Highest road passes in the world
What is the difference between pass and pass? The pass is the lowest point between two mountains close, which allows you to pass from one side of a group of mountains to another. The pass is a pass located at a considerable altitude, but not easy to pass. We will then go and see which are the highest passes in the world with their main characteristics, including dangers but also incredible naturalistic beauties.
There is no official ranking, so it is subject to constant revisions and updates. However, we invite you to make reports and propose updates via comments.
What is the highest road in the world?
There are several theories about it. It is said to be the Khardung La pass, located in the Indian part of the Himalayas, coarsely asphalted, once declared 5,682 meters high, information however denied by Catalan researchers who measured it with 5,259 meters.
The record would therefore belong to Suge -la, a trans Himalayan road that connects Raka (Raga) to Tsochen (Coqen) in Tibet, with a height of 5,430 meters. It is located exactly about 110 km northwest of Lhasa and is made of clay. Its characteristics are its great danger, caused by continuous landslides, avalanches and climatic changes.
The highest pass however is found in India, Mrsimik La, with a height of 5,590 meters; the step however is open only to the military.
Between Chile and Bolivia there is the Cerro Uturunco road, which reaches 5,836 meters, but blocked by several landslides. For those who want to experience the thrill of traveling long roads without problems, they can opt for the Karakorum Highway, the highest international asphalt road in the world with its 4,693 meters, which connects China and Pakistan in 1,300 km. It is open from May to October and is perfect for retracing the mythical Silk Road.
The Wakhjir pass, east of Afghanistan, is not the highest road in the world, but the one that is certainly the richest in history. A must is Tashkurgan, a city-metropolis where Marco Polo is said to have passed.
- Higher road pass: Marsimik La, India, 5,590 meters
- Higher passable road pass: Karakorum Highway, between China and Pakistan, 4,693 meters
- Higher asphalted road pass: Khardung La pass, Himalaya, 5,259 meters
Here are the highest road passes on each continent:
Highest road pass in Asia: Khardung La, 5,259 meters
Located in India in the Ladakh region. An adventurous and extreme journey, for the most part traveled on a mix of rock, powder and melted snow. In order to start the trip, a permit must be obtained from the government offices in Leh, the administrative capital of Ladakh. The pass is also a One way street and departure is only possible from 9:00 to 13:00. The first section is very well-kept and for about 24 km the road is paved with the presence of a control station for South Pollu. Towards North Pollu the road becomes more slippery, also due to adverse weather conditions. In the final stretch towards Numbra Valley, you have to do beware of any landslides and other possible unforeseen events.
Highest Road Pass in North America: Trail Ridge Road, 3,000 meters
A fantastic one panoramic road over 65 km long which allows you to admire the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The road is characterized by twists and turns and starts in Estes Park, Colorado; in the first part it is surrounded by forests and alpine lakes with the typical local fauna such as deer and moose, then you will find a different environment with one bare tundra. We then proceed with a series of alpine passes up to the Kawuneeche Valley, where the Colorado River flows, and finally down to the two great lakes, Grand Lake and Granby.
Highest road pass in South America: Abra Patapampa, 4,910 meters
Photo by Aldo Fernández Villalba It is located in the province of Caylloma, in the region of Arequipa, in southwestern Peru, on the Carretera 1SE road, between the Pampas de Toccra (17 km) and Chivay (30 km). It’s about a paved road but beware of broken gravel at higher altitudes. A danger can be a lack of oxygen, about 40% below sea level, followed by altitude sickness, weather problems and some dangerous and inaccessible passages. At the top you can find souvenir stalls, a must to be able to admire the views of Ampato and the other nearby volcanoes. We then proceed with the descent towards the city of Chivay in the canyon, a rather steep road at the top of which there is a viewpoint called Mirador de los Andes.
Highest road pass in Africa: Tlaeng Pass, 3,251 meters
Photo by fiverlocker without vegetation due to the rather bad weather conditions. There are mostly rocks, waterfalls and rivers, such as the Motetsi River. It is characterized by numerous curves, especially on the part of the Moteng, at 2,820 meters.
Highest road pass in Europe: Col de l’Iseran, 2,770 meters
Among the most spectacular roads in the world: it is located in France, in the Savoie region, near the border with Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. The road is easily accessible from Susa (in the province of Turin), through the Mont Cenis. The start of the climb takes place from the alpine village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, continuing along the col de l’Iseran and arriving in Val d’Isere, a famous ski resort. In total there are 29.4 km. Amazing all the scenery given by the very high mountains that surround the entire road, including the characteristic medieval villages of Breassans and Bonnevalle sur Arc. However, pay attention to possible climatic changes along the way.
Highest Road Pass in Oceania: Mount Hutt Access Road, 1,597 meters
A steep one one-way dirt road, winding and without guardrail. The road is located west of the Canterbury Plains on the South Island of New Zealand. Really narrow and scenic, has a length of 13 km; it was built in 1970 and reaches 1,597 meters. From the main road, you go up to a resort with a track that can be dangerous with ice or mud, so it is absolutely necessary to have the chains already installed on the wheels of the car. It is a road open all year round but it can be closed at any time due to bad weather conditions.
