Where is Engilchek Mine?
Kyrgyzstan, asia
19.1 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul Region. You're heading to the old Engilchek Mine, a tungsten, tin, and molybdenum spot way up in the mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to some serious altitude!
First things first, getting there. The mine's tucked away near the Engilchek Village, a bit of a ghost town these days, with that eerie, abandoned Soviet vibe. But fair warning: this area's close to the Chinese border and requires special permission to visit.
Now, about the road... It's a wild one! Forget pavement – we're talking totally unpaved, super steep, and crazy narrow with some serious drop-offs. A 4x4 is essential. The road's basically crumbling, and landslides are a real risk.
The ascent itself is roughly 19 km (12 miles), packed with around 27 hairpin turns. You'll be climbing nearly 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). The average incline is pretty steep!
Oh, and did I mention the weather? It's high in the Tian Shan mountains, so winters are brutal. The road's pretty much impassable for a good chunk of the year. But if you can make it, the views are going to be epic.
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 19.1 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeCan you drive to Manang?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Manang is a small mountain town at an elevation of 3,776m (12,388ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Lamjung and Manang districts of Gandaki Province, in Nepal. Can you drive to Manang? Set high on the north of the Annapurna mountain range, the road to Manang is mostly unpaved. A lot of websites list the most dangerous roads in the world. Not a single one of them mentions the road to Manang, a narrow ledge chiselled into the side of a cliff, that needs a brave driver (and passenger) to ride it . The road has been widened for 4x4 vehicles with some concrete sections. The combination of steep uphill rocky terrain and lack of oxygen is dangerous for engines. How long is the road to Manang? The road is 99 km (61 miles) long, running from Besishahar (in Lamjung District in Gandaki Zone, at an elevation of 710m above sea level) to Manang (in the Manang District) at 3,776masl. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 3,066m, and the average gradient is 3.2%, with some sections up to 10%. The road is carved into the hill on the western side of the river, rising through breathtaking scenery with a river raging below. The most challenging part of the road runs along the Marsyangdí river. Due to a lack of proper drainage of water, the road conditions are extreme after heavy rains. Another amazing feature of the road and surroundings is many amazing waterfalls that fall over the road with the water crossing it. Try to avoid the rainy season. Is the road to Manang dangerous? The track is known as Annapurna Circuit. The drive runs along the edge of a cliff over a rocky road strewn with big round pebble stones. It takes a certain level of skill and concentration to stay on the ground and not go airborne. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. At some points, the road is carved into a vertical cliff with drops of some 500 meters vertical down to the river. The road itself is not more than two to three meters wide. Only the suicidal, the insane, or the paid-to-do-this should ever drive down. One mistake, and it's a free fall to your death. Pic: http://archive.nepalitimes.com/article/Nepali-Times-Buzz/Manang-will-prosper-from-its-new-road,2749 Driving the amazing BP Highway in Nepal Driving the road to Supa Deurali Temple is not a piece of cake 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.
hardDriving the hazardous Kennon Road in the Philippines
🇵🇭 Philippines
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip along Kennon Road, snaking through the heart of northern Luzon in the Philippines! This stunner connects Baguio City with Rosario, offering incredible views every kilometer of the way. Also called Rosario–Baguio Road, this route clocks in at around 41 km (25 miles) long, linking the mountain paradise of Baguio City at a cool 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, to the town of Rosario down in La Union province. If you’re an experienced driver, you can probably handle this twisty climb in 45 minutes to an hour. Opened in 1905, there's even talk of declaring it a national heritage park! Trust me, this drive is worth it. If you're coming from Manila or the central plains of Luzon, it's the quickest way to reach Baguio. But heads up: you'll need your wits about you thanks to the sharp hairpin turns and blind curves. Some guardrails are missing or a little weak, so stay focused! During certain times of the year, afternoon fog can seriously reduce visibility. Unfortunately, the road can be in rough shape, making travel times unpredictable. It's known as one of the more dangerous roads in the country, especially when it rains, and landslides can cause closures. But if you're careful, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
moderateIs the road from Chalakudy to Valparai paved?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising from Chalakudy into the heart of the Sholayar Reserve Forest in India. This isn't just any drive; it's a visual feast along State Highway 21 in Kerala. The whole stretch is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy terrain, but hold on tight because this route is steep! Get ready for a rollercoaster of hundreds of turns and switchbacks. It's the perfect adventure, whether you're rolling with the family or going solo. Clocking in at 107km (66 miles), you'll climb from Chalakudy, nestled on the Chalakudy River at a mere 19m above sea level, all the way up to Valparai, chilling at 1.193m (3,914ft). Is it worth it? Absolutely! Think lush, dense forests, sprawling tea plantations, and the iconic Athirapally waterfall. Trust me; your camera roll will thank you.
hardBadawi Pass is a difficult road for experienced drivers only
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Pakistan, you HAVE to check out Badawi Pass in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Perched way up at 11,558 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This epic 26.5-mile stretch, connecting Upper Dir District with the gorgeous Utror & Kalam, is a serious off-road experience. Locals also call it Do Teer Pass, Badgoi Pass, or Badogai Pass, just to keep you on your toes! Forget pavement; you'll be tackling a wild, unpaved track that climbs relentlessly with gradients hitting a whopping 29%. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to conquer the Utrar-Dir Road. Think hairpin turns, massive drop-offs, and heart-stopping views around every corner. The summit, marked by its iconic two-faced hill, rewards you with mind-blowing panoramas of both Swat and Dir Kohistan. Keep in mind this route between Kumrat Valley and Kalam Valley is usually snowed in from November to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Trust me, the thrill and the scenery are worth the white-knuckle ride!