Where is Babusar Pass?
Pakistan, asia
80 km
4,179 m
extreme
Year-round
Babusar Pass! Prepare for an adventure on this sky-high road, reaching a staggering 4,179m (13,710ft) above sea level. Straddling the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, this route is legendary.
You'll find Babusar Pass connecting the stunning Kaghan Valley (via Thak Nala) to Chilas along the Karakoram Highway. Just 80 km from Naran, the scenery amps up on the way.
The road, also called Babusar Top, has been recently paved. You can take any car here, but bring supplies with you. Picture this: classic Pakistani mountain road with hills on one side and steep valleys on the other. The Chilas side is getting upgrades.
Before you go, talk to locals! They know the road conditions best.
This 226 km (140 mile) stretch of road known as N-15 winds from Mansehra to Chilas, offering views unlike any other.
At the top, find a stone minaret marking the highest point. Gaze upon the snow-covered peaks of Kashmir to the right, and catch a glimpse of the majestic Nanga Parbat to the northeast.
The views are insane. You'll be surrounded by clouds, looking down on a road that snakes through the mountains. On a clear day, you'll be able to see Nanga Parbat.
The best time to visit is between mid-July and the end of September when the road beyond Naran opens up. Be aware that the road can close due to weather, and security officials may stop you from crossing after 5 PM.
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 80 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,179 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
moderateThe road to Hai Van Pass is a deserted ribbon of perfection in Vietnam
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along National Route 1A in Vietnam, smack-dab between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang, and you hit the legendary Hải Vân Pass – aka the "Pass of Ocean Mist." This isn't just any road; it's a 21.1 km (13.11 miles) stretch of pure, winding beauty climbing to 481m (1,578ft) in the Annamite Range! This rugged pass, some call it May Pass, feels like the final, dramatic act of the Truong Son Range, plunging into the sea. Get ready for hairpin curves galore – you'll be climbing for a solid hour! Historically, it's been a divider between kingdoms, now it is that “bridge” connecting Danang and Thua Thien Hue. Some say it's the highest pass in the whole country. Now, let's be real: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The mist rolling in from the sea can be thick, hence the name, and the road is seriously twisty. You'll feel equal parts amazed and a little terrified as you navigate those bends, some reaching a 10% gradient! Sudden curves and blind spots are part of the adventure, so stay sharp. Hit it up between April and July for clear, sunny skies and stunning sea views. But from August to December, the monsoon season brings rain, fog, colder weather, and slippery roads. Pro tip: rent a decent motorcycle with some power – you don't want to be stuck chugging along with the trucks. Luckily, since the tunnel opened, traffic's thinned out, making it a bit safer. Still, remember you're driving in Vietnam – always be aware. But seriously, Hải Vân Pass is legendary. In 2008, Jeremy Clarkson called it a "deserted ribbon of perfection." It winds up and over these majestic mountains, giving you killer views of Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea. Trust me, this road is an experience you won't forget. You'll see verdant mountains and clear blue skies!
moderateThe Kolleru Wood Bridge is not for the sissies
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India, when you stumble upon the Kolleru Wood Bridge. It's not your average bridge, that's for sure. This beauty is a 140-meter-long wooden wonder stretching over the Upputeru River, connecting Alapadu and Kolletikota. Forget cars – this rustic path is strictly for two-wheelers, cycles, and foot traffic only. Built by the locals themselves, it's a true testament to community spirit! Just a heads up: come monsoon season (July and August), this bridge might be taking an unplanned dip in the Kolleru Lake's floodwaters. Talk about an adventure!
hardHow to get by car to Latong La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Latong La! This beauty sits way up high in the Mongar District of Bhutan, clocking in at 2,750m (9,022ft). The Bumthang-Ura Highway (aka PNH1) is paved, but let's be real, it's seen better days (think rough patches and even some gravel surprises!). It's a 256km (159 miles) rollercoaster from Chamkhar to Trashigang, and prepare for a workout — this road is steep with a never-ending series of curves, including tons of hairpin turns, and it gets super narrow in spots. The scenery, though? Totally worth it! You'll be cruising through dense Rhododendron forests, keep an eye out for monkeys, and listen to the incredible sounds of the jungle. Plus, prayer flags line the route, adding to the magic. Heads up: Latong La, nestled in the Black Mountains, can get hit with heavy snowfall and close for a day or two in winter. Oddly enough, by April and May, the snow's usually gone, but the summit is often shrouded in mist. Just part of the adventure, right?
moderateWhy is it called Loam’s Viewpoint?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 78, the Valparai-Pollachi Road, deep in the Anamalai Hills of India's Western Ghats. This isn't just any drive; it's a 63.8 km (almost 40 miles!) adventure winding from Pollachi to Valparai. The road is paved the whole way, but don't let that fool you. With a whopping 40 hairpin bends and curves galore, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled – this route has a reputation! Allow 2-3 hours of drive time to go from point to point. Your destination? Loam's Viewpoint, perched at 780m (2,559ft) above sea level. Named for a British officer from back in 1886 who oversaw this very road, it's the spot you’ll want to stop at. This spot is located at the 9th hairpin bend, but the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th are definitely worth a look. From the platform at the viewpoint, the views are insane. You'll see the snaking mountain road you just conquered, the shimmering Aliyar reservoir, the majestic Anamalai range, and the town of Pollachi stretching out below. Seriously, Loam's Viewpoint is a must-stop for those Insta-worthy travel pics on your trip to Valparai. Get ready to be wowed!