
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
moderateXuemenkan Pass
๐จ๐ณ China
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Xuemenkan Pass, nestled way up high in the Garzรช Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, China. We're talking serious altitude here โ almost 13,100 feet! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, though the newly paved road might fool you at first. Get ready for a wild ride โ twists, turns, ups, and downs galore! Seriously, if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale and Dramamine. You might not want to eat a huge lunch before this one! The pass sits pretty in the Yajiageng Mountains, splitting the Minya Konka and Lamoshe massifs. Picture this: breathtaking views, but also some seriously steep sections. And hey, good news โ there's even a toilet at the summit! Driving it at night or in bad weather? Only for the brave (and experienced). Stay safe out there!
Heka Mountain Pass, an iconic road in the Tibetan plateau
๐จ๐ณ China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Heka Mountain Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Qinghai Province, China, smack-dab in the Tibetan plateau. We're talking a lung-busting 3,939m (12,923ft) elevation. The road itself, also known as Heka Shan Yakou and part of the G214 Highway, is paved all the way, stretching for 110 km (68 miles) between Wenquan Town and Hekazhen. But don't think it's a walk in the park! This route has some serious climbs, with gradients hitting a wild 24% in places. Keep an eye on the weather โ things can change fast up here, and strong winds are pretty common. The G0613 expressway offers a less intense alternative, but where's the fun in that? Get ready for incredible scenery and an unforgettable drive!
hardA Journey on Kalash Valley Road, Pakistan's Most Challenging Drive
๐ต๐ฐ Pakistan
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Head to the Kalash Valley in Pakistan's Chitral district, practically knocking on Afghanistan's door! Here you'll find a road that's not for the faint of heart. This totally unpaved track hugs the Kalash River for about 17.6 km (10.93 miles) between Ayun, off the N45 south of Chitral, and Grum. You'll even find yourself on the Rumbur Valley Road for the final stretch! Think you can breeze through? Think again. This bone-jarring road boasts crazy narrow sections, dizzying drop-offs, and zero safety barriers. Seriously, you need a high-clearance 4x4 to even think about tackling it. The countless tight turns and rugged terrain mean this short trip can take up to nine hours! Plus, expect stream crossings โ which turn into icy hazards in the freezing winters. Perched high in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this adrenaline-pumping road climbs a hefty 400m, topping out at 1,923m (6,309ft). Word to the wise: this route is a no-go during winter. The road is not suggested.
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Bumiktse La
๐ฎ๐ณ India
Okay, buckle up adventure seekers, because Bumiktse La (also called Bumice La) in Ladakh is calling your name! This beast of a pass tops out at a whopping 14,501 feet, so be prepared to feel the altitude. Forget smooth pavement โ we're talking a totally unpaved, winding track that snakes its way up with hairpin turns galore. Seriously, you'll NEED a 4x4 to conquer this one โ it's steep and the road is rocky with some serious potholes. This north-south route connects Photoksar and Yulchung, plunging you deep into the Zanskar mountains. You'll be surrounded by the lush Photang valley, and if you time it right during the summer months, you'll be rewarded with insane views of hanging icefalls. Trust me, the scenery alone makes the bumpy ride totally worth it!