Where is Kawah Putih?
Indonesia, asia
50 km
2,430 m
easy
Year-round
Just 50 km south of Bandung, Indonesia, lies the unreal Kawah Putih crater lake. Perched way up at 2,430m (7,972ft), this volcanic lake stuns with its white and turquoise waters. Find it nestled within Mount Patuha's volcanic embrace, near Ciwidey, famed for its strawberries.
The 5.4 km (3.35 miles) paved access road, Kawah Putih Road, winds from the main road through the park, treating you to breathtaking views of the countryside and volcanic landscapes. The lake's color, thanks to high sulfur levels, is surreal. Sunny days pop with bright hues, while cloudy days bring an eerie mist.
Tip: Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Kawah Putih is super popular with locals, making Sundays and Saturdays the busiest.
Road Details
- Country
- Indonesia
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,430 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow long is the road to Lahıc?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Okay, picture this: you're in Azerbaijan, itching for an adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and set your sights on Lahıc (or Lagich, Lahich, Lahic – spelling's optional, apparently!). This tiny town is tucked away in the Ismailli region, and getting there is half the fun...or maybe the whole point, depending on your thrill-seeking level. We're talking about a 19.2 km (almost 12 miles) stretch of road that starts out innocent enough near Təzəkənd off the R-8. Don’t get too comfortable. The tarmac quickly gives way to potholes and then...well, let's just call it a "track." As you get closer to Lahıc, things get seriously steep and winding, hugging the mountainside every step of the way. Lahıc itself sits at a cool 1,375 meters (that's over 4,500 feet!), nestled in the Greater Caucasus mountains. It was isolated for ages, which is why it has its own unique culture and crafts. Think cobblestone streets, copper workshops, and the chance to snag some amazing carpets. Seriously, take a few hours to explore. But back to the road. It carves its way through the Girdimanchai river gorge, right along the river. Remember those huge cliffs and potential 300-meter drops? Yeah, they’re real. You’ll be skirting sheer rock walls on ledges that look like they were carved out yesterday. The scenery is mind-blowing, but don't get too distracted! You'll find hairpin turns, the occasional rockfall, and potentially washed-out sections. Be warned: ice and snow can shut this road down in winter. Spring rains can do a number on it too. And keep an eye out for random animals! A 4x4 is definitely recommended, and an experienced driver is a must. It’s narrow, it's wild, and you’ll probably need a solid dose of bravery. But oh man, those views! Just be prepared for a white-knuckle ride.
extremeHow challenging is driving the China National Highway 317 today?
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G317), a 2,030 km (1,261 miles) trek from Chengdu to Nagqu that'll redefine your definition of "road trip"! Forget your average scenic drive – this is a high-altitude adventure through the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. Once a muddy mess of a track, the G317 is now mostly paved, a modern marvel slicing through some seriously stunning landscapes. But don't let the smooth surface fool you; this road is no walk in the park. We're talking thin air, crazy weather, and mountain passes soaring above 5,000 meters! Picture yourself cruising through pristine nomadic lands, past ancient monasteries, with snow-capped peaks as your constant companions. So, what's the challenge today? Altitude, altitude, altitude! You'll be gasping for air above 4,000 meters, and your car might be too. Expect sudden rockfalls in those narrow gorges, and winter hangs on for dear life, bringing snow and ice for most of the year. Is it all paved? Mostly! The Chola Mountain Tunnel is a game-changer, but you'll still hit construction zones and stretches of gravel. Plus, watch out for herds of wandering animals and slow-moving trucks that can cause some serious traffic jams. Weather is the real boss here. Blizzards can roll in out of nowhere, even in summer! And hold on tight for those hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. Oxygen tanks and warm layers are essential. This isn't just a drive, it's an expedition through some of China's most incredible, yet isolated, nomadic cultures. When's the best time to go? Aim for May, June, or September. July and August bring monsoon rains and potential landslides. Winter? Only for the truly hardcore, with temps plummeting below -30°C on the high passes. Get ready for an epic adventure!
extremeA very treacherous journey to Lungmar La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! Lungmar La is calling – a whopping 18,950 feet (5,776m) high on the Chinese-Indian border! Seriously, this pass is insane. We're talking one of the highest *motorable* roads on the planet. Forget pavement; this is raw, rugged mountain terrain. Think steep, rocky, and definitely a "leave your low-rider at home" kinda situation. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. And remember, winter shuts this beast down completely. Lungmar La connects Kamba County in Tibet with North Sikkim in India, but here's the kicker: the roads DON'T actually meet at the top! So, yeah, it’s remote. Resources are scarce – electricity, medical help, that sort of thing. But the views? Untouchable. If you're brave enough to attempt this, triple-check road conditions before you go. This one's for the hardcore adventurers only!
hardTravel guide to the top of Upyang Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Upyang Pass in Western Xinjiang, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at a breathtaking 4,927 meters (that's 16,164 feet for you imperial system folks!). You'll find it way out west near the border with Pakistan. Forget pavement; this is an unpaved, raw, and rugged experience. The air gets thin up there, so listen to your body and maybe pack some oxygen if you're prone to altitude sickness. Seriously, though, if you're craving an off-the-grid escape, this is it. The climb to the summit (also called Wufulang Daban) kicks off from the G314 near Red Qilafu. It's a 13.5 km (8.41 miles) grind with a serious elevation gain of 787 meters. The average incline is almost 6%, so get ready for a steep and winding adventure! Expect killer views, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!