Kelok 9
Indonesia, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Indonesia is calling, and you NEED to add these roads to your itinerary! First up, get ready for Kelok 9, a twisty-turny masterpiece near Payakumbuh in West Sumatra. "Kelok" literally means curve, and boy, does this road deliver! Prepare for some serious adrenaline as you conquer its hairpin turns. Built on the path of an old, super-narrow road, Kelok 9 cuts through lush green hills, snaking between the White Water Reservation and the Harau Canyon – both total must-sees. It stretches for about 19 kilometers, connecting the regions of West Sumatra and Riau.
Then, there's the Jalan Lintas Tengah Sumatra, another gem. This road sweeps across 39 kilometers, linking Jambi and West Sumatra. Think gorgeous hills and valleys bathed in that iconic Indonesian green. Just keep an eye out – it's had a few landslide issues in the past, so stay aware of your surroundings.
Related Roads in asia
extremeDhana Sar Kacha
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventurers, picture this: Pakistan's Balochistan province, and the mind-blowing Dhana Sar gorges (or Pakka Dhana, if you’re feeling local). We're talking a seriously long and deep river canyon carved out by the Karher River – nature at its most dramatic! The road snaking through this masterpiece? That's the N50, also known as the Zhob-D I Khan highway, your lifeline between D. I. Khan and Zoab (Fort Sandeman back in the day). This asphalt ribbon through the Suleiman Range is, shall we say, cozy. Built way back in 1905, it's a historic route, but be warned: Mother Nature likes to keep it interesting. Think flash floods, landslides, and potential closures. But oh, the scenery! We're talking majestic mountains and a raging white torrent keeping you company. Just be prepared for cliff-hugging moments with simple stone barriers and a dizzying drop. As you twist and turn, pristine beauty unfolds – think towering stone walls, a snaking road, and that ever-present river companion. It is definitely a drive you will not soon forget!
extremeThe rugged road to Dza La: a high mountain drive in Qinghai province
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Dza La, a wild mountain pass chilling at a whopping 4,690 meters (that's 15,384 feet!) in Qinghai Province, China. You'll find it tucked away in Yushu City County. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This 11.7 km (7.27 mile) stretch, also called Chumarleb or Qumalai, is a totally unpaved beast! Think narrow, steep, and edges that drop off into oblivion. Seriously, this road demands respect. Heads up: because this route is so remote and, let's face it, a bit hairy, they built a tunnel as part of the G215. So, if you're just trying to get from Yushu to Longbaozhen, take the paved road. But for the true thrill-seekers? Dza La awaits.
moderateA sensational narrow road to the summit of Chele La
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up for Chele La Pass in western Bhutan! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure soaring to a whopping 3,796m (12,454ft) – one of Bhutan's highest drives. Straddling the Paro and Haa districts, the 56.4 km (35-mile) journey from Haa Valley (a hidden gem!) to Paro takes you through postcard-perfect landscapes. Think lush valleys, fragrant pine forests, and vibrant rhododendrons galore! The Bondey-Haa Highway is paved, so no need for a monster truck. Built in the 90's, it's got a steady climb, with consistent gradients. Fair warning: expect a winding road and it can get pretty narrow. About an hour from Paro, the drive itself is stunning, almost entirely enveloped in dense forest. You’ll snake through spruce and larch trees hugging the mountain slopes. Trust me; the views are worth it! On a clear day, get ready for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and neighboring peaks, plus glimpses into the Haa and Paro valleys. Be prepared for some weather! Chele La often welcomes visitors with chilly rain, strong gusts, and prayer flags dancing in the wind. Pack warm clothes, a hat, and gloves, because that mountain wind doesn't mess around! And maybe skip it during serious storms, just to be safe.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Gele La
🇨🇳 China
Gele La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.369m (14,333ft) above the sea level, located in Jomda County, in Chamdo in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The curvy road to the summit is the challenging China National Highway 317 . It’s paved. When the snow falls - which it does in the winter – things get tough and slippery. The pass is 41.0km (25.47 miles) long, running from Qu’nyido to Kargang. There are many dangerous sections of road along the route, and oxygen is scarce in the high altitude, making driving even more of a challenge. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson A Once in a Lifetime Drive through Orkyi La Driving the remote road to Ji La 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.