A wild road to Cho Oyu base camp
China, asia
N/A
5,573 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Tibet, right in the heart of the Himalayas, heading towards the Cho Oyu base camp. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking about one of the highest roads in China, clocking in at a staggering 5,573m (18,284ft) above sea level – that's higher than most planes fly!
The road itself is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, and trust me, the air is THIN. We're talking seriously low oxygen levels, enough to make your engine (and you!) struggle. Altitude sickness is a real possibility here, so be warned.
A 4x4 is absolutely essential. And be extra cautious after rain – even a little can make the road treacherous with loose gravel. But if you're prepared, the views are absolutely incredible. You'll be surrounded by the vast Tibetan plateau and some of the biggest names in the Himalayas: Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. It's a tough drive, but the scenery is worth every bump in the road!
Where is it?
A wild road to Cho Oyu base camp is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.8153, 105.0935
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,573 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.8153, 105.0935
Related Roads in asia
moderateFuji Subaru Line: enjoy a drive among the clouds in Japan
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: You're cruising up Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano, on a perfectly paved road called the Fuji Subaru Line. Forget hiking boots for now! This route winds up the lower northern slopes, taking you from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi almost within touching distance of the summit. The toll road is about 30km (18 miles) long, and the drive takes around 40 minutes, taking you to a whopping 2,305m (7,562ft) above sea level. At the end of the line is the 5th Station, the biggest hub on Fuji. Think souvenir shops, restaurants, and viewing platforms galore. It's a great place for sightseeing, even if you don't fancy a climb, and a guidance center with firefighters and police are stationed, in case you need any help. Just a heads up: the Fuji Subaru Line closes to private cars during peak climbing season (July and August) - extra buses will be running during this time. The good news is the road is open all year round, but those gates close after hours. The weather around Mount Fuji can be super unpredictable. We're talking sudden snowfalls and icy patches, so winter tires or snow chains are a must in winter.
moderateGet behind the wheels for Zongbala Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Zongbala La, a seriously stunning pass in Tibet! This beast climbs to a whopping 4,161 meters (that's 13,651 feet for us imperial system folks!) in Markham County. You'll find it along the famous 318 National Road (G318), also known as the Tibet-Sichuan highway, so the road is paved! The trek is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) long. You'll cruise from Zhubalongxiang, going east until you hit Markam (where you'll find the G214 Road). Get ready for epic views and an unforgettable high-altitude experience!
hardDriving the NH 183A Road in Kerala is Not for the Faint of Heart
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Kerala, South India, on NH 183A. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious curves – thousands of 'em! This 174 km (108 mile) stretch from Kumily (or Kumaly if you prefer) to Sasthamkotta (aka Sasthamcotta) will have you gripping the wheel. Word to the wise: Kerala gets its fair share of rain, and this road gets slick. Landslides can make sections impassable after a downpour. Plus, expect narrow stretches, super steep climbs, and a max elevation of 1,184m (3,884ft). Stunning views, yes, but maybe pack some motion sickness pills if you're prone to feeling queasy. It's a wild ride!
moderateTravelling the strategic China National Highway 580
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on China National Highway 580 (G580) in Xinjiang! This isn't just any road; it's a strategic route snaking through the majestic Kunlun Mountains, practically kissing Central Asia. Opened in 2022, this fully paved beauty stretches for 256.667km (that's about 159 miles) from Hotan to Kangxiwar, taking you on a northeast-to-southwest adventure. Expect some serious elevation as you carve your way through the Hindutash via a tunnel. Locally known as the Hotan-Kangxiwa highway, this road is a game-changer, dramatically shrinking travel time. The road includes 8915.2m of tunnels and 1.700m of bridges. Building this road was no picnic, with construction crews battling freezing temperatures and thin air.