Where is Korzok?
India, asia
3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Korzok, one of the highest towns in Jammu and Kashmir, India? This little village (they also call it Korjak!) sits pretty near the northwest end of the stunning Tso Moriri lake. Plus, the Drukpa Buddhist Korzok Monastery is right there!
Getting there is half the fun. The road stretches for about 45 km (28 miles). And guess what? It's newly paved! But don't get too comfy—it's still a *very* challenging drive. Think narrow stretches, super steep climbs, and a massive climb up to the Namang La, a high mountain pass sitting at a whopping 5,475m (17,963ft). Get ready for some serious views and maybe a little white-knuckle driving. You've been warned!
Related Roads in asia
hardRaakhi Gaaj Project is the Asia’s Second Largest Steel Bridge
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Cruising through Punjab, Pakistan? You HAVE to check out the Raakhi Gaaj Project! Seriously, it's said to be the second-largest steel bridge project in all of Asia, and honestly, it feels like it. This incredible feat of engineering was completed in 2019 to upgrade National Highway 70, a vital artery connecting the country. Before the bridge, this section of the N-70 was a white-knuckle ride with seven super-tight turns as you climbed the Girdo Mountain towards Munro and Bewata – a road built way back in the 1800s! But now, thanks to these eight steel bridges, those terrifying landslides and crazy curves are a thing of the past. You'll see everything from massive trucks hauling goods to families on holiday, all making their way across these impressive structures. The eight bridges stretch for about 1.5 kilometers, with pillars soaring over 150 feet high. Not only is it a beautiful sight, but it’s saving everyone a ton on vehicle maintenance and shaving off hours of travel time between Punjab and Balochistan. It really does make the journey a lot more pleasant.
extremeDon’t glance down at your phone on Manang Road
🇳🇵 Nepal
Nestled high in the Nepalese Himalayas, on the edge of the Annapurna range, lies Manang, a charming mountain town at a dizzying 3,776m. Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road from Besishahar (a mere 710m) is a 99km rollercoaster ride. It's mostly unpaved, a narrow ledge carved into the mountainside. Forget smooth tarmac – this is rocky, rugged terrain demanding respect from both driver and machine. Think 4x4s are tough? Try pushing one up steep inclines in thin air! The elevation gain is a whopping 3,066m, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient! But the views? Absolutely worth it. The road hugs the Marsyangdí river, offering breathtaking panoramas at every turn. Imagine cascading waterfalls plunging onto the road, the river raging below, and you clinging to a narrow path etched into the side of a vertical cliff face. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking drops of 500 meters! Be warned, this "road" can be treacherous, especially after rain. Landslides, loose rocks, and vertigo-inducing heights are all part of the experience. Definitely avoid during the monsoon season. Known as part of the Annapurna Circuit, this route isn't for the faint of heart. It demands skill, concentration, and a healthy dose of bravery. One wrong move, and you'll be taking a shortcut to the river below. But if you're seeking an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled journey through some of the most spectacular scenery on earth, the road to Manang is calling your name!
hardShashi La is a winding road for experienced drivers only
🇮🇳 India
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Shashi La in the Aryan valley of Ladakh, India! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass topping out at 4,264m (13,989ft)! The Shashila Road is a wild 35.1 km stretch of unpaved road running from Lalung to Hagnis. You'll want a 4x4 for this one — it gets steep (maxing out around 10%!) and pretty narrow in places. Budget at least 3 hours to conquer this beast, the road conditions will keep you on your toes! The views? Totally worth it! Think breathtaking vistas of the Pakistan border, the majestic Nun Kun range to the southwest, the towering Karakoram ranges to the north, and the Kashmir ranges to the west. Seriously epic. Starting in Lalung, you'll climb 9.5km, gaining 529 meters at an average gradient of 5.56%. If you're coming from Hagnis, prepare for a 25.6km ascent, climbing 1,079 meters at a more mellow 4.21% gradient. Get ready for the ride of your life!
extremeWhere is Gydzhen Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Gydzhen Pass! Nestled high in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, this incredible route snakes through the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, practically waving hello to Tajikistan. This isn't your everyday tourist trap. We're talking remote, raw beauty amid the Pamir Plateau, where the local Kyrgyz nomads roam. Keep an eye out for checkpoints though—you're practically on the border here! The road itself stretches from Chat to Ghijek. While it's paved, it's still off the beaten path, so don't expect it to pop up on every map. What makes Gydzhen Pass a thrill? The climb, baby! Prepare for a serious set of switchbacks etched into the mountainside as you near the summit. The pavement's decent, but those hairpin turns demand your full attention. And did I mention the altitude? We're talking nearly 4,000 meters up in the Kunlun range, east of the majestic massif. The air's thin, the weather's unpredictable, and winter brings heavy snow that can shut things down completely. So, plan accordingly, and get ready for an epic drive!