
A paved road to Everest Base Camp, the Roof of the World
China, asia
5.4 km
5,157 m
hard
Year-round
Okay adventurers, picture this: you're cruising through the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to the Nepal border, on Zhufeng Road. This isn't just any road; it's a paved masterpiece leading to Everest Base Camp (the north side!), nestled in the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve. The asphalt ends right at the Zhufeng Base Camp Parking Lot at a staggering 5,017m (16,459ft) above sea level. Only the last 5.4km are unpaved.
This 98.7 km (61.32 miles) journey kicks off from the G318 and winds its way up to a breathtaking 5,205m (17,076ft) peak by Pang La. Budget about 2.5 to 4 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are insane! Think panoramic vistas of Shisha Pangma to Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. We're talking mixed forests, flower-filled meadows, glaciers, rivers, and enough hairpin turns to make your head spin. Keep an eye on the weather – you're in the Himalayas, after all. A permit from the Chinese government is required to visit the North Base Camp.
Where is it?
A paved road to Everest Base Camp, the Roof of the World is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.2386, 104.9602
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 5.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,157 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.2386, 104.9602
Related Roads in asia
extremeRoad A367
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Kyrgyzstan, ditch the highway and prepare for the A367, a wild ride through the northern Naryn Region's Tian Shan Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive—we're talking 211 km of mostly gravel goodness connecting the M41 road to the village of Kochkor. Forget your low-rider, a high-clearance 4x4 is practically mandatory. Seriously, unless you're looking for an excuse to buy a new car, leave the 2WD at home. The toughest section hugs the Kekemeren River, where thick mist can roll in and visibility drops to zero. Trust me, you don't want to be caught there. This road is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides and add frequent patches of ice and you have a recipe for disaster. Oh, and did I mention Kalmak Ashuu Pass? This section has been known to make even seasoned drivers sweat a little. But hey, the scenery is absolutely epic, so buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeWhere is the Austrian Road?
🌍 Kazakhstan
Deep in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan lies the Austrian Road, a 108km (67 mile) stretch of unpaved adventure built way back in 1915 by Austro-Hungarian WWI prisoners. Starting near Enbek (off Highway P-163) and winding south to Moyildy, this remote route demands self-sufficiency and a sturdy 4x4. Be prepared for a challenge! You'll be tackling the Sarym-Sakty Range, with climbs to passes like the Burkhatskiy Pass at a whopping 2,137m (7,011ft) and another at 1,792m (5,879ft). The scenery is incredible, nestled within the Katon-Karagaisky State National Nature Park, as you wind through the Sorvenok Valley. Expect river crossings! There are 16 bridges and fords, some of which might be a little *too* adventurous – think potential river wading. Keep an eye on the bridges, as they can be...unpredictable. This isn't a Sunday drive. Solitude is guaranteed, but so is the need to be totally self-reliant. Pack plenty of food and water, and maybe a tent, because you might just want to camp out under those Altai stars. Just a heads-up: skip it if it's raining, as the road can get seriously dicey! The road starts at around 990m in the Bukhtarma Valley, rising to that 2,137m pass before gently undulating towards Lake Markakol at 1,445m. It's a journey you won't forget!
hardA winding road only for experienced drivers to Kenashi Pass
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Gunma-Nagano Prefectural Road 112, smack-dab in central Japan, straddling the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures. You're headed towards Kenashi Pass, a lofty perch at 1,910m (6,266ft) above sea level! This isn't just any drive – it’s the gateway to Mt. Hafu and Mt. Omeshi, so you know the views are going to be epic. "Kenashi" literally translates to "no hair," and they weren't kidding – you're above the treeline here, so the vistas are wide open. The road is paved, but hold on tight, it's a winding one! Think hairpin bends galore, and lots of blind curves. Pro tip: use those mirrors on the corners – you never know what's coming! This is a touristy area, so not everyone is a mountain road pro. It’s a steep climb! We're talking an average gradient of 8%, kicking up to 10% on some of those tight turns. Expect consistent climbs around 7%, with a few leg-burners at 10-11%, and only a couple of brief, gentler sections. At the top, you'll find a parking lot and a few abandoned transmission towers. Feeling adventurous? The road continues beyond the pass for another 3km to the Ogushi sulfur mine ruins. Heads up though: that last bit is unpaved and off-limits to vehicles.
hardNgamba La: Driving the high-altitude border between Qinghai and Sichuan
🇨🇳 China
Welcome to Ngamba La (aka Anba La), the high-altitude hero straddling Sichuan and Qinghai! Perched at a staggering 4,583m (15,036ft), this pass isn't just a road; it's a gateway to the soul of the Tibetan Plateau. You'll find it on the S307-G345, connecting these remote provinces in western China. Picture this: vibrant prayer flags snapping in the wind at the summit, a truly spiritual checkpoint. But don't let the scenery fool you, this pass demands respect! It’s a solid 52.1 km (32.37 miles) of pure, paved adventure between Xiewuzhen in Qinghai and Sexu Town (Sêrxü) in Sichuan. Heads up: the Sichuan side is a steady climb, but the descent into Qinghai serves up some serious switchbacks clinging to the mountainside. We're talking steep ramps, maxing out at 7%! At this altitude, your engine's gonna feel the burn. Keep those gears in check, especially on the way down – engine braking is your friend to avoid those brakes fading! Weather? Wildcard alert! Sun to snow in minutes is a real possibility. Even summer can bring surprise snow or hail. Winter? Forget about it – extreme cold and heavy snow can shut things down for days. And high winds? They're practically a constant, turning those prayer flags into visibility hazards! So, gear up! This is remote territory, so gas up, pack extra supplies (warm layers are a must!), and consider some medical-grade oxygen for altitude sickness. Ngamba La is the real deal, a mix of spiritual landmarks and challenging driving that will leave you in awe of the Tibetan Plateau.