Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget
China, asia
N/A
5,176 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a ride to the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope in western Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a steep, concrete road carved into the mountains of Gar County, Ngari Prefecture. Completed in 2020, this route takes you skyward to a staggering 5,176 meters (that's 16,981 feet!) above sea level.
The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't get too distracted – this is serious mountain terrain. As you ascend to this remote observatory, remember you're battling thin air and potentially extreme weather. The oxygen up here is scarce, so be prepared for altitude sickness. This journey is a challenge, but it leads to a groundbreaking window for CMB polarization observations in the northern hemisphere.
Where is it?
Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.8096, 109.8118
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,176 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.8096, 109.8118
Related Roads in asia
moderateA memorable road trip to Key La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Key La in Ladakh, India is calling your name. Perched way up at 18,600 feet, this high-altitude pass will leave you breathless - literally! Word to the wise: limit your time at the top to 20 minutes to avoid altitude sickness. The unpaved road is generally accessible to most vehicles, and it's typically open from mid-May to October, with May and June offering the most comfortable weather. This route connects Leh (Zingral to Tangtse) to the stunning Pangong Lake. Keep in mind the cold, chilly climate, and limited oxygen. This isn't your average Sunday drive, but the panoramic views of snow-dusted mountains are totally worth it. It's known as one of the highest motorable roads on earth for the public, a real bucket-list experience!
moderateNavigating the Terrain: Journey to Siyah Kamar Peak
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Siyah Kamar in the Alborz Mountains of Iran! This peak soars to 3,335 meters (that's 10,941 feet!), making it one of the highest roads in the country. Picture this: you're cruising on a 4.7 km (about 3 miles) unpaved road in northwestern Iran, not far from the west of ... with most regular cars able to make the journey! You'll climb 333 meters, averaging a 7% gradient. Keep your eyes peeled as you get higher, because the scenery is unreal. When you finally reach the top, you'll find some cool, abandoned buildings! Word to the wise: this route is typically snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan your trip accordingly!
extremeThe inhumane climb to Zhilung La with 20% ramps
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Zhilung La! This beast of a pass tops out at a lung-busting 16,305 feet (4,970m) in the remote Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking Ngari Prefecture, way out in the southeastern corner of the country. Forget pavement; this is a raw, unadulterated dirt track. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And pack accordingly, because you are WAY out there. The climb gets seriously steep in sections – think gradients pushing over 20%! Those ramps are straight up covered in loose rock and scree, so be ready to lock into low gear to keep from spinning out. The whole stretch is only about 14.35 miles (23.1 km) between Gê'gyai and the stunning Yakemi Lake, but don't let that fool you. Those miles will take over an hour to conquer thanks to the rough terrain. Oh, and a HUGE heads up: altitude sickness is a real threat up here. Know the symptoms and be prepared. Also, keep an eye on the weather because visibility can go from crystal clear to zero in seconds with fog or dust storms. It's epic, challenging, and absolutely unforgettable!
extremeTravel guide to the top of Mobdi La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Mobdi La, a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border between Xinjiang and Tibet in China! We're talking a lung-busting 5,788m (18,989ft) above sea level – one of the highest drives on the planet. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a rough and narrow unpaved track demanding a 4x4 beast. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 9% in places! The pass stretches for a hefty 43km (26.7 miles), so settle in for the long haul. Now, a word of caution: altitude sickness is a real threat here. The air is thin, and the risk of pulmonary and cerebral edema is no joke. Plus, up at these altitudes, you can expect strong winds and wildly unpredictable weather changes. But, if you’re prepared to brave the elements, the scenery is simply out of this world!