Cho La Mountain Tunnel is one of the world’s highest tunnels

Cho La Mountain Tunnel is one of the world’s highest tunnels

China, asia

Length

7 km

Elevation

6.168 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Hey adventurers, get ready to cross the Cho La Mountain Tunnel in western Sichuan, China! This high-altitude passage cuts through the Cho La Mountains at a whopping 4,378m (14,363ft) above sea level, connecting Chengdu to Nagqu on the G317 highway.

It's no quick jaunt – this 7km tunnel with its 5km of access roads, takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely 40 kph. But trust me, it's worth it.

Before this tunnel opened in 2017, drivers faced a harrowing climb over the Chola Shan Pass at 4,920m (16,141ft), battling landslides, avalanches, and treacherous ice. Now, you can bypass that crazy section and save a solid 2 hours! The scenery is breathtaking, but remember the altitude can make things challenging. Prepare for thin air and chilly temps!

Where is it?

Cho La Mountain Tunnel is one of the world’s highest tunnels is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.1971, 105.7176

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
7 km
Max Elevation
6.168 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
36.1971, 105.7176

Related Roads in asia

How long is Surkh Pass?extreme

How long is Surkh Pass?

🌍 Afghanistan

Hey adventure junkies! Ready to explore a real hidden gem? Kotal-e Surkh, or the Surkh Pass, is waiting for you in the heart of Afghanistan's Farah province. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a whopping 6,496 feet above sea level! The pass stretches for about 9 miles between Baghe Mir and Masjid-e Sangi, and trust me, every mile is an experience. Forget smooth asphalt – this is an all-dirt affair, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. Expect potholes galore, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Sheesh! And the curves? Hairpin turns are the name of the game here, so get ready to test your driving skills. But hey, it's not all hair-raising! This is Afghanistan, so safety is a real issue. Driving here is unsafe due to security risks and challenging conditions. You might encounter armed conflict, terrorism, and the threat of kidnapping, especially in remote areas. There’s also the risk of roadside bombs and ambushes, and if anything goes wrong, you might be far from any help. If you have to drive this road, be super careful. Definitely stick to daylight hours only – night driving is a no-go.

The narrow Keladighat Bridge in Nepalhard

The narrow Keladighat Bridge in Nepal

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Western Nepal, right? You're on the Bhimad Sankhar Highway, heading towards the Keladighat Bridge. This isn't your average overpass, people! This steel truss bridge stretches 166.6 meters across the Kali Gandaki River, linking Sankhar and Darcha. It's pretty narrow at only 4.25 meters wide, so keep your eyes peeled! And get this – it's suspended 25 meters above the water. The views are incredible when you reach the bridge, which opened in 2014. It's one of those "hold your breath" kind of experiences you won't soon forget.

Where is Mukha Pass located?hard

Where is Mukha Pass located?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up (not really, you can't actually go here)! We're virtually trekking to Mukha Pass, a crazy-high international border crossing in the Hindu Kush mountains. Think Afghanistan meets Pakistan, and you've got the picture. This isn't your leisurely Sunday drive, folks. The access road, kicking off from Mamund on the Pakistani side, climbs for a solid 22.8 km (14.16 miles). And get this – it's not paved! We're talking a rough-and-tumble military track, complete with hairpin turns that'll make your head spin and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. The Afghan side? Let's just say "road infrastructure" isn't really a thing. Here's the real kicker: you can't go! It's restricted military use only. This whole area is super sensitive, with military installations and checkpoints galore. Forget about popping over for a selfie – the border region is a no-go zone for civilians. So, while the views are probably mind-blowing, this one's best experienced from afar.

Driving the dizzying road from Dalhousie to Khajjiarhard

Driving the dizzying road from Dalhousie to Khajjiar

🇮🇳 India

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this drive from Dalhousie to Khajjiar in Himachal, India, is a wild one! We're talking a fully paved road, but don't let that fool you—Road 49 is a twisty-turny adventure that'll keep you on your toes. Think you're a pro driver? This route will test you with its narrow sections and no fewer than *eleven* hairpin turns! Seriously, if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe reconsider this one, or pack some ginger ale. Even you might feel a little queasy! Clocking in at just over 21 kilometers (about 13 miles), this route leads to Khajjiar, nicknamed the "Switzerland of India," and trust me, the meadowy views are worth it! You'll climb to a whopping 2,496 meters (around 8,188 feet) above sea level. Heads up: this road can get snowed in during the winter, and monsoon season brings some serious rain in late summer and early spring.