What is the famous zigzag road in the Philippines?
Philippines, asia
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Heads up, adventure seekers! If you're driving between Northern Quezon and the South of the Philippines, you might stumble upon the infamous Atimonan Old Zigzag Road, or as the locals call it, "Bitukang Manok" – Chicken Intestine! Don't let the quirky name fool you; built back in '69 during the Marcos era, this route through Quezon National Park is known for its, shall we say, *challenging* twists and turns.
Think of it as a 15-minute uphill climb where you and your trusty vehicle will be put to the test. The good news? The views are absolutely stunning! Lush greenery surrounds you as you ascend to a higher altitude. But keep your eyes on the road, because this narrow path demands your full attention. You might even need to pull over to let other cars pass!
Word to the wise: this road is extra treacherous in the rain, turning slick and slippery. And if heights aren't your thing, maybe keep your eyes peeled on the path ahead – trust us on this one! You'll spot traffic police keeping watch, but ultimately, your safety is in your hands. Speed isn't your friend here; take it slow, especially around those curves.
Oh, and a little insider info: legend has it that this road is haunted. Spooky stories abound! But whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the high accident rate in the past adds to the eerie vibe. If you're feeling brave, two-wheeling it might be the way to go. You'll have the freedom to stop and soak in the views, and snap those Insta-worthy pics.
If a safer (but slightly longer) route is more your style, there's a New Diversion Road that skips the crazy twists. But if you're up for a thrilling ride and breathtaking scenery, the Old Zigzag Road is an experience you won't soon forget… just be careful out there! And remember that it's prohibited for vehicles over four wheels.
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving the wild Dongu La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Dongu La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! This epic mountain pass, chilling at a whopping 16,220 feet (4,944m) in the Western Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, is not for the faint of heart. You'll find it in the Namling County of Shigatse, part of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Forget smooth sailing – this is an unpaved adventure, but totally doable in your everyday ride, as long as the weather's playing nice. It's known as 304 Provincial Road (S304) and the good news is it's usually open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes throw a curveball. The 41-mile (66km) journey kicks off in Dazhuka and throws some seriously steep climbs your way. Heads up: a past earthquake roughed things up a bit, so expect a wild ride. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it!
hardKinnaur Road is a narrow and dangerous cliff drive
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the ride of your life on the Kinnaur Road! This legendary route clings precariously to the cliffs of the seemingly bottomless Baspa River gorge, deep within the Sangla Valley of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India. Kinnaur, a remote district bordering Tibet, is a land of stark beauty and high altitudes. We're talking villages scraping the sky at almost 4000m! It's a dry, cold region, but during July and August, the serenity, stunning visibility, and mysterious vibes make it an incredible place to explore. Kinnaur Road is the lifeline connecting this remote region to the rest of India, carved right into the unforgiving rock face. Picture this: a narrow ribbon of asphalt hugging sheer cliffs, with heart-stopping drops of hundreds of feet to the valley floor below. Once you enter Kinnaur, the road instantly transforms into a wild ride, often challenged by landslides. Expect to dodge everything from landslides and streams to waterfalls, ice, and even the odd boulder along the way! This is part of National Highway-5 (NH 5), and surprisingly, it's paved! But the real thrill comes from the unique construction. In Kinnaur Valley, the roads are carved into the hillsides, leaving natural overhangs that create dramatic scenery and keep the road surprisingly cool. You'll also find yourself crossing rickety suspension bridges over raging rivers. Brace yourself for the infamous Taranda "dhank" (cliff), a section literally carved into a vertical cliff with a dizzying drop straight down to the churning Satluj River. Just a heads up: this valley is snowed in for about six months of the year (December to May), so plan your trip accordingly!
moderateDare to drive the dangerous Deosai Park Road
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Ready for an epic adventure in Pakistan's Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province? Deosai Park Road is calling your name! This 84km (52-mile) route snakes north to south from Skardu to Astore Valley Road, carving its way through raw, untamed beauty. Be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive! You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle the mostly unpaved terrain. Get ready to ford rivers on some seriously nail-biting bridges, including one of the most incredible you'll ever see. Nestled in Deosai National Park, the road climbs to dizzying heights, crossing Ali Malik Mar Pass (4,082m/13,392ft) and Chhachor Pass (4,209m/13,809ft). As you ascend, prepare to be mesmerized by countless lakes, including the shimmering Sheosar Lake and the aptly named Blind Lake, perched at a staggering 4,158m (13,641ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes on Earth! Located on the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau after the Tibetan Plateau, squeezed between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, this road is a summer-only affair. From November to May, Deosai is buried under a blanket of snow. When the thaw arrives, access opens from Astore Valley in the west and Skardu in the north. Expect muddy conditions early in the season from melting snow, making the going tough. This "Land of Giants" is a winter wonderland turned summer dream, offering views you won't soon forget.
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Chak La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in Tibet: Chak La, also known as Qag La. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 4,514 meters (that's 14,809 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. You'll find it nestled in Nagqu, up in northern Tibet, part of China National Highway 317. The road stretches for about 46 kilometers (or 28.5 miles) from Ya'anzhen in the north to Rongbuzhen down south. Fair warning: this isn't a smooth, paved joyride. We're talking unpaved all the way! The road is technically open year-round, but Mother Nature might have other plans. Expect possible closures during winter if the weather gets nasty. So, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for some epic scenery!