Where is the Masik Pass Road?
North Korea, asia
20 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Masik Pass is home to the Masikryong Ski Resort, a modern, government-built tourist facility. The paved access road offers a rare example of a well-maintained, scenic mountain route cutting through the central part of the peninsula.
Where is the Masik Pass Road?
Masik Pass is located in
, approximately 20 km outside of the port city of
on the East Coast. It is a major mountain crossing that travelers often use to get from the capital region in the west to the east coast.
What is special about this mountain road?
Unlike the Paektu road which is remote, the Masik Pass is special because it is a
relatively modern and tourist-focused mountain route
. It offers the chance to drive
through the high part of the
, which features steep slopes and significant elevation changes. Its proximity to a high-profile resort means it is likely one of the
best-maintained mountain roads
What is the elevation of Masik Pass?
, which hosts the summit of the ski resort, is
. The road itself will cross the pass at a slightly lower elevation, placing it far below Paektu, but still representing a significant mountain crossing.
How long does it take to drive to Masik Pass?
While the length of the immediate pass road is short, the drive from the capital,
Pyongyang, to Masik Pass typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours
, covering a substantial distance across the peninsula on motorways that may have inconsistent surfaces, making the entire journey a long and complex endeavor.
The Highest Road of North Korea: Mount Paektu Access Road (The Path to Heaven Lake)
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.
Road Details
- Country
- North Korea
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 20 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in asia
extremeMa Pi Leng Pass is the most astonishing mountain road of Vietnam
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ma Pi Leng Pass in Vietnam's Hà Giang Province. This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure on what they call the "King" of Vietnamese mountain passes! Seriously, at 1,202m (3,943ft) up, the views are unreal. They carved this road right into the mountainside over six years (talk about dedication!), and there's even a monument at the top to mark the achievement. It's all paved now, so you don't need a monster truck, but be ready for some bumps. This is National Road 4C, also known as Hanh Phuc – "The Happiness Road" – and with scenery this epic, you'll see why. Think fairytale landscapes and views that rival the Great Wall. Clocking in at 23.1 km (14.35 miles) between Mèo Vạc and Đồng Văn, the drive is pretty intense, with some sections hitting over 8% incline. When the weather turns – rain or fog – you'll need your wits about you. Parts of the road have earned names like "Hanging Cliff of Death" for a reason! Expect hairpin turns that could make you dizzy, and sheer drops that plunge hundreds of meters into the valley below. Oh, and sometimes, guardrails are MIA. So yeah, stay focused, and you’ll be fine. The views are so, so worth it!
hardAn Explorer's Guide to Jang La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jang La Pass in Tibet is calling your name. Perched at a dizzying 17,263 feet, this border crossing between Gyirong and Saga counties is not for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think unpaved, bumpy, and hairpin turns galore. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Pro Tip: Summer is really your only window to tackle this beast. Spanning nearly 100 kilometers from Changguoxiang to Kangbeicun, the views are absolutely breathtaking – classic, raw Tibetan landscapes. But be warned, creature comforts are scarce. Forget electricity, reliable medical care, or even a decent toilet. This is about getting back to basics and conquering one seriously epic road. So, are you in?
moderateThe paved road to Surtok La with stunning views of Pangong Lake
🇮🇳 India
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Surtok La! Perched way up high in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, this beauty sits at a cool 14,291 feet (4,356m). The road, also known as Pangong Lake Road, is paved and generally in decent shape, making it accessible for most vehicles. But don't get too comfy! It's a twisty, turny ride with some seriously steep climbs and narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at around 20 miles (33km), the route snakes its way from Tangtse to the stunning Pangong Lake. Trust me, the views are incredible! Picture this: breathtaking panoramas of the lake unfolding before you as you conquer those curves. It's a photographer's dream and an unforgettable driving experience!
extremeHow long is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, a wild ride through China! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a whopping 2,142 km (1,330 miles) from Chengdu in the east all the way to Lhasa, Tibet in the west. This legendary route, formerly known as the Kangding-Tibet Highway (part of the No. 318 National Trunk Highway), plunges you headfirst into staggering landscapes, where monumental peaks pierce the sky and adorable yaks graze peacefully. Prepare for a sensory overload of ever-changing scenery! You'll witness spring morph into winter in the blink of an eye – it's like living "days in heaven, but years on earth," as they say. Now, about that elevation... yeah, it's a thing. We're talking 14 mountains averaging 4,000-5,000m, plus crossings over major rivers like the Dadu, Jinsha, Lantsang, and Nujiang. Then toss in primeval forests and plenty of dicey sections. The air gets thin – seriously, about half the oxygen you're used to. Oh, and did I mention the 99 switchbacks on a 38-kilometer stretch? You start at 4,651m (15,259ft), plunge down nearly 1,200 meters to a sketchy bridge, and dodge landslides all the way. And don't worry, the army is always on duty! Bad road surfaces and hairpin turns are the norm. Tackling single-track sections in bad weather? That's a challenge even for seasoned drivers. Winter can shut this beast down completely. Rain, ice, and general chilliness hang around for the better part of the year, turning the road into a muddy, treacherous mess. And sometimes you get stuck in massive traffic jams that stretch for miles, the drivers get restless, and things get... interesting. Let’s just say fights and theft are not uncommon. If you take your time, expect the trip to take around 15 days. This route was built way back in the 50s and opened in 1954. It's dangerous, no doubt, but unbelievably gorgeous. Think snow-capped peaks, soaring mountain passes, and dramatic gorges around every bend. Sadly, accidents are a real issue here, and wrecked vehicles are an all-too-common sight. So drive carefully, stay alert, and soak up the epic views!