Where is Karakar Pass?
Pakistan, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about the Karakar Pass! Perched way up high in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this mountain pass will leave you breathless – literally, at over 4,000 feet above sea level!
Nestled in the Hindu Kush mountains in the northern part of Pakistan, you'll find some buildings at the very top. The road itself? Paved, mostly, but don't expect a super smooth ride.
Connecting Besham Qilla (a town on the Swat River) to Puran, this route offers amazing views from the summit.
Now, a word of caution: driving in Pakistan requires serious attention. The security situation can be unpredictable. And, not to scare you, but threats of landslides are a real thing. So, while the Karakar Pass offers incredible scenery, approach it with a healthy dose of caution!
Related Roads in asia
hardZhanailakashan Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Zhanailakashan Pass! This beast of a road tops out at a staggering 4,760m (15,616ft) in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of southern Qinghai, China. The good news? It’s paved! You’ll be cruising on the S309 Provincial Road. The not-so-good news? Mother Nature calls the shots here. It’s generally open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down in a heartbeat. Seriously, if you're sensitive to high altitude or have heart issues, maybe skip this one. The air is THIN, and the weather can turn on a dime any time of year. But if you're prepared for the challenge, the views are totally worth it!
extremeThe unnerving and treacherous road to Malling Nala is not for those with vertigo or a fear of landslides
🇮🇳 India
Malling Nala: Buckle up, adventure seekers! This high-altitude pass in Himachal Pradesh, India, sits at a staggering 3,875m (12,713ft). Think dramatic landscapes... and dramatic challenges. The road itself, part of NH505, stretches 22.7 km (14.10 miles) from Chango to Nako, mostly paved but with gravel patches courtesy of Mother Nature. Now, let's talk excitement (and maybe a little bit of healthy fear). Malling Nala is landslide central! One notorious spot, aptly named "The Landslide," sees entire chunks of the mountainside take a tumble, leaving some serious gaps in the road. Loose rocks, slate edges, and a constant stream of water flowing across the narrow path make this a tricky drive. A 4x4 isn’t just recommended—it's practically mandatory. Prepare for steep inclines, sheer drops, and the occasional rogue rock falling from above. You have been warned! Just before the summit, you will find the Maata Temple. Locals navigate this route year-round, but for most of us, winter means closure. Even in milder weather, check conditions beforehand. Temperatures can swing wildly, so pack layers. It's also windy and dry up there, so sunscreen and lotion are your friends. And if you’re planning a winter visit, snow chains are a must. Altitude sickness can be a concern, so take it easy, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
extremeIs Karnali Highway in Nepal paved?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Tucked away in the Karnali Region of Nepal, Karnali Highway is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. The police have banned driving at nights on this road due the high number of fatal accidents. Is Karnali Highway in Nepal paved? The road, also known as H13, is mostly paved, with some gravel sections running through a high mountainous area along the Karnali River. Karnali region is one of the least developed zones in the country. The road was completed in 2007. How long is Karnali Highway in Nepal? Located to the north-west of Kathmandu, the road is 232 km (144 miles) long running from Birendranagar to Chandannath (formerly The road is narrow, but still it’s a two-way road. Even though you can enjoy a lot on this trip, you need to be very cautious while driving. How’s the Karnali Highway? The track comprises narrow stretches, landslides, rocks, flooded sections, potholes, significant drops, steep cliffs, and a substantial amount of dust, resulting in a bumpy ride. The lane is extremely narrow, and there is a lack of awareness among the public and drivers. Additionally, unattended cattle often roam the roads, adding to the hazards. Due to these factors, traveling on this road is considered risky. It is astonishing to note that the Karnali region in Nepal is one of the most underdeveloped and least developed areas. The road conditions are so poor that even cyclists who visit for the breathtaking views try to avoid the route. If cyclists find it challenging, one can only imagine the difficulties faced by those driving vehicles there. Is Karnali Highway in Nepal dangerous? Most of the travelers and tourist have regarded Karnali as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. As per the recent rules by the running government of the country, you cannot drive at night at this highway, and the reason behind it was the increase in the number of accidents. According to the traffic police, the causes of these deaths on Karnali Highway are the same: narrow roads, a lack of necessary road safety signs and overcrowded vehicles. You will be shocked to know that in the month of July of the year 2011, a report came of Karnali highway, which states that almost eighty five percent of the Karnali highways are unsafe for the travelers. These all are the things, which make Karnali Highway as one of the most difficult, dangerous and scary roads for the riders. Even though you can enjoy a lot on this trip, but you need to be very cautious while driving. You can understand the dangerous level of the road by the facts, which are already mentioned earlier like you are not allowed to drive at night and all. During the monsoon times, this highway becomes more dangerous, and the reason behind it is the increase in the number of landslides and other hazards. How lethal is Karnali Highway in Nepal? This road definitely comes with an unlimited amount of scary moments. Accidents along this narrow highway have in fact become a regular affair. On research, it was found that every year, almost fifty people die particularly on this road. On March 18, 2010, a passenger bus (Na 3 Kha 5868) of Kankrevihar Transport was en route to Surkhet from Kalikot when it hit a rock at Kitu Bhir in Dailekh and fell into the Karnali river. As many as 41 people lost their lives in that accident. It was a terrible moment for the country. One year later, on October 14, 2011, during the Dashain festival, 33 people lost their lives after a bus (Bhe 1 Kha 3167) crashed. It was carrying students who were returning home for the Dashain holidays and fell into the Pinatpane river in Chhayanath Rara-7, Mugu. Even though the highway is dangerous and scary for the travel but it has helped to open many areas of Nepal. And only because of this highway the access for education, health care, and the market has opened for the people living in Nepal. Pic: https://www.nepal24hours.com/passengers-stranded-on-karnali-highway/ Friendship Highway is one of the best overland journeys on the planet Arniko Highway: One mistake, game over 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.
easyYongwu Road is the most beautiful road under water
🇨🇳 China
Picture this: you're cruising along Yongwu Road (part of county road X219), connecting Xincheng and Wuchengzen in northern Jiangxi, China. It’s a smooth, paved 30 km (18.5 miles) stretch through Yongxiu County. But here's the kicker: this isn't your average road trip. You see, Yongwu Road cuts right across Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake. And every year, like clockwork, this road disappears under the rising waters! Locals call it "the most beautiful road under the water," and it's easy to see why. As the rainy season kicks in around late May, Poyang Lake starts to swell. Soon, Yongwu Road isn't just near the water, it's in it. Even when the road dips below the surface – once the water level exceeds 18.67 meters – brave drivers keep navigating, using the guardrails as their guide. Eventually, the entire road vanishes completely for a few months, only to resurface again later. Talk about a unique driving experience!