A steep cliff road from Jyotirmath to Malari

A steep cliff road from Jyotirmath to Malari

India, asia

Length

64.6 km

Elevation

1.934 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for NH 107B in Uttarakhand, India! This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure into the heart of the Nanda Devi National Park.

Clocking in at around 40 miles, this paved ribbon winds its way from Jyotirmath (Joshimath) at 6,345 feet, all the way up to the remote village of Malari near the Tibetan border, perched at almost 10,000 feet. Translation? Seriously steep climbs and stunning panoramic views!

Hold on tight because you'll be tackling hairpin turn after hairpin turn, all while hugging the dramatic cliffs alongside the Dhauliganga River. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive snow leopard and bears, but be warned: this route isn't always open. Winter snow and ice, or even river floods, can sweep sections away. So, check conditions before you go and prepare for an unforgettable ride!

Where is it?

A steep cliff road from Jyotirmath to Malari is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 24.2569, 79.2545

Share this road

Road Details

Country
India
Continent
asia
Length
64.6 km
Max Elevation
1.934 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
24.2569, 79.2545

Related Roads in asia

Ultimate 4wd destination: Chyupa Lahard

Ultimate 4wd destination: Chyupa La

🇮🇳 India

Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Chyupa La! This high-altitude pass sits way up in the Ladakh region of India, clocking in at a whopping 14,514 feet. You'll find it tucked away in the Leh district, just waiting to test your mettle. Forget smooth asphalt – this route is all about that rugged, unpaved life. Expect a seriously winding climb with switchbacks galore. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one, because the road gets steep and rocky, with potholes that'll swallow your tires. Your journey starts in the tiny mountain village of Yulchung, and from there, it's a straight shot into the heart of the Zanskar range. This climb is only for the summer months, but the views more than make up for the challenge. Get ready for incredible sights, like hanging icefalls clinging to the cliffs! Chyupa La is a true mountain experience.

How to drive to the summit of Lame La in Ngari Prefectureextreme

How to drive to the summit of Lame La in Ngari Prefecture

🇨🇳 China

Lame La is a seriously high mountain pass, hitting a whopping 4,832m (15,853ft) above sea level in the Ngari Prefecture of China. You'll find this beast straddling the border between Gar County (formerly Senge Tsangpo County) and Rutog County, nestled in western Tibet. The road itself? That's the 219 National Road, aka the Tibet–Xinjiang Highway. It was a labor of love, built between 1951 and 1957 but finally fully paved in 2013. This epic stretch is 37km (23 miles) long, running roughly north-south from Lamei (Gar County) to Qukang (Rutog County). Heads up: this journey is not for the faint of heart! You're heading into remote territory. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking, but also seriously inhospitable. Think long stretches without water or food, multiple high passes, and potentially weeks without a proper shower. Nighttime temperatures can plummet to –25°C or lower! There are truck stops along the way, but pack extra food, a sleeping bag, and even a tent, just in case. Despite feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere, the G219 actually winds past some significant historical and religious sites. Also known as the “Sky Road,” be prepared for altitude. You’ll be hanging out above 5,000m! Unacclimatized? This can be dangerous, so check the weather forecast before you go. Tibet throws down harsh winters with extreme cold and constant winds. The weather changes quickly, so always be prepared for wind and cold. Winter travel is generally a no-go because of heavy snowfall and road closures. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rain, making self-driving a challenge. And FYI, internet access in China can be limited, so some sites might be blocked.

Shertang Laextreme

Shertang La

🇧🇹 Bhutan

Okay, buckle up for Shertang La, also known as Ura La! This mountain pass sits way up in Bhutan's Bumthang District at a dizzying 3,573m (11,722ft), making it one of the country's highest roads. The Bumthang - Ura Highway, built in the 90s, is mostly paved but don't expect a smooth ride! Think patchy asphalt (even some gravel thrown in!), steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. You'll see prayer flags fluttering at the top, but be warned: the air is thin up here. Altitude sickness is a real possibility. The road itself? Super narrow. If you're prone to car sickness, this might not be your jam. But the views… oh, the views! Seriously, it's worth it. You're driving through the Black Mountains, after all. And if the weather's on your side, you might catch a glimpse of Gangkhar Puensum towering over the northern valley, plus the charming yellow-roofed lhakhang of Shingkhar village below. Just a heads-up: the wind can be intense up here year-round, so bundle up. The pass can also be closed for a day or two in the winter due to snow. It's often misty on top. But when the clouds part, you're rewarded with incredible views over the wide valleys and forests of Bumthang. Don't miss it!

Is Saser La Pass unpaved?extreme

Is Saser La Pass unpaved?

🇮🇳 India

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the scoop on Saser La, a wild pass nestled high in the eastern reaches of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. We're talking serious altitude here—5,411 meters (17,753 feet)! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Currently, the road (and I use that term loosely) is a 52.3 km (32.49 miles) unpaved mud track stretching between Saser and Sasoma, calling for a sturdy 4x4 with high clearance to even attempt it. Picture yourself bumping along a rough track, braving crazy weather conditions in the heart of the Karakoram range. The views though? Epic! You're basically tracing the steps of ancient caravans that once trekked from Leh to Yarkand. Keep in mind, this route is best tackled in the summer months. But hold on, there's a game-changer on the horizon! The Border Roads Organisation is building a brand-new paved road from Sasoma to Gapsam near Murgo, right through this glaciated landscape. This Sasoma–Sasser La Road will be about 56 km long, linking the Nubra Valley to the strategically crucial Daulat Beg Oldi sector. What’s even better? It’ll shave off a huge chunk of travel time from Leh to DBO. The engineers are up against a challenge like no other: building on unstable glaciers and moraines. It's going to be an engineering marvel! So, keep Saser La on your radar – it's about to get a whole lot more accessible!