Chola Shan Pass
China, asia
N/A
4,920 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the Chola Shan Pass in China's Sichuan province – a wild ride up to 4,920m (16,141ft)! You'll find it in the Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, so expect some serious cultural immersion alongside the breathtaking views.
This isn't your typical Sunday drive, though. China National Highway 317 can be a bit of a beast. Much of it is gravel, turning into a muddy mess when it rains. Picture this: thousand-car traffic jams! Some stretches are single-track, and trust me, you don't want to be there in bad weather. Speaking of weather, winter sticks around for almost ten months, bringing rain, ice, snow, and crazy winds. Pack accordingly!
Oxygen gets thin up here, and the elements can change in a heartbeat. But the payoff? Epic panoramas, including a glimpse of Mount Gongga in the distance. The pass, also known as Tro La or Qo La, connects Manigango and Derge. In Derge, you'll find one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important monasteries.
The climb is steep and twisty, but the road's actually pretty smooth with a manageable grade. Just watch out for landslides, avalanches, and all sorts of icy surprises. The views of the Chola Mountains from the top are incredible!
Psst... There's a tunnel that bypasses the pass now, said to be one of the world's highest road tunnels at 4,499 meters. But if you're feeling adventurous, take the old road!
Where is it?
Chola Shan Pass is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.9465, 108.6319
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,920 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 32.9465, 108.6319
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow to drive the steep mountain road to Donguz Pass in Naryn Region?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up, because Donguz Pass in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Region is about to blow your mind! We're talking about a serious off-road expedition reaching a whopping 3,348m (10,984ft) in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a raw, rugged, and isolated experience you won't soon forget. Picture this: you're in the Jumgal district, smack-dab between the Moldo Too and Kabak Too ranges, cruising the Karakeche River valley. But before you get too dreamy, remember you're sharing the road with massive coal trucks kicking up clouds of dust near the infamous Kara-Keche open-pit coal mines. It's industrial meets epic! The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. We're talking loose dirt, gravel, and boulders, with stretches so narrow you'll be hugging the mountainside. This primitive track demands a high-clearance 4x4—seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less! This is remote, so be prepared to rely on your own skills and resources. From the Karakeche mining area, it’s a 9.4 km (5.9 miles) climb to the summit, gaining a hefty 695m (2,283ft) in elevation. Get ready for some seriously steep sections that'll have you shifting into low gear. The descent is just as technical, requiring careful engine braking on that loose terrain. Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from October to March, and even in late spring, you might encounter lingering snowdrifts. Summer brings the risk of sudden mountain storms that can turn the track into a muddy mess. Check the Chaek weather forecast before you go! The biggest challenge? Isolation. Zero cell service and no help available. Plus, the high altitude will rob your engine of power, and you might feel the effects yourself. Oh, and watch out for shepherds moving their flocks of sheep and horses – you may have to wait for them to pass. Pack a full-size spare, extra fuel, and enough supplies for 24 hours of emergency camping. The views, though, are worth every bead of sweat. Get ready for some serious bragging rights!
extremeDare to drive the dangerous Galong La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Galong Pass, nestled high in the Nyingchi Prefecture of southeastern Tibet! This beast climbs to a staggering 4,296 meters (14,094 feet), so get ready for some seriously thin air. They call this road, also known as Galung La, “the most beautiful and the most dangerous” in the region, and they're not kidding. Think endless hairpin turns on a ridiculously steep climb. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Keep a close eye on the weather; things can turn dicey FAST. We're talking avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and sneaky patches of ice. The land is unstable, rainfall is intense, and after a storm, forget about it—mud and slipperiness reign supreme. Even a four-wheel-drive might not save you. Frequent quakes, landslides, and mudslides add to the fun! FYI - a 3.2 km long tunnel now bypasses this section.
extremeWhere is Ma Pi Leng Pass?
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Vietnam's Hà Giang Province. People call it the most incredible mountain road in the whole country! You'll find this gem up north, practically hugging the Chinese border. And trust me, it lives up to its nickname: the King of Vietnamese Mountain Passes. Construction took six long years (1959-1965), but the result? Pure magic. There's even a stone stele at the top commemorating the construction. The whole road is paved, but be warned: it's a bit bumpy. Officially, it's National Road No. 4C, but everyone calls it Hanh Phuc – The Happiness Road. Seriously, this is motorbike heaven. Think romantic scenery and views that'll make your jaw drop. It feels like you're cruising through a fairytale, especially along the part known as "Vietnam's Great Wall." This unforgettable pass stretches for 23.1 km (14.35 miles), winding from Mèo Vạc to Đồng Văn. Be prepared for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting 8.1% in places. Extra caution is a must in rain or fog. The most intense section? Locals call it Mỏm Đá Tử Thần – the hanging cliff of death. Yeah, it's as scary as it sounds. Expect major drop-offs, sheer cliffs, and hairpin turns galore. And those guardrails you're used to? Often missing. One wrong move, and it's a 500-meter plunge into the valley below.
extremeHow to reach Fotu La Pass on the NH1?
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up because we're heading to Fotu La, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath – literally! Nestled high in the Indian Himalayas, in the Ladakh region, this beauty clocks in at a whopping 4,108 meters (13,478 feet). We're talking about the highest point on National Highway 1 (NH1), the epic route linking Leh and Kargil. The road stretches for almost 43 kilometers (27 miles), and while it's paved, don't think it's a walk in the park. This route throws some serious curves your way, and the altitude adds a fun little twist to the mix. Expect hairpin turns, steep climbs, and air so thin your engine (and lungs) will feel it. You'll climb from Kargil, battling it out for 43 km. Keep an eye out for memorials — somber reminders to respect the road. Oh, and pro-tip: give way to the big trucks; they're working overtime in this thin air. Heads up, the pass usually closes during winter due to heavy snow. So, what’s the payoff? Epic scenery! The "Moonland" near Lamayuru is otherworldly. At the summit, a TV station and viewing deck await, offering 360-degree views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The rugged brown mountains contrasted against the green valleys? Pure photography gold. While Fotu La might not be the highest pass *overall* in Ladakh (Khardung La takes that crown), its drama and accessibility are unmatched. Plus, the descent toward Lamayuru features some seriously stunning switchbacks. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!