The Old Dabanshan Road: 7 Hairpin Turns
China, asia
9 km
3,944 m
extreme
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Ready for a trek through China's Qinghai Province? Buckle up for Dabanshan Pass, a sky-high crossing sitting pretty at 3,944m (that's 12,939ft!) on the border of Haibei and Xining. This beauty is nestled in the Qilian Mountains, and it's a key part of the G227, a road that's got serious Silk Road history.
Now, getting over Dabanshan used to be a real white-knuckle ride. We're talking a 9 km mountain track with hairpin turns and seriously steep climbs. Thankfully, they built a tunnel to skip the gnarliest parts. But for the thrill-seekers? The old road's still there!
Think you can handle the original Dabanshan Road? It's got 7 sharp hairpin turns and gradients that'll test your car (and your nerves!). It was a beast in winter with ice and snow, but now it's a scenic detour. Head up, and you'll find Silk Road memorials, even a statue of Marco Polo!
Need a shortcut? The 1.6 km Dabanshan Tunnel is your ticket. It’s a toll road that makes things quick and safe. Once you're out, stop at the viewpoint where local traders hang out. The panorama of the high-altitude landscape is unreal – perfect for a breather!
Heads up: this pass is no joke in winter. Usually, it's closed from late October to late June because of snow. The tunnel helps, but even that can shut down if the snowfall is heavy. Keep an eye on the weather before you go. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,944 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Koitezyak Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Pereval Koitezyak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,122m (13,523ft) above sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan. Where is Koitezyak Pass? The pass, also known as Koi-Tezek Pass, is located in the southeastern part of the country, within the Badakhshan National Park. Is Koitezyak Pass paved? The road through the pass is the historical , officially called M41. Most of the road is paved, except for the mountain passes, where it is unpaved and pretty sandy in parts. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. 4x4 vehicles only. How long is Koitezyak Pass? Set high in the Pamir Mountains, the pass is 71km (44 miles) long, running west-east from Dzhiland to Rabat Sasök-Kul'. Along the way, the drive provides views similar to a lunar landscape. Driving through Nayzatash Pass on the Pamir Highway How to Get by Car to Karakul Lake in the Pamir Mountains 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.
extremeWhere is Mount Kapaz?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! We're talking about a seriously epic drive up Mount Kapaz, nestled in the western part of the country within Göygöl National Park. This ain't your Sunday drive, folks! First things first, forget the pavement! This is a rugged, unpaved climb that snakes its way up to some serious elevation. You'll need a 4x4 and maybe even a local guide to really conquer this beast. Trust me, they know all the hidden gems. Speaking of conquering, this road is a leg-burner! It clocks in at [Length] of pure adrenaline, with an average gradient of over 16% and sections that will have your engine screaming. Get ready for [Number] hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. But the views? Totally worth it! The mountain's name comes from its shape, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Just picture yourself cruising along, surrounded by that incredible scenery – unforgettable! Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This area is usually only accessible between mid-July and the end of August. Before and after, expect blizzards, strong winds, fog, ice – the whole nine yards. Basically, plan your trip carefully, and get ready for an adventure. And remember that you'll need [Currency] because ATMs might be scarce!
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Iran?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in Iran, where Asia kisses Europe, and the landscape is, well, INTENSE. Think HUGE mountains – the Alborz up north and the Zagros out west – guarding these crazy-dry deserts. Seriously, over half the country is like, UP HIGH. This wild mix of pointy peaks and deep valleys has shaped Iran's history and culture. And get this: they had to build these insane mountain passes to get around! If you're up for it, these roads are your ticket to explore Iran's epic interior. You'll conquer some of the highest, most breathtaking routes around. Views? Unbelievable. Thrills? Guaranteed. Just pack your sense of adventure!
moderateThe road to Drongu La will take your breath away
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Drongu La in Tibet! This isn't just any drive; it's a lung-buster at a whopping 4,929 meters (16,171 feet) high in Sa'gya County, Xigazê. The road, also known as Sachu or Sa Chu Xian, is paved the whole way from Zhaxigangxiang to Mabujiaxiang. The 37.4 km (23.23 miles) stretch is more about thin air than crazy curves. That being said, some sections on the southern side are seriously steep, with gradients hitting a punchy 18%! Winter brings snow, making things tricky. Keep an eye on that weather forecast before you go because conditions can change fast. Oh, and the best part? Early views of Everest will greet you along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable, sky-high experience!