What are the most spectacular roads in Pakistan?

Nestled between the grandeur of the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges, Pakistan offers road experiences that are both challenging and mesmerizing. Every turn can reveal landscapes that range from serene valleys to towering peaks, drawing both adventurers and nature lovers alike.

A particularly daunting road is the Fairy Meadows Road, often described as one of the most dangerous in the world, but equally rewarding with its pristine views. Then there's the lofty Babusar Pass, reaching an elevation of 4,179m, offering vistas that can literally take one's breath away. If you're looking for a test of your driving mettle, the road from Gilgit to Skardu will challenge even seasoned drivers with its rugged terrain, steep inclines, and hairpin bends. Meanwhile, the Lowari Pass, often termed the "Grand Daddy" of passes, presents its own set of challenges and awe-inspiring views.

While the Karakoram Highway stands as an emblem of engineering brilliance, linking Pakistan to China, the country's roads, like the picturesque journey through the Swat Valley or the winding paths of the Margalla Hills, offer a rich tapestry of experiences. Driving in Pakistan isn't just about navigating the terrain; it's about witnessing the juxtaposition of nature's raw power with the indomitable human spirit. But caution remains paramount, as the beauty of the roads is matched by their unpredictability. Always come prepared and respectful of the landscapes, and Pakistan promises a road journey unlike any other.

Hispar Glacier is a high mountain glacier at an elevation of 3.124m (10,249ft) above the sea level, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Satpara lake is a natural lake at an elevation of 2.721m (8,927ft) above the sea level, located in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Khojak Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.201m (7,221ft) above the sea level, located in Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan province, Pakistan.

Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, the Barenis Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. 

Located in the Skardu District of Gilgit Baltistan in northeastern Pakistan, the Braldu Valley Road runs through the Braldu Gorge to Askole and Korphe, two small villages on the way to K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth.

Ganga Choti is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.785m (9,137ft) above the sea level, located in Bagh District, Azad Kashmir, in Pakistan. The road to the top is pretty steep.

Located in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is slightly less than twice the size of California but the world's fifth-most populous country.

Located in in the province of Balochistan in Pakistan, the Dhana Sar gorges, also called Pakka Dhana, is an awe inspiring river canyon, pretty long and deep. It was formed by the Karher River.

Kilik Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.745m (15,567ft) above the sea level, located between Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan and Xinjiang in China. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

The Sakhi Sarwar-Rakhni road, part of the National Highway 70 (N-70), is one of the most beautiful highways in Pakistan. There’s a high threat of terrorism, kidnap and sectarian violence throughout the country.

Dorah Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,538m (14,888ft) above sea level, located on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Peiwar Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.615m (8,579ft) above the sea level, located between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Baboon Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.695m (12,122ft) above the sea level, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in Pakistan.

Shawall Road is a high mountain road located in North Waziristan, a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan.

Chumar Bakor is a high mountain town at an elevation of 4.418m (14,494ft) located in the Hunza Valley, in Gilgit-Baltistan, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Located in the Turikho valley, in the Hindu Kush range of Pakistan, the Turikho Valley Road is a spectacular and dangerous high mountain road. Stay away if you're scared of heights. This road tests the skill, and courage, of any driver. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides.

Sheosar Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 4.158m (13,641ft) above the sea level, located in the Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan. It’s one of the highest lakes in the world.

Chorbat La is an international high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.141m (16,866ft) above the sea level, on the border of India and Pakistan. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Chhachor Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.209m (13,809ft) above the sea level, located in Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province, in northern Pakistan. The pass is traversed by the Deosai Park Road.

Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, the Tattu Bridge (Tattoo bridge) is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. Due its dangerousness it’s no longer in use.

Batogah Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.308m (14,133ft) above the sea level, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Marpo La is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.816m (15,800ft) above the sea level, located on the Indian-Pakistani Line of Control. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Bari La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.721m (15,488ft) above the sea level located in the Northern Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Bamboret Valley Road is a rocky access trail across the mountains located in the Chitral District of Khayber Pakhtun khuwah, in northern Pakistan.

Buzi Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 323m (1,059ft) above the sea level, located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.

Supat Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.285m (14,058ft) above the sea level, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in Pakistan.

Jugshai Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.695m (12,122ft) above the sea level, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in Pakistan.

Jhun Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.261m (7,417ft) above the sea level, located in the district of Azad Kashmir, in Pakistan.

Chitral Gol is a National Park located in Chitral District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Brithawari Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.995m (9,826ft) above the sea level, located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

Spat Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.260m (13,976ft) above the sea level, located in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Dubbed as the Switzerland of Pakistan, Minimarg is a tiny village located in the Astore District of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Naltar River Bridge is no walk in the park. This high mountain bridge sits at an elevation of 2,386 meters (7,828 feet) above sea level, nestled in the Gilgit District of the Gilgit–Baltistan territory in Pakistan. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.