Malik Mar Pass? It's a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,082m (13,392ft) in Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
You'll find this hidden gem nestled in the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau. Think dramatic landscapes between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges! You can reach Deosai from Astore Valley to the west or Skardu to the north.
The road to the top, which the locals call Deosai Top, is mostly unpaved, adding to the thrill! It's about 84km (52 miles) long, stretching north to south from Skardu to, well, let's just say somewhere equally stunning. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast, not just because of the altitude but also the seriously rough road. Get ready for some heart-stopping river crossings on rickety bridges!
Keep in mind, this pass is only accessible during the summer months. From November to May, Deosai transforms into a winter wonderland buried under snow. They call it the "land of giants," and trust me, it lives up to the name.
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 84 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,082 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Mount Kaputjugh?
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've got the lowdown on Mount Kaputjugh, straddling the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, chilling near Iran. Want to get up close and personal? There are two dirt roads in Azerbaijan that'll take you pretty high up the mountain—no roads from the Armenian side, sorry! One route kicks off from Nəsirvaz (used to be Mesropavan) and another from Parağaçay, that super tiny municipality in Ordubad District. Both are about 15km (9.3 miles) of bumpy, unpaved terrain. We're talking serious elevation here, with both roads ending above 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). You'll need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to tackle these babies. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect these roads to be snowed under from around October to June. And even when the snow melts, keep an eye on the sky. A thunderstorm can turn these unpaved roads into a muddy mess real quick. But if you dare, the views are bound to be incredible.
hardDriving the curvy road to the summit of Shera La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Shera La (aka Maesar La), a seriously high-altitude pass in Tibet! We're talking 5,563 meters (18,251 feet) – that's WAY up there! You'll find it straddling Comai and Lhozhag counties in the Shannan Prefecture, east of the stunning Puma Yumco lake. Forget smooth asphalt; this 82.7 km (51.38 mile) route from the G219 to Comai Town is all about the raw, unpaved experience. Expect some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 9%! Winter? Forget about it; this road is usually snowed in. If you're craving a wild, off-the-grid adventure with incredible scenery, Shera La is calling your name!
hardA Paved Mountain Road to Polongka La in Southern Ladakh
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up for Polongka La, a mountain pass sitting way up high at 4,844m (that's 15,892ft!). You'll find this beauty in southern Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. At the top, you're greeted by a sea of Buddhist prayer flags flapping in the wind – a total zen moment! Word to the wise: fill up your tank beforehand. Gas stations are only in Leh or Keylong. And, ATMs are MIA, so bring enough cash for your adventure. The road? It's a fully paved 70km (43.49 miles) dream, running east-west from Nyoma to the Leh–Manali Highway near Meroo. It's an unforgettable ride, but not without its challenges. The landscape is incredible, reflecting a strong Tibetan culture. Polongka La gives you access to the breathtaking Tso Kar Lake, aka the "White Lake". Just a heads up, weather can be extreme! Winter dips below -40°C, while summer can hit above 30°C, with crazy daily swings. Rain or snow? Rare. If you're camping, pack serious woolens – it gets seriously cold and windy out there!
extremeAli CMB, a road you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a ride to the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope in western Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a steep, concrete road carved into the mountains of Gar County, Ngari Prefecture. Completed in 2020, this route takes you skyward to a staggering 5,176 meters (that's 16,981 feet!) above sea level. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't get too distracted – this is serious mountain terrain. As you ascend to this remote observatory, remember you're battling thin air and potentially extreme weather. The oxygen up here is scarce, so be prepared for altitude sickness. This journey is a challenge, but it leads to a groundbreaking window for CMB polarization observations in the northern hemisphere.