Aba La is an otherworldly drive
China, asia
413 km
5,190 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Aba La, a seriously sky-high pass chilling at 5,190 meters (that's 17,027 feet!) in the Seni District of Nagqu, Tibet.
This epic stretch of road clocks in at 413 km, linking the G109 (near Nagqu) and G318 highways. The good news? It's paved and mostly straight. The not-so-good news? You're in the Himalayas, baby! The air gets thin up there, so be prepared for some serious altitude and potentially wild weather. But hey, the views are totally worth it, right?
Where is it?
Aba La is an otherworldly drive is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.9374, 102.4587
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 413 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,190 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 35.9374, 102.4587
Related Roads in asia
hardVishapasar
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're itching for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Armenia's Ararat Province, Vishapasar Pass is calling your name. Nestled in the Geghama mountains, this route tops out at a cool 2,890m (that's 9,481ft!). Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Expect a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes seriously uneven surface that'll keep you on your toes. You'll be traversing through pretty isolated landscapes, so come prepared. Leave the family sedan at home – a 4x4 is an absolute must. And if you get a little queasy looking down from great heights, this might not be your cup of tea as the trail is known to be pretty steep. Oh, and definitely skip it during the winter months when it's impassable. But if you're an experienced off-roader seeking a thrill and stunning scenery, Vishapasar promises an unforgettable journey. Just keep an eye on the weather – things can get pretty tricky when the path turns muddy and it rains.
extremeHow to drive the remote 4x4 road to Ruro La in Tibet?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ruro La Pass in eastern Tibet is calling your name—if you're brave enough. We're talking about a staggering 4,547 meters (that's 14,917 feet!) high in the Zhag’yab County of Chamdo Prefecture. Get ready to rumble through one of Tibet's wildest, most isolated corners. Picture this: a desolate, high-altitude desert where gigantic brown ridges and jagged rocks dominate the horizon. This isn't just a pretty drive—it's a lifeline connecting tiny mountain villages. But be warned, the air is thin up here, so make sure you're acclimatized before you put the pedal to the metal. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think rough, unpaved dirt track that demands a serious 4x4 with high clearance. This 8.99 km (5.59 miles) stretch twists and turns between Deku Muy and Quedeng, throwing 10 hairpin turns at you as it climbs the mountain. And hold on tight, because there are no guardrails, and the ground can get super slick with even a hint of rain or snow. You'll be completely alone out there, with weather that can flip on a dime. Seriously, don't even think about driving this at night. The road is narrow, the drop-offs are real, and it requires your full attention. But if you're an experienced high-altitude driver craving the real, unfiltered Tibetan backcountry, this is your ultimate challenge.
hardTremo La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tremo La, also known as the Forbidden Pass, sits way up high on the Tibet/Bhutan border at a whopping 15,436 feet. Back in '62, this area became a no-go zone, adding to its mystique. Forget pavement, this route is all about raw, unadulterated dirt. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle the Chinese side in Yadong County, Tibet. Back in the day, this was a bustling trade route connecting Tibet and Paro in Western Bhutan. Hold on tight because this climb is intense! We're talking super steep sections, with gradients maxing out around 16%. Starting from Phari (or Pagri), it's a roughly 3-mile grind uphill, gaining over 1200 feet. Get ready for an average gradient of over 8% – your engine will be singing! This pass used to be called Namgung La. Watch out near Xia Quepu Lake — this road is not for the faint of heart!
hardDriving Hayama 2nd Tunnel through a cave
🇯🇵 Japan
Okayama Prefecture, Japan, holds a secret! Just northwest of Nariwacho Hayama in Takahashi City, you'll find Prefectural Road 300 snaking along the Shimaki River in the Wazan Gorge. But this isn't your average road trip, because here, you actually drive *through* a cave! Hayama 2nd Tunnel isn't your typical, man-made tunnel. It's a limestone cave carved out by the Shimaki River over eons. Once much bigger, the river whittled it down, but the entrance was just begging for a road. They raised the ceiling to fit cars, and voila! Now, a word of warning: this tunnel is SHORT (max height 2.5 meters), and NARROW. Think one car at a time, so forget about bringing your RV. Plus, it's completely unlit, so proceed with caution! The road is paved, thankfully, but those tight squeezes and pitch-black conditions definitely add an element of adventure. Dug out by hand about a century ago, you can still see the chisel marks in the walls. It's a seriously cool peek into the past. Because of the narrowness and blind turns, honk your horn before entering. Definitely not suitable for larger vehicles! This is a quiet rural road, but weekends can bring more curious visitors, so keep an eye out. You can park a car or two at the north entrance. Honestly, exploring on foot is the safest (and coolest) way to experience this incredible spot!