Where does Highway 1 start and end?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because this ain't your average road trip! Highway 1, stretching from the Jordanian border all the way to Baghdad, Iraq, used to be nicknamed the "highway through hell" for a reason. For years, drivers braved ISIS fighters and airstrikes just to deliver supplies.
Think desolate landscapes, lawless stretches, and the constant threat of roadblocks manned by insurgents. It's a white-knuckle ride through what was once deep into Islamic State territory. The number of trucks making the crossing plummeted. Even now, it's an adrenaline-pumping journey that's definitely not for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhy is Khyber Pass so famous?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Khyber Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft) above sea level, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The road through the pass is the main route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Why is Khyber Pass so famous? Located in the northwestern region of the country, the pass is the most northerly and important of the passes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has long been a significant trade and invasion route. Well-known invasions of the area have been predominantly through the pass. It is the scene of various historic battles and one of the routes once known as “the Silk Road”. The area between Peshawar and Afghanistan is known as the tribal lands. Is it safe to go to Khyber Pass? Traveling to this area is not recommended, as the area is not safe. A place where tribal warlords ruled. Here neither the police nor the Pakistani army have any jurisdiction whatsoever. At the top of the pass is the town of Landi Kotal, famous for smuggling everything from consumer electronics to AK-47s. Attractions for the truly intrepid tourist include weapons factories and hashish warehouses. Alongside the dusty road are corrugated metal rooftop storefronts. Here it isn't milk powder nor water they sell. Here, t hey sell wholesale weaponry. AK-47s by the dozen, or maybe a single pistol for a single job. Grenades, mortars, not a problem. Discounts available. Next door it’s a different kind of merchandise. Hashish by the ounce, kilo, or bale. Opium for export and cocaine for retail. The pass is clearly far too dangerous for most. How long is Khyber Pass? Set high on the northeastern part of the Spin Ghar mountains, the road to the summit is completely paved. It’s called N5 Torkham Highway, part of the . The pass is 32.0 km (19.88 miles) long running east-west from Shalkani to the border of Afghanistan. Road trip guide: Conquering Nathia Gali in Pakistan Pir Chinasi is a frighteningly narrow road in Pakistan 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.
hardTarim Desert Highway is China's longest desert road
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Tarim Desert Road in Xinjiang, China! This paved road cuts right through the Taklamakan, China's biggest desert - they call it the "sea of death," which sounds intense! Also known as the Tarim Desert Highway, it's made with sand stabilized with geotextiles instead of cement. Seriously cool engineering! This 562 km (349 miles) stretch runs north-south, connecting Luntai and Minfeng. We're talking a solid 5-hour drive across crazy desert scenery. Be warned: 80% of this road is in the heart of the Taklamakan, where massive, shifting sand dunes (up to 20 meters!) love to swallow the highway. Keep your speed under 60 km/h to avoid any sandy surprises. You'll find a gas station and some grub halfway through, but otherwise, it's just you, the sand, and the occasional hardy pump house worker. No settlements exist for the entire length of the highway. Despite the hazards, the views are insane. Think exotic desert landscapes and ancient Populus trees. It's the ultimate self-drive for anyone craving that total desert immersion! Just plan for a 10-12 hour journey if you’re doing it non-stop. This is one unforgettable road trip!
hardS217, a remote high mountain road in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the S217 in southwestern China's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture! This incredibly remote mountain road is mostly paved but sits entirely above 13,800 feet. The 217 Provincial Road stretches 339 miles, snaking from Garzêt to the X219 Provincial Road near Wangguotong, running north to south. Heads up: don't even THINK about tackling this route in bad weather! Rain and landslides frequently wreak havoc, leaving it underwater and damaged, so closures can happen anytime. The trickiest section hugs the Yalong River, where you'll find yourself on a cliffside road with absolutely zero protection and drops of hundreds of feet – seriously, no guardrails! The highest point will have you gasping for air at 15,239 feet. This is a scenic drive that'll test your nerves!
moderateNyema La: this road is not for timid drivers
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've just conquered Nyema La, and wow, what a ride! We're talking about a staggering 5,481 meters (almost 18,000 feet!) in southeastern Tibet. This isn't your Sunday drive—the road is entirely unpaved, a wild mix of rocks and rugged terrain. Seriously, watch your tires! Those rocks are sharp, and you'll need to be on your A-game with the steering. Oh, and a little tip: this might not be the best adventure if you're not a fan of thin air. You're going to want some serious clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers. Basically, leave the family sedan at home. Weather can change in a heartbeat. Expect strong winds and be prepared for chilly conditions, even in summer. Seriously, it can snow anytime. This isn't just a scenic route; it's a mining road on the way to the Luobusazhen mine. So gear up, buckle in, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!