72 bends to the summit of Ye La

72 bends to the summit of Ye La

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

4,651 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
4,651 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
30.9024, 104.6433

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