Where does the Kennon Road start and end?
Philippines, asia
41.2 km
1,676 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through northern Luzon? You HAVE to experience Kennon Road! Think of it as the shortcut from the lowlands of Rosario up to the mountain paradise of Baguio City. This winding beauty stretches for about 41 kilometers (25.6 miles) and will take you on a climb from practically sea level up to a cool 1,700 meters (5,500 feet).
Give yourself around 45 minutes to an hour to soak it all in, but be warned, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Expect tight hairpin turns and blind curves galore! Parts of the road are missing guardrails, and other parts have guardrails that may not be strong enough. Plus, the afternoon fog can roll in, cutting visibility. Landslides can also be a problem, especially after heavy rains, leading to road closures.
Despite the challenges, it's a trip worth making because of the breathtaking views. It's also the fastest way up to Baguio if you're coming from Manila or central Luzon. Just take it slow, stay alert, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable driving experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 41.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,676 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardPotholes and turns on the road to Simbhanjyang Pass in Nepal's Mountains
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Simbhanjyang Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits way up in Nepal's Bagmati Province, clocking in at 2,488 meters (8,162 feet). The H02-Tribhuvan Highway isn't for the faint of heart – it's narrow, winding, and the pavement's seen better days (think potholes galore!). You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled, as vehicles can lose control near the edge. This 42.1 km (26.15 miles) stretch, running north-south from Naubise to Daman, is Nepal's oldest highway, so expect a unique experience. Picture this: hairpin turns, seriously steep climbs, and views that just won't quit. Trust me, you'll be stopping every few minutes to soak it all in! While it's a scenic drive, remember this route is known for accidents due to its condition, so drive carefully! If you make it to Daman, you're in for a treat – it's got some of the best Himalayan views in all of Nepal. The road, built in honor of King Tribhuvan, first connected Nepal to India. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeIs the road to Shewa Pass unpaved?
🌍 Afghanistan
Kotal-e Shewa, nestled high in Afghanistan's Badakhshan Province, is a mountain pass that'll test your mettle. This isn't your average Sunday drive – forget smooth asphalt, you're in for an off-road adventure! Think more rough track than road, with narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and a few river crossings thrown in for good measure. Bring your high-clearance 4x4, you'll need it! This route plunges you deep into the raw, untouched heart of Badakhshan, a rugged trek to the hidden beauty of Shewa. You'll be conquering mud, dust, and towering mountains, following tracks where only the most adventurous dare to tread, revealing a side of Afghanistan's wilderness most never see. Clocking in at about , this east-west route starts from , the capital of Badakhshan. Don't let the distance fool you, though – due to the challenging conditions, expect this journey to eat up more than hours. A word of caution: safety is a real concern in this region. The areas straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan are extremely unstable, with significant security risks. Militant groups, military operations, and violence are ongoing threats. Kidnappings and terrorism are very real possibilities, particularly in remote areas. Travel is strongly discouraged due to the high level of risk.
hardWhere is the Tengealti Canyon?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Guba-Khachmaz region of Azerbaijan, you HAVE to check out the Tengealti Canyon road. Seriously, it's epic! This crazy canyon, carved out by the Velvele River, is tucked away in the northeast of the country. The road itself? Mostly unpaved and WILD. Think narrow, cliff-hugging turns where squeezing past another car can get interesting (to say the least). We're talking mule track vibes, folks – super tight, and yeah, no guardrails! Definitely keeps you on your toes. The whole stretch runs for about 7.2 km (4.47 miles) heading north-south from Tengealti to Afurgha (or Afurca, depending on who you ask). Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, and maybe a few white-knuckle moments along the way. Trust me, the views are worth it!
extremeIs the road to Mayum La paved?
🇨🇳 China
Mayum La sits high in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, China, a proper lung-buster at over sea level. Is the road to Mayum La paved? Yep, you’ll be cruising on the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, nicknamed the "Sky Road" by the locals. Construction kicked off way back in '51 and wrapped up in '57, but the whole thing didn’t get paved until 2013. It's wild to think that even though this route carves through mostly empty land, it winds past some seriously important historical and religious spots. How high is the road through Mayum La? This ain't no leisurely Sunday drive; you're clocking serious altitude here. Make sure you're acclimated, because this elevation can mess you up if you’re not prepared. And the wind? It whips around like crazy, often hitting you from every direction. How remote is Mayum La? Picture this: the Himalayas at their rawest. Jaw-dropping scenery, for sure, but also some of the most unforgiving terrain you’ll ever lay eyes on. We’re talking long stretches – hundreds of kilometers – with zero supplies, high passes galore, and forget about showers or even a decent wash for ages. Nighttime temps? Brutal. And heads up, internet access can be spotty, especially anything mentioning Tibet. The pass stretches out between Lhasa and Nyingchi, and the locals are known to chant "shou shou shou shou" – a prayer for a smooth and safe journey. What’s the weather like at Mayum La? Keep a hawk eye on the forecast before you even think about heading out. Tibetan winters are no joke: bone-chilling cold and winds that never quit. Seriously, you might want to skip the whole winter thing altogether, since a ton of roads close due to snow. Even in summer, you'll face challenging weather conditions. Pack food, a solid sleeping bag, and maybe even a tent, just in case. Monsoon season hits hard in July and August, turning the roads into a self-driving nightmare.