Where is Harrat Uwayrid?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
2.5 km
1,226 m
hard
Year-round
Alright adventurers, buckle up for Harrat Uwayrid, a crazy climb in Saudi Arabia's AlUla region! Picture this: you're in the ancient oasis of Al-Ula, surrounded by the stunning Hejaz landscape. This isn't your average Sunday drive.
Locals call it "Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid" and the name fits. The views of the city are incredible. It's become famous for hosting a grueling cycling race right through the desert - think wind, sand, freezing nights and scorching days.
So, how tough is it? Let’s just say it's brutal. We're talking gradients hitting 22% that will leave your legs screaming. Even cars struggle with this one! The final 2.5 km average a 12.8% gradient, but that's deceiving, because the first kilometer of that is a ridiculous 17.1% average, spiking to 22%. You're gaining over 400 meters of elevation in a tiny distance. Seriously, it's a wall.
The whole climb starts from the Winter Park Visitor Center and stretches for 16.1 km (10 miles), twisting and turning with 4 hairpin turns. The payoff? A parking lot at the summit dotted with communication towers and bragging rights for conquering one of the toughest climbs out there. Trust me, it's worth the trip.
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 2.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,226 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Ikizyak Pass?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for the Ikizyak Pass! This beauty sits high up in southwestern Xinjiang, China, clocking in at over [elevation] above sea level. Now, don't let the gorgeous scenery fool you, this 6.8-kilometer stretch is no Sunday drive. We're talking countless turns, narrow squeezes, and some seriously steep climbs, with an average gradient of 5.64%. You'll need your A-game (and probably a 4x4) to conquer this one, with potentially impassable conditions in winter. But hey, the views are totally worth it, right?
hardThe road to Rama Lake is recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the Astore-Rama Road, a wild ride up to the stunning Rama Lake in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a heart-pumping 13.3 km (8.26 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road mayhem that climbs to a staggering 3,507m (11,505ft). Set aside a couple of hours, and get ready to crawl along. The first few kilometers are manageable, but after that, hold on tight! This track is rugged, featuring a relentless, steep climb that'll have you hugging the curves in first or second gear, always yielding to oncoming traffic on this single-lane stretch. Located in the Astore Valley, this road demands a 4x4 beast—forget anything less. Be warned, it’s landslide central and mobile signal is spotty at best. Ideally, aim for a summer visit because this road is usually snowed in from September to June (weather depending). Even in summer, pack for cold weather. But trust me, the views are SO worth the white-knuckle drive. Perched on the eastern flanks of Nanga Parbat, Rama Lake is an absolute stunner. This pristine lake reflects the surrounding peaks in its turquoise water (which, is warm enough for a dip in summer!), creating a mirror image you won’t believe. Get your cameras ready because you'll be snapping photos non-stop as the lake transforms from dark green to greenish-blue in the changing sunlight.
hardWhere is Murghab?
🌍 Tajikistan
Murghab is a high mountain town at an elevation of 3,618m (11,869ft) above sea level, located in the Murghob District of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, in Tajikistan. It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth Murghab is located south of , a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,670m (15,321ft) above sea level, on the Murghab Plateau in eastern Tajikistan. Founded by the Russians as Pamirsky Post in 1893, it was their most advanced military outpost in Central Asia. Today, it is a remote crossroads between the fading Soviet empire and the emerging power of China. Was Murghab the Highest Town in the Former Soviet Union? Yes, at this elevation, Murghab is the highest town in Tajikistan and of the former Soviet Union. It is a crucial stop for travelers, as there is no other populated settlement for hundreds of kilometers where people can stay in relatively comfortable conditions. The town is also known as Murgab. One of the local sights is a Lenin monument from Soviet times. With a population of 4,000, Murghab is the only significant town the eastern half of Gorno-Badakhshan. How to Get to Murghab, the Highest Town in Tajikistan? The road to Murghab is the historical , officially known as M41. It’s mostly paved, except in the mountain passes, and is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. The road is about 300km (186 miles) long, running north-south from , an international high mountain pass at 4,292m (14,081ft) above sea level on the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border, to Rabat Sasök-Kul'. What’s the Weather Like in Murghab? Murghab, set high in the Pamir Mountains, is exposed to strong winds and rapid weather changes. Winters last from mid-September to late May, with temperatures reaching as low as -50°C (-60°F). Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching +40°C (105°F) in July and August. The region is a high desert with little rainfall, though sudden downpours do occur. Strong winds blow year-round, and severe storms can appear suddenly. Snow can fall any day of the year, even in the valleys. Travelling Through the Defiant Kulob-Qal'ai Khumb Road Driving to Kok Jar Pass: A Road That Might Disappear Under Washouts Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateA gravel road to the summit of Kotal-e Yamahgak
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading through central Afghanistan and have a serious itch for off-roading, check out Pereval Yamagak. We're talking a lofty 2,481 meters (8,139 feet) above sea level! Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, and honestly, it's probably a no-go from October to June thanks to the weather. If you're not super comfortable tackling rough, unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is absolutely essential! Plus, rain turns this track into a muddy mess. Before you even think about attempting this route, do your homework! The security situation in Afghanistan can be unpredictable. Seriously get up-to-the-minute info. Your embassy in Kabul should have the most current intel on any potential threats like terrorist activity, conflicts, kidnapping risks, and crime. Stay safe out there, and happy trails!