A paved border road to Kulma Pass in the Pamir Mountains
China, asia
113 km
4,362 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Kulma Pass, also known as Qolma or Karasu Pass, is a seriously epic border crossing sitting way up high at 4,362 meters (that's 14,311 feet!) where China shakes hands with Tajikistan.
This beauty connects the Gorno-Badakhshan region of Tajikistan with China's Xinjiang region. Think Pamir Mountains, and yeah, it's COLD!
The AH66 highway is mostly paved and stretches 113 km (70 miles) from Kalasu Port in China to Murghab in Tajikistan. It swings open, usually from the 16th to the 30th of each month, between May and November. Word on the street is that, since 2017, travelers have been cruising through without any hassles. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Where is it?
A paved border road to Kulma Pass in the Pamir Mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.0654, 103.3947
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 113 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,362 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 33.0654, 103.3947
Related Roads in asia
hardThe wild road to Tipta La
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tipta La, a seriously epic pass straddling China and Nepal! This isn't just any border crossing; we're talking a lung-busting 5,118m (16,791ft) above sea level! Prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain air, marking this crucial trade route high in the Himalayas. You'll be traveling between Xigazê in Tibet (China) and the Taplejung District in Nepal. Be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, so a sturdy 4x4 is a must. On the Chinese side, prepare for a wild ride with around 40 hairpin turns to the top. Word on the street is that the Chinese have helped upgrade the track from the Nepali side (Olangchungola) up to the pass. The road stretches for 41km (25.47 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure, connecting Riwu (China) and Olangchung Gola (Nepal). The views? Absolutely breathtaking, showcasing the raw beauty of both Tibet and Nepal. Just a heads up: this route is usually snowed in and impassable during the winter months.
moderateDriving along the curvy road to Kyungang La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Xinjiang, China. You're about to tackle Kyungang La, a seriously high mountain pass. We're talking 5,341 meters (17,522 feet)! It's near the Indian border, and they call it the Ban Ying Highway (or G695). Good news – it's paved! Bad news – get ready for what feels like *hundreds* of turns. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, fair warning. Maybe pack some ginger ale? Trust me on this one! So, you've been warned – but the views? Totally worth it!
hardThe narrow Keladighat Bridge in Nepal
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Western Nepal, right? You're on the Bhimad Sankhar Highway, heading towards the Keladighat Bridge. This isn't your average overpass, people! This steel truss bridge stretches 166.6 meters across the Kali Gandaki River, linking Sankhar and Darcha. It's pretty narrow at only 4.25 meters wide, so keep your eyes peeled! And get this – it's suspended 25 meters above the water. The views are incredible when you reach the bridge, which opened in 2014. It's one of those "hold your breath" kind of experiences you won't soon forget.
extremeDriving the steep road to Shakhar La
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Shakhar La! This insane mountain pass clocks in at a lung-busting 11,817 feet (3,602m) in the Ladakh region of northern India, specifically in the gorgeous Aryan Valley north of Chiktan. Forget highways; this is one of those wild Himalayan tracks connecting tiny, remote villages. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." We're talking a narrow, unpaved dirt and gravel track with a serious attitude. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory to conquer the steep inclines and loose terrain. Prepare for what feels like a million hairpin turns and seriously narrow sections with terrifying drop-offs (hold on tight; there are zero guardrails!). This drive demands your full attention. The Shakhar La pass stretches for just over 6 miles (9.8 km) from Hagnis to Shakar, but don't let the distance fool you. The constant switchbacks and technical climb will make this a slow and steady journey. Expect a rugged, raw mountain landscape that will leave you breathless. Heads up, though: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow and ice can shut this route down completely in winter. Even in the warmer months, rock slides are a real threat. Check local conditions before you go, and definitely avoid this pass during or after heavy rain or snowfall. Trust me, the views are worth the wait when the conditions are right!