Anglet Daban: enjoy a road among the clouds
China, asia
229 km
3,189 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Anglet Daban, a seriously epic pass soaring to 3,189 meters (10,462 feet) in Northern Xinjiang, China! You'll find it snuggled in the Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, part of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture.
This baby's paved the whole way, so no off-roading needed! It's officially known as the S237 provincial road, or the Yizhao highway if you wanna sound like a local. Be warned: it’s steep! The reward is so worth it, though. At the top, there's a parking lot with views that will absolutely blow your mind. Seriously, don’t forget your camera – this is Xinjiang beauty at its finest!
Clocking in at 229 km (142 miles), this road trip stretches from Ili in Northern Xinjiang to the border with Kazakhstan, specifically the Raiymbek District of Almaty Region. Get ready for some thrills and maybe a few white-knuckle moments along the way. Heads up, this road is usually closed from October to May, so plan your trip accordingly!
Where is it?
Anglet Daban: enjoy a road among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.5762, 104.6085
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 229 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,189 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.5762, 104.6085
Related Roads in asia
extremeA paved road to the summit of Mayum La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventurers, buckle up for Mayum La, a mountain pass that'll leave you breathless – literally. We're talking serious altitude here: 5,225m (17,142ft) in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, China. You'll be cruising on the 219 National Road, the legendary Tibet-Xinjiang Highway, a route carved through history and hardship. Construction kicked off way back in '51 and finally got fully paved in 2013. Don't think it's all smooth sailing though – this "Sky Road" lives up to its name. The air is THIN, so if you're not acclimatized, take it seriously. Winds whip through here like nowhere else. You're smack-dab in the Himalayas, surrounded by scenery that's as stunning as it is unforgiving. Think vast, empty stretches where you'll be on your own for hundreds of kilometres. Showers? Forget about it for weeks. Nights? Prepare for bone-chilling temperatures that can plummet to -25°C. Mayum La sits between Huore and Paryang. At the top, listen for the shouts of "shou shou shou shou" from Tibetan drivers – a prayer for a safe journey ahead. Before you even THINK about hitting this road, obsessively check the weather. Winter is brutal, with blizzards and insane winds closing roads left and right. Even summer can throw snowy days your way! Truck stops are spaced about a day apart, so pack plenty of food and a good sleeping bag. A tent could be a lifesaver. Monsoons hit hard in July and August, turning self-driving into a real challenge.
moderateWhere is Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Just outside Al Ain, UAE, near the Oman border, lies Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, and trust me, you HAVE to experience it! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure packed into 6.6 glorious miles. Starting from the desert oasis of Al Ain, you'll be climbing to 4,000 feet on this totally paved, super smooth ribbon of tarmac. Seriously, the surface is impeccable. Think fast straights flowing seamlessly into sweeping curves, all designed for pure driving pleasure. Hold on tight, because you're in for over 60 turns! We're talking everything from tight hairpins to exhilarating sweepers, all while ascending Jebel Hafeet Mountain, the second tallest peak in the UAE. The road snakes through the rugged limestone landscape, with some sections hitting a steep 11% gradient. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Picture yourself surrounded by dramatic Arabian landscapes that look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie. Stop at the many viewpoints along the way to soak it all in and snap some epic photos. At the summit, you'll find a hotel, a palace, and panoramic vistas that are worth the drive alone. Pro tip: time your drive for late afternoon to catch an unforgettable sunset from the top. Just a heads up, though – it can get chilly up there! Also, maybe skip it during the peak of summer when the desert heat is at its most intense. This masterpiece was carved into the desert in 1980. Get ready for one of the best drives of your life!
hardHashaatin Davaa: courage is required to drive to the summit
🌍 Mongolia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Hashaatin Davaa in western Mongolia is calling your name. We're talking about a wild and scenic ride on Asian Highway 4 (AH4), clocking in at 2,545m (8,349 ft) above sea level. This isn’t your Sunday drive, folks. The entire 139 km (86 miles) from Tolbo to Khovd is unpaved. Think rugged landscapes, steep, unexpected turns, and enough bumps to rattle your fillings loose! A 4x4 isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. But oh, the views! Imagine snow-capped mountains towering on either side as you crawl along this challenging track. Some sections are smooth sailing, while others are seriously rough. Word to the wise: check that weather forecast before you go; conditions here can turn nasty in a heartbeat. It’s a long haul, but trust me, the dramatic scenery is totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Milarepa’s footprint?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're trekking to one of Tibet's most powerful spiritual spots, nestled between the majestic Sonam Ri and Sharma Ri peaks, near the south face of Mount Kailash. We're talking seriously remote, folks, in the south-west corner of Tibet. The destination? Milarepa's footprint – a legendary mark in stone, said to be left by the great yogi himself during an epic showdown with a Bon master. This wasn't about brute force, but pure spiritual mojo and meditation. It's all about the triumph of inner strength, right at the foot of the sacred Mount Kailash (6,638 m), which, by the way, no one's ever climbed! The "road" to the footprint? Well, it's more of an unpaved path stretching about 18.6 km (11.55 miles). Be prepared for a climb! Weather-wise, this corner of Tibet is no joke. Snow can be intense in winter. Aim to go between May and October, but even then, the wind can be fierce, and temperatures can plummet from a pleasant 20°C during the day to a freezing -10°C at night. Plus, rain can stick around for days. So, pack accordingly! This isn't just a road trip, it's a pilgrimage to a place where spirit conquered all.