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
hardWhat’s Dizin Ski Resort?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: You're in Iran's Alborz Province, heading up, up, UP towards the Dizin Ski Resort, the country's biggest! This place has been around forever, serving up ski fun with hotels, restaurants, and a lift that'll take you way up – we're talking one of the world's highest! The road in, known as the Dizin Road, is all paved and starts from Shemshak, another cool Iranian ski spot. From there, it's roughly 35 km to Dizin. You'll be cruising at serious altitude, with sections hitting over 3,200m above sea level! Trust me, the views are incredible, with charming towns to break up the journey and chances to chow down on some tasty kababs. Now, heads up: this isn't just a scenic drive. It's steep, and some parts are seriously twisty! And here's the kicker: because of heavy snow in winter, avalanches are common. They don't blast to control them, so snow can close the road anytime. So keep an eye on the weather before you make the trip!
extremeThe Breathtaking Road to Sirsir La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Sirsir La, aka "the pass of yesterday" (or Shishi La if you prefer), is calling your name from the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. We're talking seriously high altitude here: 4,804m (15,761ft)! The summit itself is this wide, open space, marked with prayer flags fluttering between rock cairns. The views? Absolutely incredible! You'll be tackling a landscape that's as challenging as it is beautiful. This isn't a quick jaunt, folks. The road winds for about 60km (37 miles) from Lamayuru Monastery, through Wanla, Tarlak, and ending up in Photoksar. Get ready for a geological wonderland, with rocks in every shade imaginable – green, purple, rounded, sharply cut… Mother Nature went wild here. Now for the reality check: while some bits are paved, most of the road is rough, unpaved, and narrow. Super steep inclines? Check. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. Also, be warned: this is a remote area with no gas stations, mechanics, or medical assistance. Come prepared! Nestled in the Zanskar range, Sirsir La is only accessible from May to September, when the snow gods allow. Winter? Forget about it! Heavy snowfall turns this adventure into an impossible dream.
hardThe Wild Road to Jalpak Bel pass
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Pereval Dzhalpakbel! This wild ride in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn region climbs to a whopping 3,300 meters (that's 10,826 feet!). Situated in the majestic Tian Shan mountains, it's also known as Jalpak Bel Ashuu. Forget your fancy sports cars, this is 4x4 territory only! The road is completely unpaved and notorious for thick, sudden fogs that can reduce visibility to, well, nothing. Heads up: you probably can't get through from November to March due to heavy snow. Even in July, expect potential snow, so pack accordingly. The A363/Issyk-Kul Lake highway gives you access to a bumpy destroyed access road that climbs steeply and twists and turns. The views are stunning, so take it slow and enjoy the rugged beauty!
hardKyapsang La is one of the World's highest motorable roads
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Xinjiang region of China, you'll find Kyapsang La, a sky-high pass reaching a staggering 19,311 feet! Also called Yiyepusang La, this spot is seriously remote and a total off-road experience. We're talking Tiankong Way, a.k.a. the "Sky Line road" or "Skyway" - and trust me, those names fit. Built by the People's Liberation Army, the road winds with hairpin turns from Wenquan (Hot Springs) to Kongka La. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle this unpaved beast. The views? Absolutely unreal. You're up in the Himalayas near the Indian border, practically touching the sky. Heads up, though, this road is usually only open in the summer, and it's a no-go for civilians and foreigners. So, if you ever get a chance to experience this road, you're in for something epic!