Driving the winding road to the top of Babusar Pass
Pakistan, asia
80 km
4,179 m
extreme
Year-round
# Babusar Pass: Pakistan's Ultimate Mountain Drive
Ready for one of the world's most insanely twisty roads? Babusar Pass sits at a jaw-dropping 4,179m (13,710ft) on the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, connecting the stunning Kaghan Valley to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway. It's just 80 km from Naran, and trust us—the scenery gets progressively more epic the closer you get.
The recently paved road to the summit (called Babusar Top) is wide enough for all vehicles, but it's a proper mountain road with a classic setup: towering hillside on one side, jaw-dropping drops on the other. Part of the historic National Highway 15 (N-15), this 226 km stretch runs from Mansehra to Chilas and was originally built by the British. Fair warning though: this pass has a serious reputation. Brake failure is the leading cause of accidents here, so get your vehicle's brakes, exhaust, and heater checked before you go. The turns get sharper and steeper as you climb, and the slopes are genuinely among the most dangerous on the planet.
When you hit the top, you'll find a stunning stony minaret marking the highest point. On clear days, Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft) dominates the northeastern horizon, while snow-capped Kashmir peaks glitter to the right. The view down the twisting ribbon of road below is absolutely surreal—you're literally above the clouds.
Summer (July-September) is your best bet for access, though heavy rain is common. Winter shuts things down completely, and don't plan on crossing after 5 PM—security stops traffic after dark. Grab supplies in Naran before heading up; there's nothing at the top. Check with the local PTDC office or field officers before you go—local intel is invaluable here.
Where is it?
Driving the winding road to the top of Babusar Pass is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 29.2462, 66.7109
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 80 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,179 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 29.2462, 66.7109
Related Roads in asia
hardTian Men Shan Big Gate Road, a true test
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Hunan Province, China. Towering cliffs, unreal scenery, and a ribbon of road called Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road winding its way up, up, up. They also call it the Tianmen Winding Mountain Road. Trust me, "winding" is an understatement! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 99 hairpin turns, each one steeper than the last. It's a total adrenaline rush and a true test of driving skills – but with views of the Tianmen National Park so stunning, you might forget to be terrified. This road is legendary. Red Bull drivers, the Hoonigan crew with Ken Block at the wheel of his 914 horsepower Ford F-150 Hoonitruck, a record-setting electric Volkswagen ID.R tearing up the course driven by Romain Dumas in an unbelievable 7:38.585 minutes, and Fabio Barone in his custom lightweight Ferrari – they’ve all taken on the challenge here. It's a pilgrimage for anyone who loves pushing the limits.
hardWadi Bimmah
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Get ready for an epic off-road adventure through Wadi Bimmah, aka the Snake Canyon, near Balad Sayt in Wadi Bani Awf, Oman! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, and even then, you'll need some skilled driving to conquer this beast. Starting near Rustaq, this 39.1 km gravel track winds its way to the stunning Snake Canyon, a narrow gorge perfect for canyoning (think jumps, swims, and two 20-meter abseils!). But first, you have to survive the drive. The views of the Hajr Mountains are breathtaking, but they come at a price for those scared of heights. Huge drop-offs with no guardrails are pretty much the norm. The gravel surface can be loose, especially near the edges, and this remote route demands preparation. But, oh, the scenery! This road connects to Bilad Sayat in the Al Dakhiliya region, offering some seriously incredible off-road driving. In some parts, you can touch both sides of the canyon simultaneously! Be warned: this track can become a muddy, slippery mess after rain, making it seriously challenging. In fact, after a storm, it might be completely impassable, even with 4WD. A guide is essential, and two cars are better than one because, besides the occasional goat, you will feel totally alone! Pack extra fuel, plenty of water and food, and enjoy the magnificent views!
moderateHow long is Zhongnanshan Tunnel?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because the Zhongnanshan Tunnel in China's Qinling Mountains is a TRIP. Seriously, this thing is HUGE. Connecting Xi’an and Ankang, you're basically diving under Mount Zhongnan for a solid 15 minutes. Clocking in at around 18 km (that's over 11 miles!), it's not just long, it's an experience. Forget boring tunnel commutes, because someone went all-out to keep you from getting drowsy. We're talking crazy cool lighting with colors and patterns that shift as you drive, and even artificial plants and cloud images projected on the ceiling! It's like a mild amusement park ride, underground. Opened back in 2007, this tunnel is part of a major highway linking northern and southern China, so you’ll be sharing the road with plenty of travelers and trade trucks. Oh, and remember it’s a toll road, so have some yuan handy. Get ready for a uniquely bizarre and unforgettable drive!
extremeA difficult unpaved road to the international Imis La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Imis La, a borderline insane international pass straddling India and China! Clocking in at a lung-busting 5,290m (that’s 17,355ft!), this Himalayan beast is one of the highest roads around. You'll find this epic spot between the Leh District in Jammu and Kashmir (India) and Gar County in Western Tibet (China). The views from the top? Mind-blowing! Think panoramic vistas of the Karakorams and the vast Tibetan plateau stretching out before you. Now, here’s the catch: the Indian side is a no-go by road. The Chinese side? Let's just say it's a rugged 17 km (10.56 miles) of unpaved madness, with steep climbs and terrain that’ll test your mettle. Starting from Bodpo La, another high mountain pass at 5,774m (18,943ft), it's a proper adventure. Oh, and forget about winter—this road laughs in the face of snow. Also, this road is generally off-limits to international travelers.