Where is the Mohammediyah Mountain Road?

Where is the Mohammediyah Mountain Road?

Arabian Peninsula, asia

Length

20 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province, about to tackle the Mohammediyah Mountain Road. This isn't just any drive; it's a 20 km stretch of pure mountain magic in the Sarawat range.

Forget the boring highway; this is the scenic route connecting a coastal settlement to a mountain city near Taif. This single-lane ribbon of asphalt was carved right into the cliffs around 2010, offering insane views of the Red Sea coast as you climb to over 2,250 meters above sea level.

Now, let's be real: this road's no joke. It's all paved, but it's narrow, hugs the cliffs, and has curves that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, rocks are everywhere. Night driving? Avoid it like the plague. Zero shoulder room and hairpin turns? Yeah, you want daylight for this adventure.

Rain? That's a hard no. Landslides and falling rocks are real hazards, plus they often close the road when it gets wet. Oh, and did I mention you're pretty much off the grid for an hour and a half? No services, no cell signal, nada. Fill that tank and make sure your car's in tip-top shape.

So why take it? Because the Al-Hada highway is a congested mess, especially during holidays. Plus, you get to skip the truck traffic and any checkpoints on the main roads. If you're up for a challenging drive with "awesome" rocky landscapes, the Mohammediyah Mountain Road is the detour you won't forget.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Arabian Peninsula
Continent
asia
Length
20 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in asia

Driving the Treacherous Fairy Meadows Road in Pakistanextreme

Driving the Treacherous Fairy Meadows Road in Pakistan

🇵🇰 Pakistan

# Fairy Meadows Road: Beauty and Thrills in Pakistan's High Country Ready for an adventure that'll get your heart racing? Welcome to Fairy Meadows Road, a wild mountain track tucked away in the stunning Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. Stretching 16 kilometers through Fairy Meadows National Park, this unpaved gem climbs from the Karakoram Highway up to the charming village of Tato and beyond to Fairy Meadows itself—sitting pretty at about 3,300 meters above sea level. Here's the catch: the road is basically a rocky, gravel path that's never been properly maintained, with zero guardrails between you and some seriously steep drop-offs. The most intense section? A gnarly 6-mile ascent that's barely wider than a Jeep Wrangler. One wrong move on this narrow, unstable stretch and you're looking at a thousand-foot plunge. The road's been called "the Road of Death" for good reason—it was built centuries ago by local villagers near Nanga Parbat and hasn't seen much love since then. The final section to Fairy Meadows is so cramped that you'll need to ditch the vehicle and finish on foot or by bike. The payoff? Absolutely stunning Himalayan scenery and access to one of the world's most iconic treks. Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain on Earth, looms in the distance, drawing serious climbers and photographers from around the globe. **Planning a visit?** This road only opens in summer—June and July are your sweet spot. Winter closure is non-negotiable. Only tackle this with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and nerves of steel. It's breathtaking, exhilarating, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

How is the drive to Pereval Kara-Kul’dzha?extreme

How is the drive to Pereval Kara-Kul’dzha?

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in northwestern Kyrgyzstan, straddling the Talas and Jalal-Abad regions, lies Pereval Kara-Kul’dzha. We're talking about a high-mountain pass topping out at 3,166m (10,387ft), practically on the doorstep of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve near the Chatkal River's source. Forget smooth highways, this is a primitive mountain track. We're talking 60km of completely unpaved road from Bashky-Terek to the Chatkal Valley. Think narrow paths, bone-jarring potholes, and hairpin turns clinging to steep slopes. Loose dirt and stones are the name of the game, turning into a muddy mess if it rains. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing to conquer this beast. Is it dangerous? You bet. You're in the middle of nowhere, sandwiched between the Chatkal and Talas Ala-Too ranges. Expect perilous drop-offs with zero guardrails, and the very real possibility of landslides and rockfalls blocking your path. Solo travel? Not recommended. This is a place where self-sufficiency is key. Up top, at 3,166m, be ready for anything. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, even in summer. Expect cold winds and sudden storms. This isn't just a drive; it's a rugged mountain trail designed for drivers who crave solitude and want to put their vehicle through its paces on a raw, untamed route. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

The "Rollercoaster" Engineering: Eshima Ohashi Bridgeextreme

The "Rollercoaster" Engineering: Eshima Ohashi Bridge

🇯🇵 Japan

Japan is a gearhead's dream, where futuristic highways meet ancient mountain roads. Forget Tokyo's bright lights and dive into the "Touge" (mountain pass) scene, where you'll find incredible engineering alongside active volcanoes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Driving here means mastering unique etiquette, navigating toll booths, and experiencing some of the best-engineered alpine routes on the planet. Whether you’re chasing the famous "Rollercoaster Bridge" or the sacred hairpins in the Japanese Alps, these routes are the ultimate Asian road trip. **The "Rollercoaster" Eshima Ohashi Bridge** Probably the most mind-blowing sight is the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. Connecting Matsue and Sakaiminato, this bridge has become famous for its crazy-steep look. While the actual gradient is around 6%, the photos make it seem like a vertical drop! It's an incredible feat of engineering, designed to let big ships pass underneath while giving drivers a wild ride. **The Sacred Hairpins of Irohazaka** Nestled in the mountains of Nikko, the Irohazaka Winding Road is a masterpiece of mountain road design. It features two separate roads—one up, one down—with a total of 48 hairpin turns. Each turn is named after a syllable of the old Japanese alphabet. It’s a spiritual experience and a driving challenge, demanding smooth braking and steering, especially when the autumn leaves are at their peak. **Touching the Sky: Norikura Skyline and Fuji Subaru Line** For some high-altitude thrills, check out the Norikura Skyline. It's Japan's highest public road, climbing to 2,702 meters. The views rival the Swiss Alps, but access is limited to protect the environment. Closer to Tokyo, the Fuji Subaru Line is the go-to route for driving up Mount Fuji. Reaching the 5th Station at 2,305 meters, this toll road takes you through different ecological zones, ending above the clouds on Japan’s most famous peak. **Hokkaido: The Wild Frontier** Up north, Hokkaido offers a completely different vibe. The Hokkaido Route takes you through vast national parks and along rugged coastlines. Start in Sapporo and head towards Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Instead of tight mountain passes, Hokkaido features long, straight roads, and extreme winter conditions that can turn a drive into a survival challenge. **The Kyushu Volcanic Belt** Down in Kyushu, the southwestern island, you'll find fiery volcanoes and geothermal areas. Drive the Kyushu Volcanic Belt to Mount Aso, one of the world's biggest active calderas. The roads here are constantly monitored for volcanic activity, adding some excitement to the journey. Driving through these otherworldly landscapes, with steaming vents and green craters, shows off Japan’s spot on the Pacific Ring of Fire. **The Shikoku Remote Circuit** Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's main islands, offers a glimpse into "Old Japan." The Shikoku Island Circuit winds through lush valleys and rugged coastlines steeped in tradition. It's home to the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and the roads are narrower and more challenging than the mainland highways. For the adventurous driver, Shikoku is the last frontier of remote, rural Japanese driving. A road trip through Japan is an unforgettable journey. From the gravity-defying Eshima Ohashi Bridge to the high-altitude slopes of Mount Fuji, every route showcases the country's passion for perfection and its respect for the landscape. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let Japan's amazing roads blow your mind.

Dangjin Shankou: Navigating China's Majestic Altitudes on Road G215moderate

Dangjin Shankou: Navigating China's Majestic Altitudes on Road G215

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dangjin Shankou, a seriously stunning mountain pass soaring to 3,655m (that's nearly 12,000ft!) in Gansu Province, China. This gem sits pretty in the Altyn Tagh range, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. The road, known locally as Dangjinshan Daban, is completely paved and part of the G215 highway. Picture this: endless straightaways mixed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes – it's a driver's dream! This epic pass stretches for 60km (37 miles), connecting Aleteng Town in the south with Changcaogou Daoban up north. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go. This area can get hit with rough conditions quickly. Stick to daylight hours, and definitely avoid driving after dark or after it's been raining. Trust me on that one!