Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget
China, asia
N/A
5,176 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: Western Tibet, Ngari Prefecture, Gar County. You're heading to a spot way, way up there – we're talking 5,176 meters (almost 17,000 feet!). That's where you'll find the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope.
The road? Concrete, and brand new (finished in 2020). But don't think it's a Sunday drive. This is a seriously steep climb! You're going up a mountain, so yeah, incredible views are a given. But remember, you're in the Himalayas. The air is thin, and the weather can turn on a dime. Altitude sickness is a real thing, so be prepared. But the reward? You'll be at a cutting-edge observatory, on top of the world!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,176 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow long is the road to Gardaneh Sar?
🇮🇷 Iran
Gardaneh Sar: Picture this – a super-remote village way up in the Alborz Mountains of northern Iran, in Mazandaran Province. We're talking serious altitude here, 2,935m (that's 9,629ft!). This isn't just a Sunday drive, it's a proper off-road adventure. It's a seasonal spot for nomadic herders and climbers heading for Atash Sang Peak. The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. It's 7.5 km (4.66 miles) from the village of Mian Deh, but don't let the short distance fool you. You're climbing a whopping 764 meters! That's an average gradient of over 10%, and some bits are way steeper! Think unpaved, loose gravel, dirt, and chunky rocks – 4x4 with serious clearance is essential. It's narrow and can be pretty precarious. Snow shuts it down in winter and spring, and even summer rains can turn it into a muddy mess. Hazards? Isolation is a big one. Plus, the weather can flip on you in a heartbeat, and there's potential for rockfalls. Since it's mainly used by nomads and climbers, there are zero services along the way. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape, and pack extra fuel and water before you leave Mian Deh. But the views? Totally worth it!
extremeA difficult road to the summit of Gorun La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Gorun La in Tibet! This insane pass tops out at a dizzying 5,690m (18,667ft). You'll find it straddling Nagqu and the Shannan Prefecture, way out there in southwestern China. Forget pavement – this is a wild, 80km (50-mile) off-road odyssey from Yangbajain to Dechen through boulder fields, seriously steep climbs, and squeezes that'll test your nerves. 4x4 is *essential*, folks. Now, heads up: the altitude is a real beast. We're talking potential altitude sickness with all the fun symptoms like dizziness and nausea. Seriously, get acclimatized and maybe bring some oxygen. Low O2, freezing temps, and crazy winds? Yeah, it's intense. Nestled in the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains, this road's right up there with the highest in the country. Winter? Forget about it – snow shuts it down completely. Oh, and getting permission from the military is a major hurdle, even for locals, because it's super remote and close to the Indian border. But hey, if you can swing it, the scenery is unreal!
extremeDare to drive the dangerous Shel La in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Shel La, or Xia La, is a seriously high mountain pass sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, clocking in at a dizzying 4,904 meters (that's nearly 16,100 feet!). You'll find it in Dêngqên County, Chamdo City, way out east in Tibet. Now, the original road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking unpaved, narrow, seriously steep, and loaded with hairpin turns. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? Guardrails? Sometimes you'll see them, but often, nada! Luckily, there's now a 4.06 km (2.52 mi) tunnel to bypass the gnarly old road. But if you're feeling adventurous, that original unpaved beast is still there waiting for you. The newer, paved route is part of the G317 (Sichuan–Tibet Highway) and stretches for 45.3 km (28.14 miles) between Badaxiang and Chiduzhen. Get ready for some stunning scenery, no matter which path you choose!
extremeWugeshan Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wugeshan Pass in Qinghai, China, is calling your name. This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 4,351m (14,274ft) in the Qilian Mountains. Forget pavement – we're talking pure, unadulterated off-road adventure. Expect a rollercoaster of hairpin turns and some seriously steep climbs, pushing a 10% gradient in spots! A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential to tackle the ever-changing conditions – think gravel, dust, mud, and maybe even ice. This epic route stretches for 43.2 km (26.84 miles) between Yanglongxiang and Suli, slicing through landscapes so remote you'll feel like you're on another planet. And the views? Jaw-dropping mountain vistas for days. A word of warning, though: this isn't your Sunday drive. You're in the middle of nowhere, super high up, so watch out for altitude sickness. Plus, there's zero support out there – no services, no fuel, no help. Be totally self-sufficient, check the weather like your life depends on it (because it kinda does), and get ready for an unforgettable experience!