What are the most spectacular roads in Pakistan?

Home to K2, the second highest peak in the world, Pakistan is a very mountainous country, located in the southern part of Asia. The country is a paradise for 4x4 mountain lovers, as it comprises the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges.

The country covers an area of 881,913 km2 and it’s bordered by India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. However, due to the situation of the country, traveling there is not advised. If you travel to Pakistan, you should remain cautious and vigilant, including in major cities. There is a high threat of terrorism. The security situation is fragile and unpredictable. Several terrorist groups are present and operate across the country. If you take the risk, the country is home to countless mountain roads as well as a coastline along the Arabian Sea, providing beautiful coastal drives.

Speaking about roads, when traveling to Pakistan you can’t miss the treacherous Fairy Meadows Road. Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, the unpaved road is completely unmaintained, with no guardrails to protect you, and it gets so narrow that near the end, you’ll have to cover the last section by walking or biking. It’s also worth driving to Khunjerab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world, sitting at an elevation of 4,706m (15,439ft) above sea level, on the border with China. Babusar Pass is a mountain pass at 4,179m (13,710ft) above sea level on the boundary between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces. It’s one of the most hairpinned roads in the world. And if you’re brave enough, try the Khaltaro Valley Road. Imagine a narrow gravel road, very steep (up to 15%) with horrendous drops on both sides. Welcome to hell! Only the suicidal, the insane, or the paid-to-do-this should ever drive down.

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

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

Located in the heart of the Hindu Kush Range, the road to Chitral Gol National Park is a high-altitude expedition in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of northern Pakistan. Reaching an elevation of 2,940m (9,645ft), this is a track where the beauty of the landscape is only matched by the technical difficulty of the terrain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ghakhai Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,082m (6,830ft) above sea level, located on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Located in South Asia, at the crossroads of the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia, Pakistan includes many challenges for drivers. It’s a country with demanding road conditions and significant safety concerns.

Totiano Kandao is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,418m (7,933ft) above sea level, located on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Kalpani Kandao is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,206m (7,237ft) above sea level, located in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.

Mukha Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,564m (8,412ft) above sea level. It is situated on the border between the Kunar Province of Afghanistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Warghle Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,222m (7,290ft) above sea level, situated on the rugged Durand Line—the border between Afghanistan’s Kunar Province and Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Jambatai Kandao is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,232m (7,322ft) above sea level, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The Chapursan Valley Road (also spelled Chipurson) is one of the last true frontiers in northern Pakistan. Located in the Gojal region of Gilgit-Baltistan, this road is a lifeline for eight remote villages, stretching toward the mysterious Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan.