Pereval Maydantal
Kyrgyzstan, asia
N/A
3,544 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of straddling Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan atop the world? Then Pereval Maydantal is calling your name! This epic international mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 11,627 feet above sea level.
Get ready for a wild ride! The road? Think gravel, dust, bumps – the whole shebang. It's a series of seriously tight zigzags clinging to the mountainside, with views that will blow your mind… and maybe induce a little vertigo if you're not a fan of heights. Seriously, these drops are INTENSE! The road is super steep, so take it slow and steady, especially on those hairpin turns. Open season is usually May to November, weather permitting. Trust me, this isn't just a drive; it's a mountain adventure you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,544 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeDriving the cliff Jingdi Hanging Tunnel to Shenlongwan Village
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the Jingdi Hanging Tunnel in China's Shanxi province! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: you're snaking through the Northern Taihang Mountains on a paved road, but wait, it's carved *into* a mountain. Seriously! This epic tunnel connects the tiny village of Shenlongwan to the rest of the world. Before this road, villagers faced a grueling six-hour trek through treacherous paths, or risked life and limb on a near-vertical pass. Now, it's a key route *and* a major tourist spot. Locals started carving this thing out in 1985 with basically hand tools, and it took them 15 years to finish. The views are incredible, but be warned: traffic jams are super common. The tunnel itself is about 1.5 km long and varies in width from 6-10 meters, and height from 4-5 meters. Oh, and did I mention you're hundreds of meters from both the mountain top and the valley floor? Yeah, a little nerve-wracking! The scenery is unreal, and you'll be supporting a community that literally carved its own path to prosperity!
moderateDoxong La tunnel: watch out for oncoming vehicles in the dark
🇨🇳 China
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of cruising through Tibet? Then you NEED to know about the Doxong La tunnel! Tucked away in Mainling County, near Nyingchi, this engineering marvel opened in 2021 and completely bypasses the old, gnarly Doxong Pass. We're talking serious altitude here – 3,555 meters (11,663 feet) above sea level! The tunnel itself stretches for 2,114 meters, a smooth, paved ride. It's also known as the Laohuzui Tunnel. This is more than just a shortcut; it's a gateway to a stunning 67.22-kilometer stretch connecting Pad Township, Nyingchi town, and the wild beauty of Medog County. Imagine the views! Construction took 7 years, so you know it's a solid route. Get ready for an unforgettable Tibetan road trip!
extremeAustrian Road is a brutal drive in the Altai Mountains of Kazakhstan
🌍 Kazakhstan
# The Austrian Road: A Historic Mountain Route Through the Altai Hidden in the remote borderlands between Kurshim and Katonkaragay districts in East Kazakhstan lies one of the world's most fascinating—and challenging—mountain roads. The Austrian Road is a 108km (67 miles) unpaved track that winds through the Sarym-Sakty Range, connecting the small settlement of Enbek on Highway P-163 to Moyildy. What makes this route truly special is its incredible backstory. Built between 1915 and 1917 by captured Austro-Hungarian prisoners from WWI (Czech, Slovak, Austrian, and Hungarian soldiers), the road was carved through unforgiving wilderness using nothing but shovels, saws, pickaxes, and cables. It's hard not to be humbled when driving a route constructed under such brutal conditions with such primitive tools. The Austrian Road stands as a testament to human resilience and engineering ingenuity—a nearly 100-year-old monument to the determination of those who built it. The drive itself is no casual cruise. You'll climb through multiple mountain passes, including the challenging Burkhatskiy Pass at 2,137m (7,011ft) and Alatajsky Pass at 1,792m (5,879ft), ascending from 990m in the Bukhtarma Valley. The route follows the scenic Sorvenok Valley through Katon-Karagaisky State National Nature Park, crossing 16 bridges and fords along the way, with the Kara-Koba River appearing repeatedly as you wind through a dramatic ravine. The road eventually descends toward the stunning Lake Markakol at 1,445m. **Before you go:** You'll need a serious 4x4 vehicle and absolutely should not travel alone. Pack sufficient food and water, and be prepared to camp. Some bridges are deteriorating, and wet conditions make the passes genuinely dangerous—avoid ascending in rain. Traffic is virtually nonexistent, and the remoteness demands genuine self-sufficiency. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll experience some of the most spectacular mountain scenery imaginable.
hardWhere is Shimo Lake?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet, near the Bhutan border, heading to Shimo Lake in Xigazê. This glacial lake sits way up high, so you know the views are going to be epic! The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. Forget smooth asphalt; this is pure, unadulterated dirt track all the way from Dilicun to Ezha. It's around long, and don't expect any crazy switchbacks. It's mostly straight, but don't let that fool you! The rough, unpaved surface makes it a real challenge. You're gonna need a 4x4 with good clearance to tackle this beast. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery at Shimo Lake is mind-blowing, and you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Seriously, this road offers an incredible sense of freedom. The landscapes are unforgettable – you'll be dreaming about them for weeks after you leave. Plus, you'll hit the Dongu La with its nice curves and Lumu La on the way. Get ready for an adventure!