Dare to drive the dangerous Shel La in Tibet
China, asia
4.06 km
4,904 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Shel La, or Xia La, is a seriously high mountain pass sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, clocking in at a dizzying 4,904 meters (that's nearly 16,100 feet!). You'll find it in Dêngqên County, Chamdo City, way out east in Tibet.
Now, the original road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking unpaved, narrow, seriously steep, and loaded with hairpin turns. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? Guardrails? Sometimes you'll see them, but often, nada!
Luckily, there's now a 4.06 km (2.52 mi) tunnel to bypass the gnarly old road. But if you're feeling adventurous, that original unpaved beast is still there waiting for you.
The newer, paved route is part of the G317 (Sichuan–Tibet Highway) and stretches for 45.3 km (28.14 miles) between Badaxiang and Chiduzhen. Get ready for some stunning scenery, no matter which path you choose!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the dangerous Shel La in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.3960, 97.2226
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 4.06 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,904 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.3960, 97.2226
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