Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal

Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal

Nepal, asia

Length

158 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through eastern Nepal? You NEED to experience the BP Highway! Named after a former Nepali leader, this paved ribbon of road (also called H06 or the Banepa Bardibas Highway) winds for 158 km (98 mi) from Dhulikhel, just east of Kathmandu, all the way to Bardibas where it joins the East West Highway.

Construction started way back in 1996 and it finally opened in 2015. This route links the Kathmandu Valley to the Eastern Terai, carving its way through a landscape of rivers, hills, and valleys. Think picturesque bends and jaw-dropping viewpoints perfect for soaking in those majestic mountain vistas.

Budget around 4 hours for the drive โ€“ without stops, that is! You'll definitely want to pad that time to pull over and enjoy the scenery.

Now, a word of caution: locals will tell you this road is a bit spicy. It's in good shape, but super narrow with tons of curves and hairpin turns โ€“ sometimes barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass. Larger public vehicles are banned, and speeding is a real problem. Plus, the road is prone to flooding, earthquakes, and landslides, and some of the bridges have seen better days. Drive carefully and keep those eyes peeled!

Where is it?

Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal is located in Nepal (asia). Coordinates: 28.9755, 84.3121

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Nepal
Continent
asia
Length
158 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
28.9755, 84.3121

Related Roads in asia

The Breathtaking Road to Sirsir Laextreme

The Breathtaking Road to Sirsir La

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Sirsir La, aka "the pass of yesterday" (or Shishi La if you prefer), is calling your name from the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. We're talking seriously high altitude here: 4,804m (15,761ft)! The summit itself is this wide, open space, marked with prayer flags fluttering between rock cairns. The views? Absolutely incredible! You'll be tackling a landscape that's as challenging as it is beautiful. This isn't a quick jaunt, folks. The road winds for about 60km (37 miles) from Lamayuru Monastery, through Wanla, Tarlak, and ending up in Photoksar. Get ready for a geological wonderland, with rocks in every shade imaginable โ€“ green, purple, rounded, sharply cutโ€ฆ Mother Nature went wild here. Now for the reality check: while some bits are paved, most of the road is rough, unpaved, and narrow. Super steep inclines? Check. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. Also, be warned: this is a remote area with no gas stations, mechanics, or medical assistance. Come prepared! Nestled in the Zanskar range, Sirsir La is only accessible from May to September, when the snow gods allow. Winter? Forget about it! Heavy snowfall turns this adventure into an impossible dream.

Where is Bodpo La?hard

Where is Bodpo La?

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Bodpo La! This beast of a pass sits way up high in western Tibet's Ngari Prefecture, clocking in at a lung-busting 5,774 meters (thatโ€™s 18,943 feet for you imperial system fans!). The 173.6 km unpaved track snakes its way from Chumuti to Chepzi, showcasing some of the most remote and breathtaking scenery imaginable. Now, here's the deal: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 4x4 territory, and even then, get ready for a bumpy ride. Plus, it's a military road, so snagging authorization is tougher than finding a decent cup of coffee out there โ€“ seriously difficult! You'll be near the Indian border in a totally isolated area. Oh, and did I mention winter? Forget about it. This road is totally snowed under. And remember, you're at almost 19,000 feet! The air is thin, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. Bodpo La is epic, challenging, and an experience you won't soon forget!

A paved road to the summit of Kudi Passhard

A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kudi Daban! This epic mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 3,312 meters (that's 10,866 feet!) high in the Kargilik County of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. You'll find it along the 219 National Road, also called the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway. Construction started way back in 1951, finally wrapping up in 1957. The whole thing was paved as recently as 2013. This "Sky Road," as the Chinese call it, will have you cruising at altitudes over 5,000m, so be aware of altitude sickness! And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the incredible views ahead instead of looking down. Get ready for some wild scenery on this unforgettable ride!

Is the road to Gola La unpaved?extreme

Is the road to Gola La unpaved?

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China

Deep in Tibet's Lhari County, this hidden gem of a mountain pass climbs to a breathtaking elevation. We're talking serious altitude here! Forget the crowded tourist trails; this is a raw, untamed adventure across the Tibetan Plateau. The road โ€“ or rather, unpaved track โ€“ is the Y651 County Road. Think loose gravel, jagged rocks, and maybe a mud bath or two, depending on the season. A high-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. This baby throws steep climbs (up to 12%!) your way, so prepare your engine for a workout in seriously thin air. The views, though? Absolutely unreal. As you snake through the Yi'ong Zangbo valley, you're surrounded by a stark, high-altitude desert where the weather can flip on a dime. Just a heads-up, China has rules for foreigners driving here. You'll need permits and a local guide, so don't even think about going rogue! The journey itself isn't crazy long โ€“ it links the S305 Provincial Road to , the administrative seat, but those kilometers can take hours. And be warned: facilities are basically nonexistent. No electricity, no medical aid, definitely no fancy bathrooms. The biggest threat here? Altitude sickness. It hits hard and fast, messing with your brain and body. Plus, your engine's gonna lose power in the thin air, and your cooling system will be working overtime. Pack extra oxygen, a satellite phone, and enough gear to survive a freezing night. Gola La is an unforgettable ride, but it's a powerful reminder of just how wild and remote the Tibetan Himalayas can be.