
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
extremeKamba La Observatory
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kamba La Observatory in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a lung-busting climb to 16,899 feet! Seriously, if you're sensitive to altitude, maybe sit this one out. You'll find it nestled in the Shannan Region, and the road to the top? Gravel, baby! A 4x4 is your best friend here. The elements are no joke either - expect strong winds, crazy-fast weather changes, and a whole lotta cold. Oh, and oxygen? Consider it a luxury. Your engine will be gasping for air just like you. The final push from the parking lot (still a lofty 15,757 feet!) is a relatively short 4.66 miles, gaining about 1,142 feet. That makes for an average incline of around 4.64%. While it doesn't sound too bad, trust me, you'll feel it. But hey, the views from the top are out of this world, if you can catch your breath to enjoy them!
moderateDriving one of the highest roads in the world to Lo La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Ngamring County in Tibet, you HAVE to check out Lo La Pass. We're talking seriously high altitude here – a whopping 18,300 feet (5,578m)! It’s up there with some of the highest roads in all of China! Tucked away northwest of Sangsang in the breathtaking Gangdise Mountains, getting to the top is a ROUGH ride. We're talking a completely unpaved, rocky path – Y231 to be exact (or 231 Country Road, if you prefer). Leave your low riders at home; you absolutely need a 4x4 for this one. The whole shebang is about 29 miles (47km) stretching north-south. You'll start near Cazê, a little township, and wind your way down to the tiny village of Xialacun, which hooks up with the S205 Provincial Road. Seriously, the views are out of this world!
hardWarghle Pass: A Forbidden Military Ascent in the Hindu Kush
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for a virtual trip to Warghle Pass! This beast of a road straddles the Durand Line, that wild border zone between Afghanistan's Kunar Province and Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Imagine this: a 66km (41-mile) climb starting from Bajaur, Pakistan, snaking its way up to a dizzying 2,222m (7,290ft) above sea level. We're talking serious elevation, carved right into the heart of the Hindu Kush mountains. Now, this isn't your Sunday scenic drive. We're talking about a route that was forged through some of the roughest, most isolated landscape imaginable. Truthfully, if you could drive it, it'd be a contender for one of the most challenging drives around! Sadly, Warghle Pass remains off-limits to outsiders.
hardThe road to Chocho Kuri La is not for the faint of heart
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a pass for you that's straight out of a dream (or maybe a slightly bumpy nightmare, depending on your suspension). We're talking about Chocho Kuri La, chilling way up high in Ladakh, India, at nearly 13,100 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, also called Chochogori La, is a wild 8-mile stretch of unpaved heaven (or hell, again, depends on your perspective!). Picture hairpin turns galore and a serious need for a 4x4 – this baby is steep! Built just a few years back, it's got a rocky surface and potholes deep enough to swallow a small car. Set in the incredible Zanskar mountains, this climb is seriously intense. From the Shamsher Singh bridge, it's a nearly 5km battle against a 13.8% average gradient! You'll gain over 2200 feet in that short span! Summer is your only real window to tackle this beast. Just a heads-up, luxuries are scarce up here – think basic everything. But hey, who needs electricity when you have views like this?