Why is Khojak Pass famous?
Pakistan, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Khojak Pass! This high-altitude gem snakes its way through the Qilla Abdullah District, boasting seriously impressive views. The British knew what they were doing when they built that railway tunnel back in the day (1888-1891) - it's still a major landmark!
The road's paved, which is a bonus, but don't get complacent. It's a twisty-turny beast with hairpin curves and some seriously steep climbs. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe load up on the ginger ale before you go.
Clocking in at , this route runs north-south and begins in .
Now, a word of caution: things in Pakistan can be a little unpredictable. Security can be a concern due to ongoing tensions, and there's always a risk of terrorism and unrest. Plus, those mountain roads can have some serious drop-offs without guardrails. Weather can change in a heartbeat, especially in winter, and heavy rains can cause landslides and washouts.
Drivers can be a little wild, and accidents aren't uncommon. So, stay alert and drive defensively. If something does happen and you feel unsafe, get out of there and report it to the police. You might even encounter unexpected checkpoints along the way.
Related Roads in asia
moderateSala La: A high-altitude paved pass in Sêrxü County
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Sala La Pass, sitting pretty at 4,459 meters (14,629 ft) in the wild heart of northwest Sichuan's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure on the S217, a key route across this stunning region. The views from the top are unreal! You're gazing out over the vast Tibetan Plateau, spotting nomad camps dotting the grasslands. On a clear day, the snow-capped Chola Mountains jut into the sky to the south, making for an epic backdrop. And don't forget the prayer flags whipping around, adding that vibrant Tibetan touch. Now, the road is paved and relatively wide, but Sala La keeps you on your toes. Expect crazy winds and sudden weather changes — storms can roll in fast, even in summer, bringing hail or snow. The descent into Sêrxü County is all about those long, sweeping curves, so keep your speed in check. Remember, you're out there, so be ready for solitude; services are scarce between towns. Pro tip: Fuel up and load up on water before you head out. That high altitude will have you gasping for air, so take it easy at the summit. If the mist rolls in, slow down and flick on those fog lights. And trust me, skip this pass during serious winter storms — black ice is not your friend!
hardJangkhu La: Driving one of the highest paved passes on the G317 Road
🇨🇳 China
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising the legendary G317 (Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway), smack-dab in the heart of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. You're heading for Jangkhu La, a mind-blowing mountain pass that punches through the sky at a whopping 4,935m (16,190ft)! This isn't just a road; it's a lifeline for the remote Seni District of Nagqu. Sure, this stretch is paved with high-quality asphalt, but don't get complacent. At this altitude, your engine's gonna be gasping for air, and you might be too! Altitude sickness is a real buzzkill here, so take it easy if you're not used to being so high up. This epic drive spans 37.4 km (23.2 miles) between Kormang and Daqên, and it'll take you around 45 minutes...assuming everything goes smoothly. The road’s fairly wide, and the gradients aren't crazy steep (maxing out at 6%), but up here, even a tiny mechanical issue can turn into a full-blown crisis. Jangkhu La *should* be open year-round, but Mother Nature often has other plans. Expect heavy snowfall and slick black ice, especially from October to May. If a blizzard rolls in, the local authorities might shut it down for a bit. If you're hitting this pass in the colder months, pack your emergency kit and brace yourself for sub-zero temps. The biggest danger these days isn't mud, it's the lack of oxygen. Seriously, fatigue and bad decisions are your enemy here. You'll also be sharing the road with massive trucks and nomadic herds, so keep your eyes peeled! And remember, the weather can flip on a dime, turning a sunny day into a whiteout faster than you can say "yak butter tea." But oh, the views! Reaching the summit of Jangkhu La is like stepping onto another planet. You're surrounded by the raw, windswept beauty of northern Tibet, where the sky stretches on forever. It's a true highlight of the G317, and a chance to soak in the immense scale of the "Roof of the World."
extremeIs Karnali Highway in Nepal paved?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Tucked away in the Karnali Region of Nepal, Karnali Highway is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. The police have banned driving at nights on this road due the high number of fatal accidents. Is Karnali Highway in Nepal paved? The road, also known as H13, is mostly paved, with some gravel sections running through a high mountainous area along the Karnali River. Karnali region is one of the least developed zones in the country. The road was completed in 2007. How long is Karnali Highway in Nepal? Located to the north-west of Kathmandu, the road is 232 km (144 miles) long running from Birendranagar to Chandannath (formerly The road is narrow, but still it’s a two-way road. Even though you can enjoy a lot on this trip, you need to be very cautious while driving. How’s the Karnali Highway? The track comprises narrow stretches, landslides, rocks, flooded sections, potholes, significant drops, steep cliffs, and a substantial amount of dust, resulting in a bumpy ride. The lane is extremely narrow, and there is a lack of awareness among the public and drivers. Additionally, unattended cattle often roam the roads, adding to the hazards. Due to these factors, traveling on this road is considered risky. It is astonishing to note that the Karnali region in Nepal is one of the most underdeveloped and least developed areas. The road conditions are so poor that even cyclists who visit for the breathtaking views try to avoid the route. If cyclists find it challenging, one can only imagine the difficulties faced by those driving vehicles there. Is Karnali Highway in Nepal dangerous? Most of the travelers and tourist have regarded Karnali as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. As per the recent rules by the running government of the country, you cannot drive at night at this highway, and the reason behind it was the increase in the number of accidents. According to the traffic police, the causes of these deaths on Karnali Highway are the same: narrow roads, a lack of necessary road safety signs and overcrowded vehicles. You will be shocked to know that in the month of July of the year 2011, a report came of Karnali highway, which states that almost eighty five percent of the Karnali highways are unsafe for the travelers. These all are the things, which make Karnali Highway as one of the most difficult, dangerous and scary roads for the riders. Even though you can enjoy a lot on this trip, but you need to be very cautious while driving. You can understand the dangerous level of the road by the facts, which are already mentioned earlier like you are not allowed to drive at night and all. During the monsoon times, this highway becomes more dangerous, and the reason behind it is the increase in the number of landslides and other hazards. How lethal is Karnali Highway in Nepal? This road definitely comes with an unlimited amount of scary moments. Accidents along this narrow highway have in fact become a regular affair. On research, it was found that every year, almost fifty people die particularly on this road. On March 18, 2010, a passenger bus (Na 3 Kha 5868) of Kankrevihar Transport was en route to Surkhet from Kalikot when it hit a rock at Kitu Bhir in Dailekh and fell into the Karnali river. As many as 41 people lost their lives in that accident. It was a terrible moment for the country. One year later, on October 14, 2011, during the Dashain festival, 33 people lost their lives after a bus (Bhe 1 Kha 3167) crashed. It was carrying students who were returning home for the Dashain holidays and fell into the Pinatpane river in Chhayanath Rara-7, Mugu. Even though the highway is dangerous and scary for the travel but it has helped to open many areas of Nepal. And only because of this highway the access for education, health care, and the market has opened for the people living in Nepal. Pic: https://www.nepal24hours.com/passengers-stranded-on-karnali-highway/ Friendship Highway is one of the best overland journeys on the planet Arniko Highway: One mistake, game over 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.
moderateA paved road to the glacial Gurudongmar Lake
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure awaits! Ever heard of Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim, India? Perched way up at 5,154 meters (that’s a whopping 16,909 feet!), it's one of the highest lakes *and* roads you'll find in the country. You'll find this gem way north of Gangtok (190 km, to be exact) and about 67 km from Lachen, almost hugging the Chinese border in the northeastern corner of India. Seriously, this place is stunning. We’re talking a high-altitude glacial lake, so high it freezes solid in winter! They also call it Chho Lhamo, Cholamu Lake, or Cholamoo Lake. Picture this: completely surrounded by snow-capped peaks, nestled north of the Kangchengyao range. Breathtaking doesn't even begin to cover it. Legend says Guru Padmasambhava (aka Guru Rinpoche), the big cheese in Tibetan Buddhism, swung by in the 8th century, making it a sacred spot for Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. Now, about that road... freshly paved and called Gurudongmar Road, it stretches 91.4 km (or about 57 miles) from Chungthang. Heads up, though: that high altitude means you need to take it slow and be extra careful. Keep in mind, winter snows often make the road impassable. If you're Indian, you're good to go, but international travelers will need to snag a special permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. And, pro-tip: it's a pretty remote ride, so pack plenty of snacks and supplies – you won't find much in the way of restaurants up there!