A Most Tricky Scenic Drive To Kura La

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive To Kura La

China, asia

Length

43.1 km

Elevation

5,395 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kura La! This bad boy of a mountain pass sits way up high on the border of Ngamring and Nyalam counties in Tibet, China, clocking in at a staggering 17,700 feet above sea level.

You'll find it south of Riwuqixiang, right off the Yarlung Tsangpo river. Forget pavement – we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt road all the way to the top (that's S209 to the locals). Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And listen up: keep an eye on that weather! Things can get dicey real fast up here. Remember, you're battling altitude, thin air, and potentially crazy conditions.

The 26.78-mile stretch from Suozuoxiang to Riwuqixiang is no joke. Expect some seriously steep climbs, with gradients reaching a whopping 25% in spots. But hey, the reward? Insane views! On a clear day, you can even spot Everest and Cho Oyu in the distance. Just make sure you've got the latest intel before you hit this route!

Where is it?

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive To Kura La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.0472, 103.8936

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
43.1 km
Max Elevation
5,395 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
38.0472, 103.8936

Related Roads in asia

The Jinkou Grand Canyon Scenic Road will take your breath awayhard

The Jinkou Grand Canyon Scenic Road will take your breath away

🇨🇳 China

Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of the Jinkou Grand Canyon Scenic Road in Ganluo County, Sichuan, China? Trust me, it’s a slice of heaven for road trip enthusiasts. Built in 2021 as part of the G245 National Road, this paved beauty snakes right through the Dadu River Jinkou Grand Canyon, hugging the rock walls along the river. Seriously, it’s carved into the landscape! We're talking about the longest, narrowest, and deepest canyon in Sichuan Province. The Dadu River did an amazing job carving this out! Picture this: towering, steep mountains on either side, dotted with crazy rock formations. The canyon stretches for 26 kilometers, squeezes down to less than 200 meters wide, and plunges a staggering 2,600 meters deep. But here's the kicker: during the rainy season (June, July, and August), waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, creating the most magical, sparkling showers. For the best views and safer driving, aim for April, May, September, or October. Just keep an eye on the weather before you go. Maybe avoid the rain and strong winds, okay? You're in for an unforgettable ride!

Driving the savage road to Lungkar Lamoderate

Driving the savage road to Lungkar La

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in western Tibet, craving serious altitude and views that'll blow your mind, you HAVE to check out Lungkar La! We're talking 5,645 meters (that's over 18,500 feet!) of pure, unadulterated mountain pass, nestled between the stunning Palong and Taro lakes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a totally unpaved, bumpy, wild ride that even the legendary explorer Sven Hedin tackled way back when. The road kicks off near Longgacun, south of Taro Lake, and stretches for about 24 kilometers (almost 15 miles) as it climbs. Be warned: this is high-altitude territory. The air is thin, so take it easy and watch for signs of altitude sickness. And definitely leave the Prius at home. You'll need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 vehicle to conquer this beast. Oh, and pro tip: scope out the weather before you head up. Things can get dicey up there real quick. But trust me, the panoramic vistas? Totally worth it.

Lhamonyin Shan, the road to the holiest lake in Tibetextreme

Lhamonyin Shan, the road to the holiest lake in Tibet

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet's Gyaca County, Shannan Prefecture (Lhoka), ready to climb to a staggering 5,226m (17,145ft) above sea level. You're headed to Lhamonyin Ri, a peak that feels like you can touch the sky. The road, paved back in 2010, is a wild ride with about 20 hairpin turns that wind up, up, up. Heads up – this route is mainly for pilgrims and Chinese travelers. And that altitude? It’s no joke! Acclimatize and prep for possible altitude sickness. Winter brings heavy snow, so plan accordingly. The weather's super unpredictable – pack for cold, wind, and rain, just in case! Starting from Cuijiuxiang, this 12.6km (7.82 mile) stretch is seriously steep, gaining 641 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 14%! Your reward? Reaching the gateway to the unbelievably blue Lhamo La-tso, known as the 'auspicious heavenly mother lake' in Tibetan Buddhism. This sacred lake is often frozen for around 7 months, so aim to visit between June and August for the best views. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.

Bara-Lacha La is a mountain pass on the legendary Leh-Manali Highwayhard

Bara-Lacha La is a mountain pass on the legendary Leh-Manali Highway

🇮🇳 India

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up!  Bara-lacha la, perched way up in the Himalayas in India’s Himachal Pradesh, is a mountain pass that'll steal your breath (literally, at 16,043 feet!). Locals call it the 'pass with cross roads on summit', and trust me, the views from up there are like nothing else. You'll find it smack-dab on the legendary Leh-Manali highway, about 100 miles between Jispa and Pang. The road's a mixed bag – sometimes it's smooth asphalt, other times you're bouncing along on unpaved sections. Back in the day, this was a major trade route, so you're traveling on some seriously historic ground! Keep your eyes peeled for the crazy snow formations clinging to the cliffs as the road clears in summer. And Suraj Tal, a stunning blue lake rimmed with snow, is an absolute must-see! Heads up, though: This pass is only open for about six months of the year, usually from April to October. Monsoon season can bring landslides and muddy chaos, so plan your trip carefully. This is the first pass to close and the last to open on the Leh-Manali road. There's no food available once you reach the top, so bring supplies! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!