72 bends to the summit of Ye La
China, asia
N/A
4,651 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ye La Pass in Tibet! This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 15,259 feet (4,651m) in Baxoi County, and trust me, the views from the top are worth the white knuckles.
You'll be cruising (or maybe crawling!) along China National Highway 318, the legendary Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Just a heads up, this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. The entire journey is a long haul, snaking through remote landscapes and over multiple mountain passes, so pack your patience and plenty of snacks.
Also known as Gama La or Yela Shan Pass, this road sits between the villages of Bangdazhen and Lagenxiang. The real kicker? The "Nujiang 72 turnings" – a dizzying, dusty descent that drops you from the summit down to just 8,850 feet (2,700m) alongside the Salween River. Seriously, this section is not for the faint of heart! And maybe skip it if you've got respiratory or heart issues. But if you're up for the challenge, Ye La Pass promises a ride you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
72 bends to the summit of Ye La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 30.9024, 104.6433
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,651 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 30.9024, 104.6433
Related Roads in asia
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hardWhere is Salang Pass?
🌍 Afghanistan
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extremeIs the road to Hajigak Pass paved?
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Okay, buckle up for the Hajigak Pass adventure! This high-altitude pass tops out at a whopping 11,496 feet, straddling the rugged landscape. You'll find it on the Kabul-Hajigak-Bamyan Highway, one of the main routes from Kabul, snaking its way north-south for about 34 miles. The road is mostly paved, which is good news! You'll pass through numerous villages, giving you a glimpse into life in this sparsely populated region. Keep an eye out for the views as you’re also driving through the mountains which give access to Asia's biggest untapped iron ore deposit Now, a word of caution: driving standards aren't great around here. Expect excessive speeds, aggressive drivers, and a general disregard for traffic laws. Fatal accidents are unfortunately common. Plus, because of the harsh climate, expect the pass to be snow-covered for much of the year. Locals sometimes have to transport patients to the hospital on donkeys due to heavy snowfalls. Finally, a serious heads-up: travel here is strongly advised against. The security situation is volatile, with extremist groups posing a threat. Kidnappings for ransom are a very real risk. If you find yourself in the area, hunker down and stay safe – your personal safety is your responsibility.
extremeWhere is Par La?
🇨🇳 China
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