A bumpy and grueling road to Regong La
China, asia
29.4 km
5,016 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Regong La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 5,016 meters (16,456 feet)! You'll find it nestled in Namling County, part of Shigatse, connecting the stunning Jomo Chu and Mang Chu valleys.
Now, be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. The entire 29.4 kilometers (18.26 miles) is unpaved, a proper dirt track stretching from Redangxiang to Suojinxiang. It's a slow burner too. Expect to take 2-3 hours to conquer it in one go. And those ramps? Prepare for some seriously steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 10%! But the views? Totally worth the white knuckles. Get ready for scenery that'll blow your mind!
Where is it?
A bumpy and grueling road to Regong La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.4751, 101.0171
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 29.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,016 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.4751, 101.0171
Related Roads in asia
hardBudrang La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to the Budrang La pass in Tibet, China, a whopping 16,115 feet above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive – the "road" is more like a gravel track, officially known as 306 Provincial Road. Seriously, watch your step (or tire!). This route is unforgiving, and those 80 hairpin turns (50 up, 30 down) are covered in rocks and loose gravel. Maybe skip that extra helping of momos before you go – the altitude might make you regret it! Speaking of altitude, this climb is BRUTAL. The air gets thin REAL fast. Most folks start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet, and up here near the pass, oxygen is a luxury. But the views? Totally worth it! And the summit? Decked out in prayer flags fluttering in the wind. A true Tibetan experience!
hardKawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge rotates traffic through 720 degrees
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Highway 414 from Tokyo, heading towards the Izu Peninsula's steamy hot springs. Suddenly, BAM! The Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge appears. Seriously, this thing is wild! Imagine two massive spirals coiling down a mountainside – it’s like a roller coaster for cars! Built back in '82, this 1.1 km long beauty tackles a 147-foot elevation change in the most dramatic way possible. Each loop stretches 80 meters across, giving you incredible panoramic views as you wind your way down (or up!). Word to the wise: take it slow. The speed limit is just 30 km/h. You'll want to keep your eyes peeled, and enjoy the insane scenery while navigating this concrete corkscrew. This bridge isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.
hardShipki La is one of the World's Most Treacherous Roads
🇮🇳 India
# Shipki La: India's Wild High-Altitude Border Pass Perched at a breathtaking 3,954 meters (12,972 feet) in the heart of the Himalayas, Shipki La is where India meets China in one of the world's most dramatic mountain settings. This high-altitude border post sits in the stunning Sutlej Valley, near the small town of Khab, connecting India's Kinnaur district with Tibet. It's actually India's third-busiest trade route with China, following Nathu La and Lipulekh—and yes, it's got serious historical cred as part of the legendary ancient Silk Road. The pass itself stretches roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Shipki on the Chinese side to Khab in India. The Indian section (National Highway 5, formerly NH22) is mostly unpaved and was constructed by the Border Roads Organization in 2010—a 31.1-kilometer marvel of engineering that winds through impossible terrain. On the Chinese side, it's basically a mule track, just 3.1 kilometers long. Here's the catch: this road is genuinely treacherous. Massive 1,000-meter cliffs drop straight down to the Sutlej River, and the pass is notorious for both flash floods and brutal winter conditions. You're looking at serious closures from late October through late June or early July depending on snowfall. If you're planning a visit, go prepared—this isn't your typical scenic drive. Note: The border is currently closed to non-residents.
extremeWhere is the road to Sengri Mountain?
🇨🇳 China
Wanna tackle a seriously epic high-altitude drive? Head to the Bayi District of Nyingchi in Tibet and try to reach Sengri Mountain. This climb isn't for the faint of heart. Starting near Lacang, you'll be aiming for 4,632m (15,196ft) above sea level, where the air is thin and the views are HUGE. Okay, so it's "only" 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), but don't let that fool you. This climb is INTENSE. You'll be gaining over 1,000 meters in elevation, tackling some seriously steep sections and 26 crazy hairpin turns. It's slow-going, technical, and probably gonna take over an hour. You NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this, no question. The "road" is all unpaved – think loose dirt and rocky terrain. Combine that with the steep inclines, switchbacks, and exposure (straight drops!), and you've got yourself a "hard-core" adventure. Oh, and did I mention you're at altitude? Expect your engine to lose a serious amount of power. Low-range gearing is a must. Plus, keep an eye out for grooves in the road from maintenance vehicles servicing the astronomical observatory at the top. Careful line choice is key! Summer's your best bet, but even then, be prepared for anything. The road can be blocked by snow for much of the year, and even summer storms can bring freezing temps and snow. Always check local conditions before you go. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you start. There's NO help or services available once you leave Lacang. Remember, the summit houses a scientific observatory, so be respectful. Also, pack a satellite phone – you won't find any cell service up there. But the views? Absolutely worth the effort. Just be prepared for a proper challenge!