Where is Ma'ale HaAtzmaut?

Where is Ma'ale HaAtzmaut?

Israel, asia

Length

85 km

Elevation

853 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising south of Beersheba, about 85 km deep into Israel's stunning southern region, and Highway 40 is your trusty paved companion. But get ready, because things are about to get twisty! You're approaching the legendary Ma'ale HaAtzmaut – think four seriously long hairpin switchbacks that plunge you down into the Ramon Crater. You'll rumble across the crater floor, then crank your way back up to Mitzpe Ramon, a cool desert town perched dramatically on a cliff edge. We're talking 860 meters (2,800 feet) above sea level here! The views of the Ramon Crater are absolutely epic, a true desert vista. Just keep your eyes on the road while you're soaking it all in. This climb isn't for the faint of heart, but the panoramas are totally worth it!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Israel
Continent
asia
Length
85 km
Max Elevation
853 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in asia

A curvy paved road to the top of Kazerun Pass in the Zagros Mountainshard

A curvy paved road to the top of Kazerun Pass in the Zagros Mountains

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! If you're cruising through Iran, you HAVE to experience the Kazerun Pass! We're talking a seriously scenic route winding through the heart of western Fars Province, nestled in the Arjan Protected Area. This baby climbs to a whopping 2,203 meters (7,227 feet), so get ready for some serious elevation! The road itself is fully paved, thankfully, but don't think it's gonna be a boring drive. Expect a wild ride with hairpin turns galore, and a few tunnels thrown in for good measure. Clocking in at 61 kilometers (38 miles), this west-to-east route connects Kazerun with Dasht-e Arzhan, slicing right through the breathtaking Zagros Mountains. Trust me, the views alone are worth the white-knuckle driving! Get your camera ready!

Courage is required to drive to Mount Damavandhard

Courage is required to drive to Mount Damavand

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Iran's Mazandaran Province, near Mount Damāvand, awaits an epic gravel road that climbs to a dizzying 3,025m (9,924ft)! Seriously, it's one of the highest you'll find in the whole country. This unpaved beauty, south of the peak, leads you up, up, UP to a summit area where you'll find a parking spot (if you're lucky!), the Sahebazzaman Mosque, and a mountain hut that's base camp for hikers tackling Damāvand. There's even another unpaved road running parallel to the east, topping out at 2,918m (9,573ft). Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously bumpy, steep terrain. Summer crowds can make it even trickier. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential! The stats? Starting in Polur, a village in Amol County, you've got a 19.8 km (12.30 miles) climb ahead of you, gaining a whopping 815 meters along the way, averaging a 4.11% gradient. And keep in mind that being nestled in the Alborz Mountain range means this road is usually a no-go zone in winter, thanks to heavy snowfall. The views though? Absolutely worth the challenge!

The Wild Road to Tsermangchen Lahard

The Wild Road to Tsermangchen La

🇮🇳 India

Just outside Leh in Ladakh, India, lies Tsermangchen La, a mountain pass that tops out at 12,736 feet. You'll find it nestled in the Himalayas' Sham Valley (aka Apricot Valley). The road is mostly paved and in decent shape, making it accessible to regular cars. That said, it's a bit tight and can be tricky, especially when it's raining. This 28.4-kilometer stretch winds its way from the NH1 (Srinagar-Leh Highway) towards Hemis-Shukpachan, a super picturesque village where traditional Ladakhi culture thrives. Keep an eye out for potential landslides or flooding. The road's never crazy steep, but you will hit some 8-9% grades on certain turns. Trust me, the views from Tsermanchan-La Pass are worth it, with apricot orchards and charming villages dotting the landscape.

Lungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan borderextreme

Lungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan border

🇨🇳 China

Hit up Lungdri La if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure! This high-altitude pass sits way up at 4,689 meters (15,383 feet) in western Sichuan, China, practically straddling the border with Tibet. Seriously remote and raw, this route snakes through the rugged landscape above the Jinsha River (that's the upper Yangtze, FYI). Don't let the epic scenery fool you – this 17 km (10.5 mile) climb from near Jidong is a beast, and not for the faint of heart. We're talking a relentless, sustained climb with an average gradient of almost 10%, and sections maxing out at a whopping 17%! Loose rock means traction is a major issue, even if you're an experienced off-roader. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 – seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. The views, though? Unbelievable! Think dramatic switchbacks overlooking the deep canyons of the Jinsha River. Just be prepared for anything. This is super remote, so there's no electricity, medical help, or running water. Bring your own fuel, emergency gear, and maybe some oxygen – altitude sickness is no joke up here. Plus, being so close to Tibet, permits and regulations can change in a heartbeat. And in winter, heavy snow makes this pass a complete no-go – icy 17% grades? No thanks! This climb is an unforgettable challenge, but remember, self-sufficiency is key out here in the wild west of Sichuan.