A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass
China, asia
N/A
3,312 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kudi Daban! This epic mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 3,312 meters (that's 10,866 feet!) high in the Kargilik County of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
You'll find it along the 219 National Road, also called the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway. Construction started way back in 1951, finally wrapping up in 1957. The whole thing was paved as recently as 2013.
This "Sky Road," as the Chinese call it, will have you cruising at altitudes over 5,000m, so be aware of altitude sickness! And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the incredible views ahead instead of looking down. Get ready for some wild scenery on this unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.4882, 101.7126
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,312 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 34.4882, 101.7126
Related Roads in asia
hardWhat is the highest paved road in Japan?
🇯🇵 Japan
Cruising through Nagano Prefecture in the heart of Japan? You HAVE to experience the Norikura Skyline! This paved road is a total showstopper, offering views that are out of this world. Perched on the edge of the Northern Japan Alps, this road climbs to a whopping 2,700m (8,858ft) up Mount Norikura, a massive volcano. Fun fact: it's the highest public road in the whole country! You can't quite reach the summit by car – that's for hikers only. Heads up: this is a seasonal road! It's usually buried under tons of snow for more than half the year. Seriously, we're talking snow walls over 10 meters high! You can usually drive it from May 15th to October 31st, but double-check the times as they change. Also, private cars are restricted above 1,800m – hop on a bus, taxi, or bike to go higher. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Since opening in 1973, this road has become a classic. The views of Yarigatake and the Hodaka Mountain Range are incredible, and the Northern Alps will blow your mind. Once you get to the top at Tatamihira, stretch your legs and wander around. You’ll be surrounded by alpine plants, cute Pinus pumila trees, and tons of cool birds. Okay, details: the Norikura Skyline is 14.4 km (8.94 miles) of pure driving bliss. It’s a toll road that winds its way up to the highest point accessible by road in Japan. Be prepared for some steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 12%! And keep an eye out for the 10 tunnels along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateDarecuo Lake
🇨🇳 China
Darecuo is a hidden gem, a high-altitude lake sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China at a staggering 5,411m (17,752ft). Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road is rocky, and we mean seriously rocky. Think sharp, tire-shredding rocks that demand skillful driving and plenty of ground clearance. Seriously, you'll want skid plates and differential lockers—stock vehicles need not apply. While the lake is small, less than 0.25 square kilometers, the scenery is stunning. Picture an oval-shaped lake embraced by rolling hills. Finding your way can be tricky; even with GPS, the network of roads is confusing. Never attempt this solo. A word of caution: This isn't a drive for the faint of heart (or lungs!). The altitude alone can be challenging. Plus, the weather changes fast up here, and the wind is relentless year-round. Even in summer, expect potential snow. Temperatures plummet in winter. Darecuo, which means "yogurt" in Tibetan, lies about seven kilometers northwest of Niemula Shigatse. This is a mine road, and east of the pass, a smaller gravel road continues to climb to an even higher point of 5,450m (17,880ft).
hardIf you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Yarto Drak La, a seriously high mountain pass in Tibet's Qusum County. We're talking a whopping 5,038 meters (16,528 feet) above sea level! The road itself is paved, so that's a bonus, and it winds through these incredibly remote and desolate valleys. You'll find it north of, so plan accordingly. Heads up: altitude sickness is a real concern up here, so take it slow and listen to your body. And if you're planning a winter trip, be prepared for snow and slippery conditions. This route cuts north-south from Shannan (Lhoka) to Cona, running through the fertile Yarlung Valley. Keep an eye out for Zhalacuo, a small lake right at the top of the pass. Plus, you'll get a peek at Yarlha Shampo, a stunning 6636m peak steeped in Tibetan legend – supposedly, the first king of Tibet descended from heaven right here!
hardA road trip to Marim La is truly epic
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Marim La! This beast of a pass straddles the border between China and Nepal, clocking in at a staggering 18,024 feet! We're talking Himalayas-level views here, connecting Nepal's Dolpa District with Tibet's Zhongba County. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think unpaved, relentlessly challenging, and completely off-limits during the winter months. You'll need a seriously capable 4x4 with plenty of clearance. Landslides and flash floods are common party crashers. Seriously, this isn't a Sunday drive – one wrong move and you're in trouble. Expect some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 14%. But hey, the views... totally worth the adrenaline rush, right?