Where is Thrumshing La?
Bhutan, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Thrumshing La! Nestled high in the heart of the country, straddling two districts within the Thrumshing La National Park, this pass earns its place among the highest roads around. You'll find it on the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1), acting as a watershed between two major river systems.
Stretching from Chamkhar to Trashigang for quite a distance, this route is a real beauty. It was carved out in the 90s and is paved, but let's be real, the conditions can be rough, even turning to gravel in sections!
As you ascend, prepare to be wowed by the scenery. The road winds through lush, dense forests brimming with Rhododendron trees. But remember, you're at a serious elevation, so pack those warm clothes, a good hat, and gloves—the air up here bites. Acclimatize for a day or two if you can to avoid altitude sickness. The summit's often shrouded in mist, which adds an extra layer of mystery. And surprisingly, despite the altitude, the snow often vanishes by April or May!
If you're feeling brave, keep an eye out for the breathtaking detour to Yotong La!
Related Roads in asia
hardJalori Pass is an isolated road full of adventure in India
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jalori Pass in Himachal Pradesh, India, is calling your name. It's the closest Himalayan pass to Delhi (about 600 km), and trust me, it's an experience. The road, NH305, is a wild ride. Think mostly paved, but also narrow, steep, and bumpy with potholes – so hold on tight! It winds 43.1 km between Jibhi and Anni, offering stunning views that'll make you forget about the jarring ride... almost. Elevation-wise, we're talking 3,134m (10,282ft), so be prepared for mountain weather. The pass is usually open from around March to mid-December, but winter brings heavy snow, making it impassable. Keep an eye out for frost and black ice! Up at the top, reward yourself with lunch at one of the restaurants and visit the Jalori Mata temple, a local pilgrimage spot. While technically doable in any vehicle, be smart about it. From Ghayagi to the pass, the road is rough and slow-going. The last 3 km before the summit are particularly challenging – narrow, steep, and pretty gnarly. Use first gear! But if you're a confident driver with hill driving experience, you'll be fine. The views are SO worth it.
extremeWhy is it called Vardenyats Pass?
🌍 Armenia
Vardenyats Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.410m (7,906ft) above sea level, located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Why is it called Vardenyats Pass? Set high in the Vardenis mountains range, the road to the summit, also known as Selim Mountain Pass or Sulemayi Lernants’k’, is called M10. The pass was formerly known as Selim Mountain Pass, but the name was recently changed. According to the governor of Vayots Dzor province, Edgar Ghazarian the name changed because ‘Selim’ name is often used in the press, electronic mass media, tourist guides and reference books when the matter concerns a mountain pass, a caravanserai, etc. After consulting with historians, it became clear that Selim is the name of a person, rather than a place. This foreign barbarian was only famous for his evil deeds and destruction he caused. Our picturesque sites and historic monuments should not be linked to his name. I want to inform everyone that changes were officially made in the place names, with Selim mountain pass renamed Vardenyats mountain pass and the Selim caravanserai renamed Orbelian’s caravanserai”. How long is Vardenyats Pass? The pass is 55.7 km (34.61 miles) long, running north-south from Martuni (a town in the Gegharkunik Province on the southern shores of Lake Sevan) to Yeghegnadzor (a town in Vayots Dzor Province, on the southern part of the country). Is Vardenyats Pass challenging? The road leading to the summit is completely paved, but it presents numerous challenges to any vehicle's suspension due to the abundance of potholes and broken surfaces. The road's perilous nature is primarily attributed to the extreme weather conditions, including blizzards, strong winds, dense fog, limited visibility, sections with black ice, and the constant risk of avalanches. Depending on the season of your visit, it's crucial to monitor local weather reports, as heavy snowfall can pose significant problems. Additionally, the occasional tumbling rocks demand constant vigilance while driving. Is Vardenyats Pass worth it? While driving through this challenging road, with hairpin turns, steep sections and countless curves, you’ll get stunning views. As you traverse the terrain, the road leads you to the highland steppe, just beyond the pass, where the beauty of Armenia's majestic mountains unfolds. Moreover, this pass serves as a gateway to Lake Sevan, offering an opportunity to experience this natural wonder. At the summit, you'll encounter a remarkable piece of history - the ancient Silk Road guest house, known as Selim Caravanserai. This establishment was constructed in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian, as revealed by inscriptions in both Armenian and Arabic. Throughout its existence, the caravanserai extended hospitality to countless travelers journeying along the highway that traversed the Selim (Sulema) mountains. Selim Caravanserai stands as a gem amongst Armenia's historical treasures, representing an example of secular Armenian architecture during the Middle Ages. What are the highest roads in Armenia? Driving the demanding road to Aragats Research Station 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.
extremeDriving the Highest Road in the Philippines: Kiangan to Buguias
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on what's said to be the Philippines' highest road, soaring to a breathtaking 2,406m (7,893ft)! We're talking about the stretch from Kiangan to Buguias, snaking through the heart of the Cordillera Central range. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. The road, clocking in at around 63 km (39 miles) from Buguias in Benguet to Kiangan in Ifugao, carves its way through mossy forests and kisses cloud-covered peaks. Prepare for views that will blow your mind — seriously, this is postcard-perfect Philippines! But hold on, this beauty comes with a challenge. The road is STEEP. Think hairpin turns and zigzags galore, with some climbs hitting a 20.4% gradient. Mother Nature throws in her own curveballs too: heavy fog, thick mist, and slippery roads when it rains. Landslides are a real threat, with rocks and debris occasionally making an unwelcome appearance. So, check your ride, take it slow, and aim to conquer this beast before nightfall. Factor in at least 2.5 hours of driving time — and that's without stops! Those sharp curves, crazy gradients, and mesmerizing forest views demand your full attention. Word to the wise: pack warm clothes! This high-altitude playground stays chilly all year round, and fog can roll in at any moment, cutting visibility down to practically nothing. The cloud forest vibe is magical, but it amps up the risk, especially in heavy rain. Basically, be prepared, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeThe Road to Lahıc: A Treacherous Route with Huge Cliffs and 300m Drops
🌍 Azerbaijan
# The Wild Ride to Lahij: Azerbaijan's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Nestled high in the Greater Caucasus at 1,375 meters (4,514 feet), the tiny village of Lahij is absolutely worth the white-knuckle journey to get there. This medieval gem sits deep in the southern slopes with cobblestone streets, ancient mosques, and copper workshops that have thrived for centuries thanks to its remote isolation—the residents even developed their own unique language! The 19.2 km (11.9 mile) road from Təzəkənd is not for the faint of heart. Starting as decent tarmac off the R-8, it quickly deteriorates into a potholed mess before becoming a rough mountain track. What really gets your adrenaline pumping is how it hugs the Girdimanchai river gorge with sheer 300-meter cliff drops on one side. Hairpin turns get increasingly tight as you climb, with the narrow ledges carved precariously into the rock face. Expect the unexpected on this drive: wildlife jumping out of nowhere, rockfalls, washouts, and that sketchy "bridge" crossing the river. Winter can shut the road down for weeks with ice and snow, while spring rains trigger mudslides. Earthquakes are common enough that closures happen without warning. But here's the thing—the danger is matched by absolutely stunning scenery. You'll pass through attractive villages and experience geological formations that'll blow your mind. Just make sure you've got a sturdy 4WD vehicle, an experienced driver behind the wheel, and nerves of steel. Once you arrive, you can wander the charming streets, visit the History Museum, explore copper workshops, and browse carpet cooperatives. Absolutely unforgettable.