45 Hairpin Turns on China’s Heaven's Road

45 Hairpin Turns on China’s Heaven's Road

China, asia

Length

5.6 km

Elevation

1,175 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits in southwestern China! Heaven's Road is a wild ride – a 3.5-mile stretch of pure adrenaline carved into the side of a mountain. We're talking a dizzying climb from 2,050 feet to 3,855 feet, folks. And get this: a mind-blowing 45 hairpin turns await! Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out.

Starting in the charming mountain village of Chuanhegai (home to about 1,000 families!), you'll wind your way up, up, up to Pingma, the nearest town. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think lush greenery clinging to the mountainside. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… those turns come fast and furious! This fully paved road is a test of skill, but the payoff is unforgettable scenery and a serious story to tell.

Where is it?

45 Hairpin Turns on China’s Heaven's Road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 40.0239, 106.4549

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
5.6 km
Max Elevation
1,175 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
40.0239, 106.4549

Related Roads in asia

A Paved Mountain Road to Polongka La in Southern Ladakhhard

A Paved Mountain Road to Polongka La in Southern Ladakh

🇮🇳 India

Okay, buckle up for Polongka La, a mountain pass sitting way up high at 4,844m (that's 15,892ft!). You'll find this beauty in southern Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. At the top, you're greeted by a sea of Buddhist prayer flags flapping in the wind – a total zen moment! Word to the wise: fill up your tank beforehand. Gas stations are only in Leh or Keylong. And, ATMs are MIA, so bring enough cash for your adventure. The road? It's a fully paved 70km (43.49 miles) dream, running east-west from Nyoma to the Leh–Manali Highway near Meroo. It's an unforgettable ride, but not without its challenges. The landscape is incredible, reflecting a strong Tibetan culture. Polongka La gives you access to the breathtaking Tso Kar Lake, aka the "White Lake". Just a heads up, weather can be extreme! Winter dips below -40°C, while summer can hit above 30°C, with crazy daily swings. Rain or snow? Rare. If you're camping, pack serious woolens – it gets seriously cold and windy out there!

How long is the road through Sangarkish Pass?extreme

How long is the road through Sangarkish Pass?

🌍 Afghanistan

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Sangarkish Pass! This wild ride is smack-dab in the Daykondi Province of central Afghanistan, part of the V 220902 road linking Khakshiv and Jawz Bazar. We're talking 27 kilometers of pure, unadulterated mountain mayhem! The road is mainly rock and dirt, so expect a bumpy, slow-paced journey. How slow? Well, those 27 km could take you hours! And hold on tight, because you'll be tackling some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting 18.4%! Low gear is your friend here. Forget smooth asphalt; this track is rough and often barely wide enough for one vehicle. Plus, there are some major drop-offs with zero barriers. Meeting another vehicle coming the other way? Get ready for some potentially long reversing maneuvers! A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must. What are the biggest worries? Mechanical failures and being stranded. You're over 3,000 meters, so your engine will be working overtime, especially on those crazy steep climbs. And there are no services – nada. Bring extra fuel, water, and at least one full-size spare tire. Winter? Forget about it – snow and ice make this route impassable. Oh, and a little heads-up: the region can be unstable. Do your research on the local security situation before you even think about tackling this pass. Total isolation means you are on your own. Have a reliable way to communicate and tell someone where you are going!

Bechenagskiy Perevalhard

Bechenagskiy Pereval

🌍 Armenia

Betschenagsku Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.346m (7,696ft) above the sea level, located on the Azerbaijan- Armenia border. The road to the summit is asphalted. It’s called M-13 (Armenia) and R49 (Azerbaijan). It’s pretty steep. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. The pass links the villages of Shaghat is (in the Syunik Province of Armenia) and  Biçənək (in the Shahbuz District of Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan). Pic: https://static.panoramio.com.storage.googleapis.com/photos/large/98976453.jpg 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.

How to Get by Car to the Scenic Imamzadeh of Mazandaran Province?moderate

How to Get by Car to the Scenic Imamzadeh of Mazandaran Province?

🇮🇷 Iran

Nestled high in the Alborz Mountains of Iran, at a cool 2,766m (9,074ft), lies the Imamzadeh shrine, a hidden gem in Mazandaran Province. This sacred spot, dedicated to a Shia Imam's descendant, dates back to 1396. The journey there is an adventure in itself. The Elit-Foshkour road, a winding 8.2 km (5.09 miles) unpaved track, climbs from Elit to the mausoleum. You'll need a 4x4 for this one! Think narrow, dirt, and utterly breathtaking views. Imagine driving through mountains, past charming villages, and rising above the clouds into a dreamlike, misty world. The area is famous for its lush scenery, frequent fog, and refreshing cooler temperatures. Some even call it the "Alps of Iran"! Just keep in mind that certain governments advise against travel to Iran due to safety concerns.