
Where is Kaobal Gali?
India, asia
62.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kaobal Gali! This high-altitude beast sits way up in northern India at a seriously lofty elevation. We're talking AMS risk, folks, so acclimatize! You'll find it north of Dras, right on the border between the Ladakh union territories. Heads up – the road's unpaved, so 4x4 is a must to conquer this rugged terrain. This 62.6 km stretch from Dras to Gujrind is an east-west adventure. Note: This route is usually closed for security reasons, so confirm it is open to civilians before heading out. But with the right conditions, the views are epic!
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 62.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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