Where is the Mohammediyah Mountain Road?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
20 km
N/A
hard
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 20 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Kulma Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Ready for an adventure? Kulma Pass, straddling the China-Tajikistan border, hits a staggering 4,362 meters (14,311 feet) – talk about breathtaking views (and maybe a little breathlessness!). Also known as Qolma Pass or Karasu Pass, this route connects Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region with China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The road, part of Asian Highway AH66, stretches for 113 kilometers (70 miles) between Kalasu Port in China and... well, Tajikistan. It’s mostly paved, making it a smoother ride than you might expect for such a remote locale. Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round jaunt. Kulma Pass is typically open only from the 16th to the 30th of each month, between May and November. Nestled in the Pamir Mountains, expect seriously cold temperatures. But hey, since 2017, travelers report smooth crossings!
hardHow long was Burma Road?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride down the Burma Road! This legendary route, stretching 1,154 km (717 miles) from Lashio in Myanmar to Kunming in China, is steeped in history. Built during World War II, it was a vital artery for supplies heading to China to help them resist the Japanese invasion. Imagine this: a seemingly impossible project carved through challenging terrain. Construction took place in 1937 and 1938. Over 200,000 Chinese laborers, with support from British and American engineers, tackled this ambitious task, creating a lifeline for Chiang Kai-shek's forces. Though parts of the original road have faded with time, the spirit of the Burma Road lives on. Just remember, the famous "24 Turns" you might see online? That's actually a section *after* the Burma Road, used to transport supplies onward to Chongqing. This road is a true testament to resilience and cooperation during a pivotal moment in history.
hardHow long is the road to Kigunaru Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Kigunaru Pass (also known as Yeban Xian) is an extreme high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 5,407m (17,739ft) above sea level, located in Rutog County, within the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Reaching such an altitude puts this track among the highest motorable routes in the world, crossing a desolate and oxygen-thin landscape in western China. The drive is a serious expedition that requires full self-sufficiency. At over 5,400 meters, atmospheric pressure is roughly half of what it is at sea level. This leads to a severe loss of engine power—often exceeding 40-50% for naturally aspirated engines—and puts immense strain on the vehicle’s cooling and fuel systems. Travelers must be prepared for extreme isolation, as there is no medical aid, electricity, or mechanical support for hundreds of kilometers. Road facts: Kigunaru Pass (Yeban Xian) 25.1 km (15.59 miles) Unpaved / Primitive Track How long is the road to Kigunaru Pass? and spans 25.1 km (15.59 miles) to reach the summit. While the average gradient is 4.21% , the profile is highly irregular. Drivers will face sudden, brutal ramps where the maximum gradient hits 11% . On unpaved surfaces at this altitude, maintaining traction on 11% slopes is extremely difficult; low-range gears and high-torque 4x4 vehicles are essential to avoid stalling or losing momentum in the loose Himalayan scree. Is the road to Kigunaru Pass open year-round? Due to its extreme elevation, the road to is impassable for the majority of the year. Heavy snow and permafrost conditions typically close the track from late October through late June or early July. Even during the short summer window, the "Yeban Xian" road remains unpredictable. Rapid weather changes can bring blizzards or freezing rain in minutes. The unpaved surface can turn into a muddy trap or be blocked by rockfalls, making it mandatory to check for up-to-date local information before attempting the climb. What are the driving risks at 5,407 meters? Driving at 5,407m involves risks that go beyond the road surface. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real threat to drivers, and the mechanical reliability of the vehicle is pushed to the limit. The 1,059-meter elevation gain over the 25.1 km stretch requires a cooling system in perfect condition, as engines run hotter in thin air. There is no infrastructure in Rutog County for travelers—no western toilets, no running water, and no fuel stations. Total preparation, including carrying extra oxygen, satellite communication, and enough fuel for the return journey, is the only way to safely navigate this remote Tibetan frontier. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Dare to drive the dangerous Debo La 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.
moderateCipularang: a busy yet scenic toll road
🌍 Indonesia
Cruising the Cipularang Toll Road in West Java is like a visual feast, connecting Cikampek and Padalarang with some seriously gorgeous scenery. This 58.5 km stretch is a paved dream, offering a smooth link between the Jakarta–Cikampek and Padaleunyi Toll Roads. Think rolling hills painted in all shades of Indonesian green – it's a major artery that cuts down travel time from Jakarta to Bandung. Opened in 2005, it's part of the Asian Highway Network, so you know it's a well-traveled route. Just be aware that with its popularity, traffic is on the rise, so stay alert! In 2020, landslides near the 118 km marker raised some concerns, leading to talks about limiting heavy vehicle traffic. So, keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride!