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
extremeJambatai Pass: Driving the technical 4x4 road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Jambatai Kandao Pass in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is a heart-stopper you won't soon forget. We're talking about a climb to 2,232m (7,322ft) of pure, unadulterated mountain magic. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 15.9 km (9.87 mile) stretch from Hido to Damtal is a raw, rugged, mostly unpaved track that demands respect. Think hundreds of curves, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and narrow sections with stomach-churning drop-offs. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Leave your compact car at home, seriously. Expect a multi-hour crawl depending on Mother Nature's mood and the road conditions. The climbs are steep, so you'll be relying on low-range gearing, and engine braking is your best friend on those downhills to save your brake pads. But wait, there's more! Landslides and rockfalls are common, especially after rain. The roadbed can be unstable, and the weather at that altitude? Changeable doesn't even begin to cover it. Mist can roll in, slashing visibility to near zero. Sharp rocks are tire-killers, and the combo of heat and steepness will push your engine. Pack a full-size spare (or two!) and extra fuel – you're on your own out here. Okay, the scenery is spectacular! If the security situation allows, the road is typically navigable from late spring to early autumn. During the winter, the pass can be blocked by snow and ice, making the unpaved surface incredibly slippery and dangerous. In July and August, the monsoon rains can wash out entire sections of the road, creating deep mud traps and fast-flowing water crossings that make the pass impassable for any vehicle. Traveling to this region involves significant security risks. Ongoing military operations and the presence of militant groups in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province make the area highly volatile. Most governments strongly advise against travel to this region due to the threats of terrorism and kidnappings. Many areas are restricted to foreigners, and even with official permits, your safety is never guaranteed. Given these extreme risks, it is best to avoid visiting the area altogether and stay informed through official travel advisories.
hardDanyore Suspension Bridge: the bridge between heaven and hell
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, you'll find the Danyore Suspension Bridge, and this ain't your average stroll in the park. We're talking about a 510-foot-long suspended walkway that used to connect to a short tunnel. Locals call it "Pul-e-Sirat" – the bridge between heaven and hell – and honestly, the name kinda fits. Back in the day, this bridge linked Gilgit to Danyore across the wild Hunza River, but now it's only open to pedestrians. Word on the street is that it's been deemed unsafe for vehicles. They say driving it used to be a true test of skill and nerves. Imagine being stuck mid-stream? Definitely not a chill vibe! Nowadays, the views are still incredible, but maybe best enjoyed on foot.
extremeDriving the hairpinned N6 Road to Aqabat Thirah in Yemen
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
# Aqabat Thirah: Yemen's Wildest Mountain Pass Ready for one of the most intense driving experiences on the planet? Welcome to Aqabat Thirah, a jaw-dropping mountain pass that sits 2,283 meters (7,490 feet) above sea level in Yemen. Also called Lawdar Pass because of its proximity to the town of Lawdar, this route straddles the border between Al Bayda' and Abyan Governorates in the southwestern region. The 49.7-kilometer (30.88-mile) stretch runs north-south from Al Ayn to Owen Al-Down on the fully paved N6 highway. But here's where things get serious: this road is absolutely packed with 34 sharp switchbacks and relentless hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerves in equal measure. Steep grades and constant curves make every kilometer an adrenaline rush. Stick to daylight driving on this one—nighttime conditions are a hard pass. The mountain terrain demands respect and full visibility. **Fair warning though:** Yemen is currently experiencing unpredictable security situations, and most governments strongly advise against traveling there at all. If you're already in the country, seriously consider leaving. No road, no matter how legendary, is worth compromising your safety.
extremeWhere is Mount Kapaz?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! We're talking about a seriously epic drive up Mount Kapaz, nestled in the western part of the country within Göygöl National Park. This ain't your Sunday drive, folks! First things first, forget the pavement! This is a rugged, unpaved climb that snakes its way up to some serious elevation. You'll need a 4x4 and maybe even a local guide to really conquer this beast. Trust me, they know all the hidden gems. Speaking of conquering, this road is a leg-burner! It clocks in at [Length] of pure adrenaline, with an average gradient of over 16% and sections that will have your engine screaming. Get ready for [Number] hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. But the views? Totally worth it! The mountain's name comes from its shape, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Just picture yourself cruising along, surrounded by that incredible scenery – unforgettable! Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This area is usually only accessible between mid-July and the end of August. Before and after, expect blizzards, strong winds, fog, ice – the whole nine yards. Basically, plan your trip carefully, and get ready for an adventure. And remember that you'll need [Currency] because ATMs might be scarce!