A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Shengli Daban
China, asia
140 km
850 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Northwest China, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, cruising along the 216 National Road. You're headed for Shengli Daban, or Victory Pass, a staggering 4,091 meters (13,421 feet) up in the Tian Shan – that's right, the Mountains of Heaven!
The road is mostly paved, but hold on tight, because it's a wild ride of hairpin turns on a narrow track. Especially if you're coming from Ürümqi, you'll be climbing from just 850 meters all the way up, up, up for 140 km. The final push is unreal – imagine a steep wall and a road that zigzags endlessly to the top.
The traffic's pretty light, which is great because you'll want to soak in the scenery. Think dramatic gorges, gleaming glaciers, and towering peaks.
FYI, there's a massive 22-kilometer tunnel in the works (the Tianshan Shengli tunnel) that'll eventually bypass this crazy climb. It’s a six-year project and it's going to make things safer and easier to promote the local economy. But until then, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Shengli Daban is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.3474, 102.4016
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 850 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.3474, 102.4016
Related Roads in asia
moderateMagapit Bridge is the “Golden Gate of Cagayan"
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Philippines, specifically the Cagayan province, and BAM! You see it – the Magapit Bridge. Seriously, this bridge is something else. They even call it the "Golden Gate of Cagayan," which, let's be honest, is a pretty epic nickname. It stretches 449 meters across the mighty Cagayan River, and you'll be riding along the AH26 Road (also known as the Bangag-Magapit Road) – all paved, thankfully! This suspension bridge has been open since 1978. Get ready for some awesome views as you make your way across!
moderateA Paved Road to Shine Davaa
🌍 Mongolia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in western Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province, you'll find Shine Davaa, a mountain pass that hits a whopping 8,651 feet above sea level. Snaking through the stunning Altai Mountains, this road is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a wild ride of steep inclines and hairpin turns—part of the legendary Asian Highway 4 (AH4)! This north-south route stretches for about 40 miles, connecting the tiny village of Tsagaannuur (think: basic supplies and a place to crash) with Ölgii, the province's capital. Picture this: a desert climate, brutal winters, and short, sweet summers. The scenery? Absolutely epic. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardHow do I get to Kunzum Pass?
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk about Kunzum La! This epic mountain pass sits way up high in Himachal Pradesh, India, clocking in at a staggering 14,947 feet. You'll find it nestled between the Lahaul and Spiti districts, acting as the highest point on the NH505, also known as Spiti Valley Road. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think 19 miles of mostly dirt track stretching from Losar to Batal. We're talking stream crossings, potential glacier encounters, and plenty of sand, rocks, and snow. Mother Nature calls the shots here, so be prepared for anything – floods, landslides, you name it! The road is narrow and winding, so you'll be hugging the edge as you climb, hitting a maximum gradient of 15% through fifteen hairpin turns. An SUV with good ground clearance is your best bet for tackling this beast. Keep in mind that Kunzum La is only open from May to October – the rest of the year, it's a frozen wonderland. But trust me, the views are worth it. Think breathtaking glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and a 360-degree panorama of the Bara-Shigri Glacier (the second longest in the world!), the Chandra-Bhaga mountains, and the Spiti Valley. Plus, there's a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga at the summit. It's a photographer's dream!
hardWhere is Pele La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits at Pele La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Bhutan's Wangdue Phodrang District - seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Pele La acts as a natural divider, marking the spot where western Bhutan transitions into the central region. Keep an eye out for the chorten that marks the summit. On a clear day (good luck with that!), you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drakye (6,989m). Feeling adventurous? There's a gnarly gravel track near the top that climbs to a radio/TV Repeater Station. Only attempt that with a 4x4 with serious clearance! This road is a lengthy ride, stretching from Wangdue Phodrang (the district capital) all the way to Trongsa (the capital of its district). What's the road like? Well, let's just say it's "paved" in the loosest sense of the word, with plenty of rough patches and gravel thrown in. Get ready for a steep climb and what feels like a million hairpin turns on the highway. Built back in the 90s, it's a real rollercoaster hugging the cliffside. Located in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, be warned, this route is crazy narrow. If you're prone to vertigo, maybe sit this one out.