Where is Badawi Pass?
Pakistan, asia
42.7 km
3,523 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Badawi Pass! Nestled way up in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this beast of a mountain pass sits at a whopping 3,523m (11,558ft).
You'll find it in the northwestern part of the country, acting as a wild link between Upper Dir District and the Utror & Kalam valleys.
Clocking in at 42.7 km (26.53 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road goodness, the Utrar-Dir Road (as it's also known) is not for the casual driver. Forget pavement – we're talking a totally unpaved, rugged climb to the summit, also called Do Teer Pass, Badgoi Pass, or Badogai Pass!
Seriously, this road demands respect. A 4x4 with high clearance is a must, and a healthy dose of bravery wouldn't hurt either. The trail gets seriously steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 29 percent! Hairpin curves and stomach-dropping cliffs? Oh yeah, they're part of the fun. But the views from the top, marked by the iconic two-faced hill overlooking both the Swat and Dir Kohistan sides, are absolutely worth it.
Just a heads up: this high-altitude pass, straddling the border between Kumrat and Kalam Valleys, is usually snowed in and impassable from November to June. Plan your trip accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 42.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,523 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardHow is the road to Pe La?
🇨🇳 China
Pe La is an insane mountain pass sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking one of the highest paved roads *in the world*, so get ready for some seriously breathtaking views... and seriously breathless lungs! You'll find this road snaking through an unreal landscape north of the Brahmaputra River – the highest major river on the planet! Think massive plains stretching forever, punctuated by jagged, snow-dusted peaks in the distance. This route's your ticket towards Lhaze, but fair warning: oxygen is a total diva up here, and the weather's no joke. Even in summer, the altitude messes with everything – your energy and your engine's power. Alright, so Pe La's located in Ngamring County, Tibet (China), stretching a little over 39 kilometers (about 24 miles). How's the road? Surprisingly smooth, actually! It's paved, so you don't need a crazy off-roader. But don't get cocky! This drive is still a beast. That 39 km (24 miles) heads north-south from Sangsang, a town on China National Highway 219 (G219). The climb gets seriously steep in spots, hitting gradients of up to 12%. Combine that with the altitude, and you've got a recipe for an unhappy engine and potential altitude sickness. Conditions? Intense. Pe La cops the full force of Tibetan plateau weather. Expect sudden snowstorms, crazy winds, and freezing temps pretty much all year round. CHECK THE FORECAST before you even think about heading up. Seriously. And that thin air at 5,136 meters (gulp!)? It's real. Acclimatize before you try this. There are no services along the 39 km stretch between Sangsang and Riwuqixiang, so be prepared. Make sure your car is tip-top and pack emergency gear: oxygen, warm clothes, the works.
hardTsugaru Iwaki Skyline: A Road So Winding, You'll Feel Dizzy Just Observing!
🇯🇵 Japan
Ready for an epic road trip in northern Japan? Buckle up for the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, a twisty-turny dream (or nightmare, depending on your driving skills!) in the Tōhoku region. Starting from the Ajigasawa Highway at the foot of Mount Iwaki, this paved road climbs all the way to the mountain's 8th station, a staggering 1,247 meters (4,091 feet) high. While you can't drive to the very top (1,625 meters), you can hop on a lift to reach the peak. What's so special about this road? Only 69 hairpin turns of pure driving bliss (or terror!). Seriously, it's one of the most intensely hairpinned roads on the planet. But it's not just about the adrenaline rush. At the top, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views. Feeling adventurous? Hike from the 8th station to the summit, passing through a gorgeous 90-year-old beech forest near the 3rd station. Located near Hirosaki city in Aomori Prefecture, the road stretches for 9.3 km (5.77 miles), climbing 806 meters with an average gradient of 8.66% (and some seriously steep 10% sections). It's open from mid-April to late October, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closes at 5:00 p.m.). Keep in mind that cyclists aren't allowed. Opened back in 1960, it begins at 441m above sea level. Get ready for the drive of your life!
moderateHow is the climb from Gnishik to Bagnatun?
🌍 Armenia
Deep in Armenia's Vayots Dzor province, bordering Azerbaijan, sits Bagnatun (or Harsnasar, depending on the map). This isn't just any mountain peak; it's a strategic high point with an elevation of [insert elevation]! Driving to the top is an *experience*. Think intense off-roading meets a heavy, historical atmosphere. At [insert coordinates], you'll find old stone structures and even military ruins, a stark reminder of the area's significance. Stick to the trail, keep your eyes open, and be aware of the border's sensitivities. So, how's that climb from Gnishik? It's a wild one! Starting from the rugged village of Gnishik, the road stretches [insert length], gaining 740 meters in elevation. The average gradient clocks in at 7.62%, but don't let that fool you. This is *unpaved* territory—loose dirt and rocky paths that scream for a high-clearance 4WD. As you ascend, the track hugs the ridgeline, serving up insane views of the Armenian highlands. Heads up: this road is usually blocked by snow from October to June. Even in summer, thunderstorms are common and can turn the track into a muddy, slippery mess *fast*. Keep an eye on the sky! The fortifications you see are a reminder of the region's tensions. Before you go, check with the local authorities in Gnishik about the border's current status. And, because you'll be out there with zero facilities and no cell service, *be prepared*. Pack a spare tire, recovery gear, and enough supplies for an unplanned night. A breakdown at that altitude can get serious quickly.
moderateA remote 4x4 road to Hank’asar
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hank'asar Peak in Armenia's Syunik province is calling your name, but be warned, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a wild, bumpy ride to a staggering 2,985 meters (9,793 feet)! The road? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of "tippy" moments. You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one. Mother Nature has her say here, so plan your trip between June and October, otherwise, snow might block your way. Keep an eye on the skies, too – a sudden thunderstorm can turn this road into a 4WD-only zone (or even completely impassable) in a heartbeat! But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely worth it. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!