Where is Qizil Dawān?
China, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Qizil Dawan in southwestern Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a gravel and sand track that stretches about 80km from the paved Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, mostly flat, but don’t be fooled!
Firstly, you need to get your hands on multiple specialized permits from the Chinese government (and maybe even a guide) because you're playing footsie with the sensitive Aksai Chin border. Think bureaucracy on steroids.
The real kicker? This is extreme high-altitude driving at its finest, with a serious risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Ascend slowly and plan for plenty of acclimatization stops. We’re talking about one of the most intense high-altitude experiences on the planet.
And did I mention the weather? Brutally cold temperatures that can dip down to -40°C. Pack those diesel anti-gel additives and all the extreme-weather recovery gear you can find! Weather can change in a heartbeat.
Oh, and did I mention that the scenic Youzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road and the 210 Provincial Road are also close by? Not even the most beautiful photos can capture the awesomeness.
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is the Austrian Road?
🌍 Kazakhstan
Deep in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan lies the Austrian Road, a 108km (67 mile) stretch of unpaved adventure built way back in 1915 by Austro-Hungarian WWI prisoners. Starting near Enbek (off Highway P-163) and winding south to Moyildy, this remote route demands self-sufficiency and a sturdy 4x4. Be prepared for a challenge! You'll be tackling the Sarym-Sakty Range, with climbs to passes like the Burkhatskiy Pass at a whopping 2,137m (7,011ft) and another at 1,792m (5,879ft). The scenery is incredible, nestled within the Katon-Karagaisky State National Nature Park, as you wind through the Sorvenok Valley. Expect river crossings! There are 16 bridges and fords, some of which might be a little *too* adventurous – think potential river wading. Keep an eye on the bridges, as they can be...unpredictable. This isn't a Sunday drive. Solitude is guaranteed, but so is the need to be totally self-reliant. Pack plenty of food and water, and maybe a tent, because you might just want to camp out under those Altai stars. Just a heads-up: skip it if it's raining, as the road can get seriously dicey! The road starts at around 990m in the Bukhtarma Valley, rising to that 2,137m pass before gently undulating towards Lake Markakol at 1,445m. It's a journey you won't forget!
moderateWhy is it called BP Highway?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Cruising through eastern Nepal? You HAVE to experience the BP Highway! Named after Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, a former Nepali leader, this fully paved road stretches 158 km (98 mi) from Dhulikhel (just east of Kathmandu) all the way to Bardibas, where it connects to the East-West Highway. Built between 1996 and 2015, this route links Kathmandu Valley with the eastern Terai, taking you through rivers, hills, and valleys. Budget around 4 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, offering stunning perspectives of majestic mountains and picturesque bends. Just be warned: this beauty comes with a bit of a thrill. The road is narrow with plenty of curves and hairpin turns. At times, it's a squeeze for two vehicles to pass. Locals say it's risky, but it’s more about being aware. Keep your speed down, as accidents happen due to the temptation to drive fast on the smooth surface. Also, watch out for potential hazards like floods and landslides, and some older bridges that may be damaged. Despite the challenges, the BP Highway is an unforgettable road trip!
extremeExtreme weather conditions on the road to Badrinath Temple
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up, because the trek to Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand, India, is a spiritual and scenic rollercoaster! We're talking about a climb to a whopping 10,279 feet (3,133m) above sea level. This Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu—Badrinarayan Temple—is a major pilgrimage spot, rebuilt multiple times after taking a beating from avalanches. The road, officially known as National Highway 7 (Badrinath Road), winds its way along the Alaknanda River and links Delhi to Mana Pass near the Tibetan border. Expect mostly paved surfaces, but with a sprinkling of dusty, gravelly bits to keep you on your toes. This route is tight, narrow, and seriously steep in places (think gradients over 15%!). Nestled in the Nar-Narayan range, the Badrinath Road throws open its gates for just six months of the year, roughly late April to early November. Blame the bonkers Himalayan weather for the closure. Trust me, though, the views are SO worth the trip!
hardWhere Is Dungurama Pass?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between China and Kyrgyzstan at a lung-busting elevation. That's Dungurama Pass for you! You'll find it tucked away in the wilds of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and the Osh Region of Kyrgyzstan. Now, heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. This road, initially built by China with military intentions, is generally off-limits to civilian vehicles. If you somehow manage to get access, you're in for a climb – think a serious elevation gain. But, trust me, the scenery? Absolutely epic. Just be prepared for some serious adventure!