A drive to the top of Wenquan Daban
China, asia
N/A
5,808 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up because we're heading to Wenquan Daban (Hot Springs Daban) in Xinjiang, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive — we're talking about one of the highest roads *on Earth*, topping out at a breathtaking 5,808m (19,055ft).
Nestled high in the Chang-Chemno Range, this road is a rugged, unpaved beast. Forget your sedan; you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this terrain. Fair warning: this route isn't open to just anyone (civilians and foreigners, take note). It connects Wenquan (Hot Springs) and Hongshantou Co.
Beyond the incredible views, prepare for a serious challenge. The air is thin up here; altitude sickness is a real possibility, and even your engine will struggle with the low oxygen. This road, also known as Cayley's Pass and Changlung Yokma La, gets seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10% in places. Built back in 1962, it's a true test of both vehicle and driver!
Where is it?
A drive to the top of Wenquan Daban is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.1138, 100.9658
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,808 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.1138, 100.9658
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