
Driving the hazardous Kennon Road in the Philippines
Philippines, asia
41.2 km
1,676 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip along Kennon Road, snaking through the heart of northern Luzon in the Philippines! This stunner connects Baguio City with Rosario, offering incredible views every kilometer of the way.
Also called Rosario–Baguio Road, this route clocks in at around 41 km (25 miles) long, linking the mountain paradise of Baguio City at a cool 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, to the town of Rosario down in La Union province.
If you’re an experienced driver, you can probably handle this twisty climb in 45 minutes to an hour. Opened in 1905, there's even talk of declaring it a national heritage park!
Trust me, this drive is worth it. If you're coming from Manila or the central plains of Luzon, it's the quickest way to reach Baguio. But heads up: you'll need your wits about you thanks to the sharp hairpin turns and blind curves. Some guardrails are missing or a little weak, so stay focused! During certain times of the year, afternoon fog can seriously reduce visibility. Unfortunately, the road can be in rough shape, making travel times unpredictable. It's known as one of the more dangerous roads in the country, especially when it rains, and landslides can cause closures. But if you're careful, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Where is it?
Driving the hazardous Kennon Road in the Philippines is located in Philippines (asia). Coordinates: 13.4473, 120.5262
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 41.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,676 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 13.4473, 120.5262
Related Roads in asia
extremeA winding and treacherous road to Lawa La Pass
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Lawa La, perched high in the Black Mountains of central Bhutan's Wangdue Phodrang District, sits at a cool 3,349m (10,987ft). Think of it as the grand doorway to the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, a sanctuary for the elusive black-necked cranes. This isn't just any drive; it's a Himalayan adventure complete with a traditional stupa and a kaleidoscope of prayer flags dancing in the breeze. The scenery is pure bliss, but keep your eyes on the road! Weather can change on a dime, and the route gets pretty snug. You'll be cruising the Phobjikha Valley Road, a fully paved path that's more challenging than it looks. Picture this: narrow stretches where passing another car is a delicate dance, steep climbs, and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. And fog? Yeah, that's a regular guest, often dropping visibility to near zero. This 18 km (11 miles) stretch, running north-south, links the main east-west highway at Pele La to the Taphu Lhakhang temple nestled in the valley. Don't rush it – the constant curves and surprise encounters with local traffic (or wandering livestock!) mean you'll be taking it slow. But trust me, it's worth it. On a clear day, Lawa La serves up epic panoramic views of the towering Himalayas. As you descend into the Phobjikha Valley, get ready for a postcard-perfect scene: a vast, glacial U-shaped valley that feels like stepping back in time. At the top, you might even find local vendors dishing out tasty mountain snacks and showcasing colorful textiles by the prayer flags.
extremeWhere is Babusar Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Babusar Pass! Prepare for an adventure on this sky-high road, reaching a staggering 4,179m (13,710ft) above sea level. Straddling the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, this route is legendary. You'll find Babusar Pass connecting the stunning Kaghan Valley (via Thak Nala) to Chilas along the Karakoram Highway. Just 80 km from Naran, the scenery amps up on the way. The road, also called Babusar Top, has been recently paved. You can take any car here, but bring supplies with you. Picture this: classic Pakistani mountain road with hills on one side and steep valleys on the other. The Chilas side is getting upgrades. Before you go, talk to locals! They know the road conditions best. This 226 km (140 mile) stretch of road known as N-15 winds from Mansehra to Chilas, offering views unlike any other. At the top, find a stone minaret marking the highest point. Gaze upon the snow-covered peaks of Kashmir to the right, and catch a glimpse of the majestic Nanga Parbat to the northeast. The views are insane. You'll be surrounded by clouds, looking down on a road that snakes through the mountains. On a clear day, you'll be able to see Nanga Parbat. The best time to visit is between mid-July and the end of September when the road beyond Naran opens up. Be aware that the road can close due to weather, and security officials may stop you from crossing after 5 PM.
hardKyapsang La is one of the World's highest motorable roads
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Xinjiang region of China, you'll find Kyapsang La, a sky-high pass reaching a staggering 19,311 feet! Also called Yiyepusang La, this spot is seriously remote and a total off-road experience. We're talking Tiankong Way, a.k.a. the "Sky Line road" or "Skyway" - and trust me, those names fit. Built by the People's Liberation Army, the road winds with hairpin turns from Wenquan (Hot Springs) to Kongka La. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle this unpaved beast. The views? Absolutely unreal. You're up in the Himalayas near the Indian border, practically touching the sky. Heads up, though, this road is usually only open in the summer, and it's a no-go for civilians and foreigners. So, if you ever get a chance to experience this road, you're in for something epic!
extremeHow challenging is the road from Bamzey to Bamtso La?
🇮🇳 India
Deep in the Himalayas, on the India-China border, you'll find Bamtso La, a crazy-high mountain pass that tops out at a lung-busting altitude. We're talking major elevation here, nestled near the towering Kangchengyao range. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a strategic connection point between North Sikkim in India and Kamba County in Tibet. Forget tourist traps, Bamtso La is serious business. Think military corridor vibes, not scenic overlook. Positioned north of the iconic Lake Gurudongmar, the area is heavily guarded. Don't expect to cruise by in your rental car; this route is mainly used for army logistics. So, you want to tackle the road from Bamzey to Bamtso La? Buckle up (literally, in your 4x4), because it's an unpaved climb. The average slope isn't too wild, but the elevation gain is killer, testing both your engine and your lungs. As you approach that sky-high altitude, oxygen becomes a luxury. Your car will struggle, and so will you. This "raw" military track is at the mercy of the Himalayas. Expect brutal temperatures, even in summer, and constant winds that can whip up dust storms in a flash. Forget rest stops – there's nothing out here. You need to be totally self-sufficient to even think about this route. Heads up: getting here is tricky. Because it's a sensitive border zone, access is highly restricted. You'll need a special permit from the Indian Army and Sikkim authorities, which are hard to come by. Without it, you'll be promptly turned around. If you manage to snag a permit, prepare like your life depends on it. Bring oxygen (serious cylinders, not just a can), equip your vehicle with heavy-duty tires, and pack extra fuel and cold-weather gear. Bamtso La isn't just a drive – it's a full-blown expedition into the wild, where the road ends and the untamed landscape takes over.