How long is the road from Gilgit to Skardu?
Pakistan, asia
167 km
1,494 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising from Gilgit to Skardu in northern Kashmir, Pakistan is a proper adventure. This 167 km (104 mi) stretch, also known as Strategic Highway 1 or simply Skardu Road, climbs from Gilgit (elevation 1,500m or 4,900ft) to Skardu (elevation 2,226m or 7,303ft) along the Indus River. Think hairpin turns and dramatic drop-offs - not for the faint of heart!
While it used to be a mix of gravel, it's now fully paved, which means the journey, when the road is open, clocks in at around 3–4 hours. Be warned: weather can shut this route down for days (sometimes even weeks) at a time, and landslides are a real risk.
Built by Pakistani and Chinese engineers between 1970 and 1982, this road is a feast for the eyes. Expect stunning valleys, charming villages, and impressive suspension bridges along the way. It's a strategically important road, so you'll be sharing the road with everyone from locals to the military.
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 167 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,494 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardHow to get by car to Zizhu Temple in Tibet?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a place for your bucket list: Zizhu Temple in Tibet's Chamdo Prefecture. We're talking SERIOUSLY high altitude here – 4,474 meters (that's almost 14,700 feet!). You'll find this incredible temple nestled in Dingqing County, eastern Tibet. "Zizhu" means "six peaks," and it's one of the highest AND oldest monasteries in the region, a super important site for the Bon religion. This place has been around for over 300 years, and it's dedicated to Guanyin. Every year, they hold this incredible prayer ceremony with ancient Bon religious dances (which, BTW, have influenced Tibetan Buddhism). Now, the road...get ready for an experience. From 535 Country Road, it's about 10.7 kilometers (6.6 miles) of unpaved, steep trail with a crazy amount of hairpin turns – I'm talking 40! You'll climb 852 meters, with an average gradient of almost 8%. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle. Oh, and pro tip: don't even THINK about trying this in winter; it's usually impassable. The views, though? Absolutely breathtaking. Just remember, photography and videography are off-limits inside the temple, but you can freely explore. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
moderateTravel guide to the top of Ayich’ingil Lerrnants’k’
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ayich’ingil Lerrnants’k’! This insane mountain pass straddling Armenia and Azerbaijan hits a whopping 11,371 feet above sea level. Yeah, it's up there! Nestled way up in the Caucasus Mountains, the road is basically a rugged gravel and rock rollercoaster – think tippy, bumpy, and utterly wild. Heads up: you’ll probably find it totally blocked by snow from October to June. This route connects Armenia's Syunik Province with Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Oh, and pro tip: keep an eye on the sky! Those mountain thunderstorms can turn this road into a 4x4-only zone – or worse, make it totally impassable in a heartbeat.
extremeKompas La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a pass for you that's seriously epic. We're talking Kompas La, perched way up high in the Hotan Prefecture of China's Xinjiang region, at a staggering 5,476m (17,965ft). Forget smooth tarmac – this route, also called Dehra Compass, is all about the rugged stuff: gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lot of wobble! The Tibetan wind? It's a constant companion, blasting year-round. Think wild temperature swings too. Even in summer, you can go from a pleasant 20°C during the day to a freezing -10°C at night. Be prepared for rain and even snow in July and August. Winter? Brutal. This isn't a drive for the faint of heart. You'll need a 4x4 and nerves of steel. The air is thin – seriously thin – and altitude sickness is a real risk. Take it slow and acclimatize. Plus, low oxygen levels can mess with your engine. But for experienced off-roaders, the views are mind-blowing. Just remember to pack layers, bring plenty of water, and be ready for an unforgettable, challenging, and utterly rewarding adventure on the S207 Provincial Route!
hardDriving the new Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road in India
🇮🇳 India
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready to explore the brand-new Zanskar Highway, connecting Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh through the stunning Zanskar region. This 298-kilometer (185-mile) route links Nimmu in the Indus Valley to Padum, the heart of Zanskar, and then continues to Darcha. This fully paved road is a game-changer, offering a shorter and safer way to reach Leh. You'll only have to conquer one major pass, Shingo La, which sits at a cool 5,048m (16,561ft). And get this – they're building a tunnel under Shingo La, set to open in 2025, which will make this route accessible year-round! While the landscape is challenging and the weather can be extreme, the views are totally worth it. Plus, this road is a strategic asset, strengthening defense capabilities in the region. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road cuts down travel time significantly, clocking in at just 10-12 hours compared to the Leh-Manali highway's 14-16 hours (weather permitting, of course). Get ready for an epic road trip!