
An epic enthralling road to Drakde La
China, asia
N/A
4,611 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Drakde La, a high-altitude pass sitting pretty at 15,127 feet (4,611m) in Qinghai, China! You'll find it nestled in Maqên County, part of the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, way up on the Great Tibetan Plateau.
Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. We're talking totally unpaved, so 4x4 is a must. Keep an eye on the weather – things can change fast up here. When winter hits, expect snow and ice.
Oh, and the views? Absolutely epic! You'll be treated to mind-blowing vistas of Mount Amnye Machen and its stunning glaciers. A lonely stupa marks the road, and prayer flags flutter in the wind between the road and the glacier.
Keep in mind, the main highway now bypasses the summit with the Xueshan No.1 Tunnel of the G0615 Huajiu Highway. To get to the top of the old pass, it’s a steep climb with gradients hitting 9% in places. Get ready for a ride you won't forget!
Where is it?
An epic enthralling road to Drakde La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.3323, 104.5966
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,611 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.3323, 104.5966
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