Where is Ali Malik Mar Pass?

Where is Ali Malik Mar Pass?

Pakistan, asia

Length

84 km

Elevation

4,082 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Hey adventure seekers! Have you heard about Ali Malik Mar Pass? It's a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 4,082m (13,392ft) in Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

You'll find this hidden gem nestled in the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau. Think dramatic landscapes between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges! You can reach Deosai from Astore Valley to the west or Skardu to the north.

The road to the top, which the locals call Deosai Top, is mostly unpaved, adding to the thrill! It's about 84km (52 miles) long, stretching north to south from Skardu to, well, let's just say somewhere equally stunning. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast, not just because of the altitude but also the seriously rough road. Get ready for some heart-stopping river crossings on rickety bridges!

Keep in mind, this pass is only accessible during the summer months. From November to May, Deosai transforms into a winter wonderland buried under snow. They call it the "land of giants," and trust me, it lives up to the name.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Pakistan
Continent
asia
Length
84 km
Max Elevation
4,082 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in asia

A Brutal Road to the Edge of the Sky: Shiquanhe Observatory and AliCPThard

A Brutal Road to the Edge of the Sky: Shiquanhe Observatory and AliCPT

🇨🇳 China

Gear up for an incredible climb near Shiquanhe in western Tibet! This isn't your average road trip; it's a high-altitude adventure to the Shiquanhe (Ali) Observatory and the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT). Starting from China National Highway 219 (G219) near Sha Zi La, you'll ascend about 15 kilometers (9+ miles) to a staggering 5,403 meters (17,726 ft) above sea level. Expect a steep climb with hairpin turns and some exposed sections that will get your heart pumping! While the road is mostly paved and wide enough for maintenance vehicles, a 4x4 is highly recommended due to the incline. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you, as this area is prone to severe weather like avalanches, snow, landslides, and icy patches. At the summit, you'll find the Shiquanhe Observatory sitting pretty at around 5,100 meters (16,700 ft), with the AliCPT B1 site nearby at 5,176 meters (16,981 ft). The altitude here offers some of the best observing conditions on Earth. Remember, this route isn't just a scenic drive; it's crucial for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to keep these observatories running. Be sure to factor in the altitude, limited services, and rapidly changing weather when planning your trip. With the right prep, you'll be set for an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s highest scientific outposts!

Gantsiin Davaa, a truly outstanding SUV adventurehard

Gantsiin Davaa, a truly outstanding SUV adventure

🌍 Mongolia

Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Gantsiin Davaa in western Mongolia's Zavkhan province! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously steep and rugged unpaved path that climbs to 2,175m (7,135ft). You'll definitely want an SUV for this 40.6 km (25.22 miles) north-south trek connecting Uliastai to Tsagaankhairkhan. Keep an eye on the sky because the weather here can turn on a dime. Daytime travel is a must – no night owls allowed on this route! But trust me, the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. Plus, you're close to Solongot Pass and the wild beauty of Khar Lake, so you can string together an epic Mongolian road trip!

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Shenxianchi 28 U-turns roadmoderate

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Shenxianchi 28 U-turns road

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up road trippers! Deep in China's Sichuan province, in Jiuzhaigou county, awaits the Shenxianchi 28 U-Turns—a name that pretty much tells you everything! This section is part of the longer Zhangda Road, a twisting ribbon of asphalt that climbs through the Hengduan Mountains. Picture this: a smooth, red-paved road carving its way up, up, up, punctuated by—you guessed it—28 seriously tight hairpin turns. After being damaged by an earthquake in 2017, it was reborn in 2020. The road stretches for about 71.5 kilometers (or 44ish miles for you non-metric folks), linking Shangsizhai in Zhangzha Town (off Provincial Road S301) with Dalu Township (Daluxiang). The views are stunning, but be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart! You'll need your wits about you as you navigate those switchbacks, but the bragging rights (and the photos!) will be totally worth it.

Lowari Pass is the Grand Daddy of the passesextreme

Lowari Pass is the Grand Daddy of the passes

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Buckle up for Lowari Pass, aka "Hell's Road," in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think of it as the Grand Daddy of hairpin turns, snaking up to a dizzying 10,230 feet. This stretch of the N45 connects Dir and Chitral through tribal lands bordering Afghanistan. Parts are paved, but don't be fooled; much of it quickly devolves into a super-rough dirt track that’ll test your suspension and your nerves for about 40 km straight! High in the Hindu Raj mountains, Lowari is a beast of a road, notorious for its steep climbs and impossibly narrow sections. Loaded trucks crawl along, their drivers navigating a gauntlet of tight turns and sheer cliffs. Avalanches are a real threat in winter, tragically claiming lives each year. The pass is usually shut down from late November to late May due to heavy snow. Originally built by the British, this road is not for the faint of heart. While the Lowari Tunnel (8.75km + 2km) now bypasses the most treacherous section, you're still in for an adrenaline-pumping ride. The tunnel is open to all vehicles and has a speed limit of 40 km/h. Get ready for a wild, unforgettable adventure with views that will leave you breathless... if the road doesn't first!