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
moderateOver-Water Highway runs along the middle of a river valley in China
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central China, in the Hubei province's Guzhao district. Suddenly, you find yourself on the Over-Water Highway, a motorway that's *literally* built over the water! It’s known officially as the Gu Zhao overwater highway, and let me tell you, it's one of the most scenic drives on the planet. This incredible road stretches for about 10.86 kilometers (6.74 miles), connecting Xingshang County and Zhaojun Bridge, not far from the G42 (the major Shanghai to Chengdu route). What's wild is that to protect the surrounding forests, roughly 4.4 kilometers (2.73 miles) of the highway floats above a river snaking through absolutely stunning mountains. We're talking about the Xiangxihe and Gufuhe Bridges, making up that incredible over-water section. Built right in the heart of a river valley, this engineering marvel started construction in 2013 and opened to traffic in 2015. You're basically driving on an elevated bridge that cuts right through the middle of the river. With a price tag of around 70 million dollars, you know it's something special!
moderateSala La: A high-altitude paved pass in Sêrxü County
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Sala La Pass, sitting pretty at 4,459 meters (14,629 ft) in the wild heart of northwest Sichuan's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure on the S217, a key route across this stunning region. The views from the top are unreal! You're gazing out over the vast Tibetan Plateau, spotting nomad camps dotting the grasslands. On a clear day, the snow-capped Chola Mountains jut into the sky to the south, making for an epic backdrop. And don't forget the prayer flags whipping around, adding that vibrant Tibetan touch. Now, the road is paved and relatively wide, but Sala La keeps you on your toes. Expect crazy winds and sudden weather changes — storms can roll in fast, even in summer, bringing hail or snow. The descent into Sêrxü County is all about those long, sweeping curves, so keep your speed in check. Remember, you're out there, so be ready for solitude; services are scarce between towns. Pro tip: Fuel up and load up on water before you head out. That high altitude will have you gasping for air, so take it easy at the summit. If the mist rolls in, slow down and flick on those fog lights. And trust me, skip this pass during serious winter storms — black ice is not your friend!
hardMount Hermon
🌍 Israel
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Mount Hermon! This peak punches way up to 9,196 feet in the Golan Heights, the tippy-top of Israel. Getting there isn’t a Sunday drive – think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump. You’ll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this climb. Now, here's the wild part: you're basically straddling a hot-spot border up here, with Syria and Lebanon just a stone's throw away. This mountain is part of the Anti-Lebanon range, so prepare for some serious views. From November to March, expect a winter wonderland with snow blanketing the summit. If heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one, because it's steep! And keep an eye on the sky – thunderstorms can turn those already challenging roads into a 4x4-only nightmare, or even make them impassable. At the top, you'll find the highest UN outpost in the world, known as Hermon Hotel. Talk about a room with a view!
extremeIs the road to Gola La unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Deep in Tibet's Lhari County, this hidden gem of a mountain pass climbs to a breathtaking elevation. We're talking serious altitude here! Forget the crowded tourist trails; this is a raw, untamed adventure across the Tibetan Plateau. The road – or rather, unpaved track – is the Y651 County Road. Think loose gravel, jagged rocks, and maybe a mud bath or two, depending on the season. A high-clearance 4x4? Non-negotiable. This baby throws steep climbs (up to 12%!) your way, so prepare your engine for a workout in seriously thin air. The views, though? Absolutely unreal. As you snake through the Yi'ong Zangbo valley, you're surrounded by a stark, high-altitude desert where the weather can flip on a dime. Just a heads-up, China has rules for foreigners driving here. You'll need permits and a local guide, so don't even think about going rogue! The journey itself isn't crazy long – it links the S305 Provincial Road to , the administrative seat, but those kilometers can take hours. And be warned: facilities are basically nonexistent. No electricity, no medical aid, definitely no fancy bathrooms. The biggest threat here? Altitude sickness. It hits hard and fast, messing with your brain and body. Plus, your engine's gonna lose power in the thin air, and your cooling system will be working overtime. Pack extra oxygen, a satellite phone, and enough gear to survive a freezing night. Gola La is an unforgettable ride, but it's a powerful reminder of just how wild and remote the Tibetan Himalayas can be.