Don’t glance down at your phone on Manang Road
Nepal, asia
99 km
710 m
extreme
Year-round
Nestled high in the Nepalese Himalayas, on the edge of the Annapurna range, lies Manang, a charming mountain town at a dizzying 3,776m. Getting there is an adventure in itself!
The road from Besishahar (a mere 710m) is a 99km rollercoaster ride. It's mostly unpaved, a narrow ledge carved into the mountainside. Forget smooth tarmac – this is rocky, rugged terrain demanding respect from both driver and machine. Think 4x4s are tough? Try pushing one up steep inclines in thin air! The elevation gain is a whopping 3,066m, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient!
But the views? Absolutely worth it. The road hugs the Marsyangdí river, offering breathtaking panoramas at every turn. Imagine cascading waterfalls plunging onto the road, the river raging below, and you clinging to a narrow path etched into the side of a vertical cliff face. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking drops of 500 meters!
Be warned, this "road" can be treacherous, especially after rain. Landslides, loose rocks, and vertigo-inducing heights are all part of the experience. Definitely avoid during the monsoon season. Known as part of the Annapurna Circuit, this route isn't for the faint of heart. It demands skill, concentration, and a healthy dose of bravery. One wrong move, and you'll be taking a shortcut to the river below. But if you're seeking an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled journey through some of the most spectacular scenery on earth, the road to Manang is calling your name!
Where is it?
Don’t glance down at your phone on Manang Road is located in Nepal (asia). Coordinates: 27.4101, 84.7503
Road Details
- Country
- Nepal
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 99 km
- Max Elevation
- 710 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 27.4101, 84.7503
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Manang is a small mountain town at an elevation of 3,776m (12,388ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Lamjung and Manang districts of Gandaki Province, in Nepal. Can you drive to Manang? Set high on the north of the Annapurna mountain range, the road to Manang is mostly unpaved. A lot of websites list the most dangerous roads in the world. Not a single one of them mentions the road to Manang, a narrow ledge chiselled into the side of a cliff, that needs a brave driver (and passenger) to ride it . The road has been widened for 4x4 vehicles with some concrete sections. The combination of steep uphill rocky terrain and lack of oxygen is dangerous for engines. How long is the road to Manang? The road is 99 km (61 miles) long, running from Besishahar (in Lamjung District in Gandaki Zone, at an elevation of 710m above sea level) to Manang (in the Manang District) at 3,776masl. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 3,066m, and the average gradient is 3.2%, with some sections up to 10%. The road is carved into the hill on the western side of the river, rising through breathtaking scenery with a river raging below. The most challenging part of the road runs along the Marsyangdí river. Due to a lack of proper drainage of water, the road conditions are extreme after heavy rains. Another amazing feature of the road and surroundings is many amazing waterfalls that fall over the road with the water crossing it. Try to avoid the rainy season. Is the road to Manang dangerous? The track is known as Annapurna Circuit. The drive runs along the edge of a cliff over a rocky road strewn with big round pebble stones. It takes a certain level of skill and concentration to stay on the ground and not go airborne. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. At some points, the road is carved into a vertical cliff with drops of some 500 meters vertical down to the river. The road itself is not more than two to three meters wide. Only the suicidal, the insane, or the paid-to-do-this should ever drive down. One mistake, and it's a free fall to your death. Pic: http://archive.nepalitimes.com/article/Nepali-Times-Buzz/Manang-will-prosper-from-its-new-road,2749 Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal Driving the road to Supa Deurali Temple is not a piece of cake 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.
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