Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget

Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

5,176 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
5,176 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in asia

How to drive the unpaved road from Qusum to Diyag in Tibet?extreme

How to drive the unpaved road from Qusum to Diyag in Tibet?

🇨🇳 China

Get ready for an epic adventure across the Tibetan Plateau! This 147 km (91 mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss connects Qusum and Diyag, two remote outposts in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking serious isolation here, linking Shannan and Ngari Prefectures through some of the wildest terrain imaginable, near the Chinese border. Forget pavement, this is a gravel and dirt rollercoaster that Mother Nature loves to play with. Expect deep ruts, loose surfaces, and seriously steep climbs. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to even think about tackling this beast. Budget 7-9 hours to crawl your way across – it's slow going, but totally worth it. Prepare to conquer six major mountain passes, all soaring above 4,500 meters! Brace yourself for endless twists and turns with heart-stopping exposure. The thin air at these altitudes will test both you and your engine. Be warned: sudden snowstorms are common, even in summer, and the monsoon season turns the unpaved track into an impassable mud bath.

What’s the road through Kyzyl-Art Pass?moderate

What’s the road through Kyzyl-Art Pass?

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Kyzylart Pass: Straddling the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, this high-altitude adventure sits at a staggering 4,292m (14,081ft) above sea level! As one of the highest border crossings on the planet, it’s not for the faint of heart. You'll find it along the legendary M41, aka the Pamir Highway. But be warned, this isn't a smooth ride! Expect unpaved, rugged terrain with some pretty steep sections. You might even need to ford a few creeks. Speaking of timing, winter can be a no-go due to heavy snowfall. Check conditions before you head out! This epic stretch spans 223 km (138 miles) between Sary-Tash in Kyrgyzstan's Alay Valley and Murghob, the capital of Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Sary-Tash is your last real chance for supplies, so fuel up and grab a bite! The border zone itself can be a bit of a wild west, especially near the Tajik side. It’s a desolate, rocky 20km stretch of no man's land. Sort your transport ahead of time to avoid getting stuck. And while you shouldn't need extra fees with the right visa, stay sharp – some officials might try to invent charges. Keep your wits about you!

A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Gholleh Siah Sanghard

A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Gholleh Siah Sang

🇮🇷 Iran

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Ghollah Siah Sang, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in northern Iran, just north of Tehran and straddling the Alborz and Tehran provinces. The name translates to "Black Stone Peak" or "Black Rock Summit," and trust me, it lives up to the hype. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 26 km (16 miles) of unpaved, rugged terrain winding its way from Sangan to Laniz. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and narrow sections where you'll be holding your breath. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. The Taloun Pilot Tunnel might be the easier option, but where's the fun in that? The summit sits pretty at 3,527m (11,571ft), offering stunning views. You'll also find some communication towers and facilities up there, a testament to just how remote this location is. If you are up for an unforgettable off-road adventure, Ghollah Siah Sang will surely deliver!

How challenging is driving the China National Highway 317 today?extreme

How challenging is driving the China National Highway 317 today?

🇨🇳 China

Get ready for the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G317), a 2,030 km (1,261 miles) trek from Chengdu to Nagqu that'll redefine your definition of "road trip"! Forget your average scenic drive – this is a high-altitude adventure through the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. Once a muddy mess of a track, the G317 is now mostly paved, a modern marvel slicing through some seriously stunning landscapes. But don't let the smooth surface fool you; this road is no walk in the park. We're talking thin air, crazy weather, and mountain passes soaring above 5,000 meters! Picture yourself cruising through pristine nomadic lands, past ancient monasteries, with snow-capped peaks as your constant companions. So, what's the challenge today? Altitude, altitude, altitude! You'll be gasping for air above 4,000 meters, and your car might be too. Expect sudden rockfalls in those narrow gorges, and winter hangs on for dear life, bringing snow and ice for most of the year. Is it all paved? Mostly! The Chola Mountain Tunnel is a game-changer, but you'll still hit construction zones and stretches of gravel. Plus, watch out for herds of wandering animals and slow-moving trucks that can cause some serious traffic jams. Weather is the real boss here. Blizzards can roll in out of nowhere, even in summer! And hold on tight for those hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. Oxygen tanks and warm layers are essential. This isn't just a drive, it's an expedition through some of China's most incredible, yet isolated, nomadic cultures. When's the best time to go? Aim for May, June, or September. July and August bring monsoon rains and potential landslides. Winter? Only for the truly hardcore, with temps plummeting below -30°C on the high passes. Get ready for an epic adventure!