
Deyang La
China, asia
N/A
5,381 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Deyang La Pass in Tibet is not for the faint of heart! We're talking serious altitude here: 17,654 feet above sea level in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa. Yeah, that's high.
The road itself? Think rocky, think gravelly, and think BIG, SHARP rocks just waiting to shred your tires. You'll need to be a master of maneuvering to avoid damage. Seriously, if you’ve got a heart condition or breathing issues, maybe sit this one out. We're talking high clearance vehicles *only*, skid plates a must, and differential lockers are your best friend. Leave the stock vehicles at home, people!
Oh, and did I mention the weather? Prepare for anything! This area is known for its crazy-strong winds and the kind of rapid weather changes that'll make your head spin. Even in summer, you could be facing a blizzard! And winter? Brutal. It's a mine road too.
But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be incredible. Just remember to pack layers, check your tire pressure, and maybe say a little prayer before you hit the gas. This is one wild ride on the S305!
Where is it?
Deyang La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.2161, 105.7313
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,381 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.2161, 105.7313
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