A difficult road to the summit of Gorun La
China, asia
80 km
5,690 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Gorun La in Tibet! This insane pass tops out at a dizzying 5,690m (18,667ft). You'll find it straddling Nagqu and the Shannan Prefecture, way out there in southwestern China.
Forget pavement – this is a wild, 80km (50-mile) off-road odyssey from Yangbajain to Dechen through boulder fields, seriously steep climbs, and squeezes that'll test your nerves. 4x4 is *essential*, folks.
Now, heads up: the altitude is a real beast. We're talking potential altitude sickness with all the fun symptoms like dizziness and nausea. Seriously, get acclimatized and maybe bring some oxygen. Low O2, freezing temps, and crazy winds? Yeah, it's intense.
Nestled in the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains, this road's right up there with the highest in the country. Winter? Forget about it – snow shuts it down completely. Oh, and getting permission from the military is a major hurdle, even for locals, because it's super remote and close to the Indian border. But hey, if you can swing it, the scenery is unreal!
Where is it?
A difficult road to the summit of Gorun La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.2409, 102.7315
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 80 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,690 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 33.2409, 102.7315
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Located in Lhozhag County, within the Shannan Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La is one of the most demanding high-altitude drives in the Himalayas. This remote mining track winds its way through the rugged mountains near the border with Bhutan, offering a brutal but breathtaking experience for experienced off-roaders. Road facts: Lakangzhen to Gong La Lhozhag County, Tibet (China) How long is the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La? 58.8 kilometers (36.5 miles) , starting from the paved G219 highway near the town of Lakangzhen. Despite the relatively short distance, the climb is relentless. The road is a dedicated mining track that ascends to two major high-altitude passes: first reaching Bod La at 4,991m (16,374ft) , and finally ending at Gong La at 4,800m (15,748ft) . Due to the terrain, expect to spend several hours behind the wheel to complete this section. Is the road from Lakangzhen to Gong La difficult? This is definitely not a Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved and famous for its extreme geometry, featuring a staggering . These switchbacks are tight, steep, and often lack any form of protection or guardrails. Driving challenges include: The combination of steep gradients and thin air at nearly 5,000 meters will test any engine's cooling and power systems. A high-clearance 4x4 is essential. The road clings to the side of the mountains with massive vertical drops. Precision steering is required, especially when encountering mining trucks coming in the opposite direction. Being so close to the Bhutanese border, this is a sensitive area. Travelers should ensure they have all necessary permits (Tibet Travel Permit and Alien Travel Permit) before attempting the route. What can you see from the Gong La pass? For those who brave the 102 hairpins, the rewards are immense. Near the end of the track at Gong La, the road offers unique views across the border into Bhutan, including the stunning . The landscape is a stark mix of high-altitude desert and snow-capped peaks, far removed from any civilization. When is the best time to drive to Gong La? impassable from late October through late June or early July. Heavy snowfall blocks the high passes of Bod La and Gong La for most of the year. Even in the summer months, the weather is unpredictable. Sudden storms can turn the dirt track into a mud trap, and landslides are a constant risk in this part of the Himalayas. Safety and Practical Advice Since this is a mining road, the surface is rough and unmaintained. Always check the condition of your brakes and tires before starting the climb. There are no facilities along the route, so you must carry enough fuel, food, and emergency supplies to survive a breakdown at high altitude. Oxygen canisters are highly recommended for anyone not fully acclimated to the Tibetan Plateau. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Driving through Nayzatash Pass on the Pamir Highway Driving the curvy road to Lenglongling Pass is for experienced drivers Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
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