A road with hundreds of turns to Fengxue Pass
China, asia
81.1 km
3,157 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Fengxue Yakou, a seriously epic mountain pass clinging to the Gaoligong range in western Yunnan, China, practically spitting distance from Myanmar. We're talking a lung-busting 3,157 meters (10,357 feet) above sea level!
This bad boy, also known as S327, stretches for a wild 81.1 km (50.39 miles) of cobblestone goodness from Pianmazhen to Luzhangzhen. Fun fact: it's been strategically important since, like, forever!
Now, if hairpin turns aren't your thing, maybe pack a barf bag. Fengxue Yakou boasts over 300 curves, so get ready to wrestle that steering wheel. Budget about 3-4 hours to conquer it without stopping. And heads up, when winter hits, this place turns into a slippery, snowy wonderland… or nightmare, depending on your driving skills!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 81.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,157 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving through the wild Galung La tunnel
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Galongla Tunnel! You'll find this epic passageway nestled high in the Nyingchi Prefecture of southwestern Tibet, China. We're talking serious altitude here – 3,771 meters (12,372 feet) above sea level. This 3.3 km tunnel is a key piece of the 117km Medog Highway, connecting Medog to Bome county. Before this marvel of engineering, Medog was the only county in China you couldn't reach by road. Now, thanks to Galongla, this once super-isolated spot is connected! Construction wrapped up in 2013, and it's a game-changer. The old road was *rough*, but this tunnel bypasses the worst of it. Be warned, though: this area is prone to rain, earthquakes, landslides, and mudslides, and the road leading up to the tunnel is seriously twisty and turny. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery, if you can peel your eyes off the road!
extremeChola Shan Pass
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the Chola Shan Pass in China's Sichuan province – a wild ride up to 4,920m (16,141ft)! You'll find it in the Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, so expect some serious cultural immersion alongside the breathtaking views. This isn't your typical Sunday drive, though. China National Highway 317 can be a bit of a beast. Much of it is gravel, turning into a muddy mess when it rains. Picture this: thousand-car traffic jams! Some stretches are single-track, and trust me, you don't want to be there in bad weather. Speaking of weather, winter sticks around for almost ten months, bringing rain, ice, snow, and crazy winds. Pack accordingly! Oxygen gets thin up here, and the elements can change in a heartbeat. But the payoff? Epic panoramas, including a glimpse of Mount Gongga in the distance. The pass, also known as Tro La or Qo La, connects Manigango and Derge. In Derge, you'll find one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important monasteries. The climb is steep and twisty, but the road's actually pretty smooth with a manageable grade. Just watch out for landslides, avalanches, and all sorts of icy surprises. The views of the Chola Mountains from the top are incredible! Psst... There's a tunnel that bypasses the pass now, said to be one of the world's highest road tunnels at 4,499 meters. But if you're feeling adventurous, take the old road!
moderateWhere are the Naltar Lakes?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever heard of the Naltar Lakes in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan? Think three shimmering jewels – Strangi, Blue, and Bodlok – nestled high in the Naltar Valley, aka Pakistan's 'magic carpet' thanks to its unreal scenery. Getting there? Buckle up! The Naltar Valley Road is a wild 30km (19 mile) ride from Nomal that runs alongside the Naltar River. Forget paved roads, this is a bumpy, unpaved adventure that demands a 4x4 and some serious driving skills. Plus, keep an eye out – the river can flood! Elevation-wise, you're climbing! The lakes sit between 3,050 and 3,150 meters above sea level. Word of warning: winter turns this road into an impassable wonderland of 10-15 foot snowbanks. Best time to visit these beauties is May to October. Trust me, the views are SO worth the challenge!
hardA 4x4 road to Sangiin Dalai Nuur
🌍 Mongolia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in southern Mongolia's Bayankhongor Province and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, Sangiin Dalai Nuur is calling your name. This high-altitude lake sits pretty at 2,570m (8,431ft), and getting there is half the fun – or maybe the whole fun, depending on your perspective! Forget paved roads; this 29.1 km (18-mile) trek from Bayanbulag is all about raw, unadulterated Mongolian wilderness. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer the rugged terrain. Be prepared for anything – the weather here can turn on a dime. Expect a subarctic climate with brief, pleasant summers and winters that pack a serious punch. Just 6km before you reach the lake, you'll hit the highest point of the road at 2,728m (8,950ft). The views? Absolutely worth it.