Dare to drive the dangerous road to Chiasa La
China, asia
68.7 km
4,887 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Chiasa La (also called Dagela Shan) in Qinghai Province, China is calling your name! We're talking a staggering 4,887m (that's 16,033ft!) of pure, unadulterated mountain pass.
Forget smooth asphalt, this 68.7km (42-mile) stretch from Tielijiaoxiang to Xiaosumangxiang is all about that raw, unpaved life. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast.
Fair warning: this beauty is best experienced in summer. And remember, you're out in the wild, so don't expect any fancy amenities. Electricity, medical help, hot showers? Think more "rare sighting" than "standard fare." But hey, who needs a spa when you've got views for days? Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the dangerous road to Chiasa La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.7904, 100.9891
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 68.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,887 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.7904, 100.9891
Related Roads in asia
extremeLeh-Manali Highway
🇮🇳 India
# The Leh-Manali Highway: India's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Want to tackle one of the world's most epic road trips? The Leh-Manali Highway is calling. This 479-kilometer beast winds through the Indian Himalayas, connecting the vibrant town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the stunning high-altitude landscape of Leh in Ladakh. Fair warning: you'll be breathing thin air the entire time, with multiple passes topping out above 4,000 meters—and the king of them all, Tanglang La, sitting at a whopping 5,328 meters. Plan on two full days of driving if you want to actually enjoy the views (and let your body adjust to the elevation). But honestly? The ride is worth every hair-raising moment. You'll cruise through an alien landscape of barren peaks, high-altitude desert, and endless plateaus that'll make you feel like you've left Earth. Now, let's talk reality. This isn't a highway in the traditional sense. You'll find smooth asphalt in some sections, then suddenly you're grinding through rough dirt tracks that've been hammered by river erosion and snowmelt. Add river crossings where the road literally just fords through mountain streams, sketchy loose-gravel switchbacks on near-vertical mountainsides, and the constant threat of altitude sickness, and you've got yourself a proper adventure. The road's only passable from June through September—mother nature calls the shots here. During those months, the highway becomes a pilgrimage site for motorcycle enthusiasts and overlanders worldwide, earning its legendary status as one of the ultimate bucket-list rides. Along the journey, you'll discover ancient Buddhist monasteries, remote nomadic settlements, and the breathtaking Pangong Lake. The newer Atal Tunnel (opened in 2020) has been a game-changer, making access slightly easier and pushing the season a bit longer.
hardThe wild road to Tipta La
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tipta La, a seriously epic pass straddling China and Nepal! This isn't just any border crossing; we're talking a lung-busting 5,118m (16,791ft) above sea level! Prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain air, marking this crucial trade route high in the Himalayas. You'll be traveling between Xigazê in Tibet (China) and the Taplejung District in Nepal. Be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, so a sturdy 4x4 is a must. On the Chinese side, prepare for a wild ride with around 40 hairpin turns to the top. Word on the street is that the Chinese have helped upgrade the track from the Nepali side (Olangchungola) up to the pass. The road stretches for 41km (25.47 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure, connecting Riwu (China) and Olangchung Gola (Nepal). The views? Absolutely breathtaking, showcasing the raw beauty of both Tibet and Nepal. Just a heads up: this route is usually snowed in and impassable during the winter months.
hardTuer Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Tuer Pass! This incredible mountain pass sits way up high in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China, clocking in at a dizzying 4,633m (that's 15,200ft!). You'll find it along Provincial Road 217 (S217), connecting Xiangcheng and Litang. The good news is, it's paved, but don't let that fool you. This road is remote and challenging. Expect seriously steep climbs and thin air that'll test your limits. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every ounce of effort! You'll be gazing out over a landscape of majestic mountains that will leave you breathless (literally!). Just make sure you're prepped for a proper adventure.
extremeHow long is the Kalash Valley Road?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kalash Valley Road! This wild ride is in northern Pakistan, practically spitting distance from Afghanistan. We're talking a seriously bumpy, unpaved track stretching about 17.6 km (10.93 miles) from Ayun, off the N45 (south of Chitral town), all the way to Grum. The final leg? That's the legendary Rumbur Valley Road. "Challenging" doesn't even begin to cover it. Picture this: hairpin turns, major drop-offs, and zero safety barriers, all while hugging the Kalash River. Forget your cute little sedan; you'll need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 beast to even think about tackling this beast. And even then, expect a journey of up to nine hours! Streams crisscross the road, which can freeze into icy hazards during the cold season. Speaking of seasons, this route is a no-go in winter, so plan accordingly! It climbs a hefty 400 meters, topping out at 1,923 meters (6,309 ft) above sea level in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The scenery is absolutely stunning, but you'll be too busy clinging to the steering wheel to fully enjoy it. Get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, adventure!