Where Is Pereval Ashusu?
Kyrgyzstan, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ashuu Pass! This wild ride sits way up high at an unspecified elevation in the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains.
You'll find this gem in the heart of Kyrgyzstan, near the iconic Song-Kul Lake. Get ready to ditch the pavement because this road is all gravel, all the time! Prepare for a serious workout as you conquer countless hairpin turns that'll have your steering wheel spinning like crazy.
Stretching approximately an unspecified number of kilometers through the majestic Ashuu-Too Range, the road serves as a lifeline connecting the northern and southern regions of Naryn. You'll be treated to mind-blowing scenery. Just south of the pass, the road meanders for a few kilometers before linking up with a summer pasture.
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is this triple pass route located?
š Afghanistan
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the triple threat: a crazy ride through Afghanistan's Farah province! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 31-kilometer stretch of pure, unadulterated mountain road insanity. Picture this: You're snaking through the heart of the country, a remote area north-south from... well, that village is kind of off the map. The "Route of the Three Passes" is just relentless. First, you crest Darah-ye Chashmah-ye Malaki at 2,716 meters (8,910 ft). Catch your breath, because barely a stone's throw away is Isparman Pass (Kotal-e Isparman) at 2,706 meters (8,877 ft). And just for kicks, they throw in Farangi Pass (Kotal-e Farangi) right after, topping out at 2,700 meters (8,858 ft). But here's the kicker: this isn't a smooth, paved autobahn. Nope, this is a rough, unpaved track riddled with potholes, steep climbs that'll test your engine, and more hairpin turns than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drop-offs? You definitely don't want to take a wrong turn here. And the biggest heads-up: you are on your own out there. Forget about roadside assistance, gas stations, or even a decent cup of coffee. This is all about self-sufficiency. Pack everything you need, get local intel, and for the love of all that is holy, only attempt this during daylight. This road is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an epic, unforgettable adventure, this might just be your Everest.
extremeWhy is it called Vardenyats Pass?
š Armenia
Vardenyats Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.410m (7,906ft) above sea level, located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Why is it called Vardenyats Pass? Set high in the Vardenis mountains range, the road to the summit, also known as Selim Mountain Pass or Sulemayi Lernantsākā, is called M10. The pass was formerly known as Selim Mountain Pass, but the name was recently changed. According to the governor of Vayots Dzor province, Edgar Ghazarian the name changed because āSelimā name is often used in the press, electronic mass media, tourist guides and reference books when the matter concerns a mountain pass, a caravanserai, etc. After consulting with historians, it became clear that Selim is the name of a person, rather than a place. This foreign barbarian was only famous for his evil deeds and destruction he caused. Our picturesque sites and historic monuments should not be linked to his name. I want to inform everyone that changes were officially made in the place names, with Selim mountain pass renamed Vardenyats mountain pass and the Selim caravanserai renamed Orbelianās caravanseraiā. How long is Vardenyats Pass? The pass is 55.7 km (34.61 miles) long, running north-south from Martuni (a town in the Gegharkunik Province on the southern shores of Lake Sevan) to Yeghegnadzor (a town in Vayots Dzor Province, on the southern part of the country). Is Vardenyats Pass challenging? The road leading to the summit is completely paved, but it presents numerous challenges to any vehicle's suspension due to the abundance of potholes and broken surfaces. The road's perilous nature is primarily attributed to the extreme weather conditions, including blizzards, strong winds, dense fog, limited visibility, sections with black ice, and the constant risk of avalanches. Depending on the season of your visit, it's crucial to monitor local weather reports, as heavy snowfall can pose significant problems. Additionally, the occasional tumbling rocks demand constant vigilance while driving. Is Vardenyats Pass worth it? While driving through this challenging road, with hairpin turns, steep sections and countless curves, youāll get stunning views. As you traverse the terrain, the road leads you to the highland steppe, just beyond the pass, where the beauty of Armenia's majestic mountains unfolds. Moreover, this pass serves as a gateway to Lake Sevan, offering an opportunity to experience this natural wonder. At the summit, you'll encounter a remarkable piece of history - the ancient Silk Road guest house, known as Selim Caravanserai. This establishment was constructed in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian, as revealed by inscriptions in both Armenian and Arabic. Throughout its existence, the caravanserai extended hospitality to countless travelers journeying along the highway that traversed the Selim (Sulema) mountains. Selim Caravanserai stands as a gem amongst Armenia's historical treasures, representing an example of secular Armenian architecture during the Middle Ages. What are the highest roads in Armenia? Driving the demanding road to Aragats Research Station 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.
moderateDare to drive the dangerous Shangla Wall Tunnel Road
šØš³ China
Get ready for an adventure! Deep in the Taihang Mountains of northwest Henan, China, lies the Shangla Wall Tunnel Road - a mind-blowing feat of human ingenuity. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's one of those legendary Chinese tunnel roads, carved by hand by a few determined villagers. Imagine a 162m tunnel snaking through the rock face, punctuated by eight window openings offering incredible views. Just be warned: the concrete paving has seen better days, so expect a bumpy ride on gravel with some serious potholes. Things get interesting inside. The tunnel's pretty narrow, so if you meet another car, prepare for some tricky maneuvering! And definitely avoid this spot in winter ā snow makes it impassable. The only light comes from those side windows, adding to the drama. Trust me, though, the scenery is totally worth the nail-biting drive. This incredible tunnel was built way back in the 70s (1975-1977), a testament to grit and determination.
extremeAshkourat Pass: Driving the rugged 3,000m ridge of the Alborz Mountains
š®š· Iran
Nestled deep in the Alborz Mountains, you'll find Ashkourat Pass, a seriously high mountain road topping out at 3,076m (10,091ft). This gem is tucked away in the Mazandaran Province, and it's one of the highest drives you can experience in Iran, showcasing the wild and dramatic landscapes of the north. Think of Ashkourat Pass as a legendary off-road pilgrimage, linking the lush Caspian valleys to the rugged Alborz heights. The weather here? Unpredictable, to say the least. Clouds love to crash in from the coast, turning the pass into a foggy abyss where you can barely see beyond your hood. Suddenly, you're balancing on a knife's edge, not knowing where the road ends and the cliff begins. This epic journey stretches for 53 km (33 miles), winding from Kit to Sormoshk. But here's the catch: it's entirely unpaved. Expect a mix of gravel, stones, and muddy patches. A proper 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. The road is notoriously narrow, with sections so tight that passing another vehicle requires skillful reversing along cliff edges. Those "dangerous drops" you hear about? They're the real deal. The road clings to the mountainside with zero guardrails. The climb is steep and relentless, demanding a low-range gearbox to keep you moving. This drive calls for expert skills, especially on the descent, where losing control on the loose gravel is a constant threat. Thanks to its high altitude and Caspian proximity, Ashkourat Pass sees heavy snowfall. It's usually closed from late autumn until late spring. Even in summer, sudden downpours can turn the dust into a treacherous mud slick. Fog is a major concern, so top-notch fog lights are essential, and night driving is a hard no. Forget about finding gas stations or repair shops between Kit and Sormoshk. This is remote territory where self-sufficiency is key. Pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and plenty of water. Ashkourat Pass rewards you with mind-blowing views of the Alborz peaks and traditional shepherd huts, but it's a drive that demands respect. If you're craving the rawest Iranian mountain experience, this is it.