Dongshan Tunnel: enjoy a drive among the clouds
China, asia
400 km
3,850 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to the Dongshan Tunnel, a crazy-high mountain passageway straddling the Gansu and Qinghai provinces in wild northwest China.
Picture this: You're cruising along a perfectly paved road, right through the heart of the Qilian Mountains. This tunnel punches through at a whopping 3,850 meters (that's 12,631 feet!) above sea level. At 3,639 meters long, this tunnel shortcut saves you from a HUGE detour along the old G213 (Suqi Highway). We're talking about chopping off over 400 kilometers and FIVE HOURS of driving!
Completed in early 2021, this wasn't exactly an easy project. Think harsh weather, thin air, and seriously rugged terrain. But hey, they did it, and now we get to drive through! Get ready for some seriously stunning mountain scenery, a testament to human ingenuity, and bragging rights for conquering one seriously high road.
Where is it?
Dongshan Tunnel: enjoy a drive among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.3104, 105.1334
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 400 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,850 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.3104, 105.1334
Related Roads in asia
moderateA Road Less Traveled: The Scenic and Challenging Sibuyan Circumferential
🇵🇠Philippines
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ever heard of Sibuyan Island in the Philippines? Picture this: a crescent-shaped paradise in Romblon province, practically untouched and teeming with life. Some folks even call it "the Galápagos of Asia" because it’s been chilling in isolation for ages, resulting in an ecosystem that'll blow your mind. And guess what? There's a road that loops around the whole island, hugging the coastline and showing off the most pristine views you can imagine. We're talking lush forests blanketing nearly half the island's upper slopes. This epic journey, known as the Sibuyan Circumferential Road (or Regional Highway 480), is about 92 km (57 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure. Now, fair warning: the road surface is a mixed bag – gravel, concrete, asphalt, and even some sandy stretches. So, definitely bring a vehicle with some ground clearance, because you're gonna need it! The good news is, it's a loop, so just pick a spot and dive right in. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateNice curves on the way to Lumu La
🇨🇳 China
Lumu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.797m (15,738ft) above the sea level, located in Sichuan, in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China. The road to the summit is totally unpaved and very curvy. It’s called Ganbai Road. 4x4 vehicle recommended. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. The area is pretty remote. The pass is 47.0 km (29.2 miles) long, running from Yinduoxiang (Xinlong County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan) to Galaxiang (Garzê County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan) on the G317 Road. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson How to get by car to Shimo Lake in Tibet? Dzekri La, an absolute must for road lovers Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeKosmostantsiya
🌍 Kazakhstan
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Kosmostantsiya! This paved road in Kazakhstan climbs to a staggering 11,092 feet (3,381m) in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. We're talking seriously steep – some sections hit a 12% grade! Now, this isn't a drive to take lightly. Weather can turn nasty fast, and access outside summer (May-June is your best bet!) can be totally blocked. Think avalanches, heavy snow, landslides… and plenty of ice. This road earns its reputation for danger with unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Oh, and that altitude! Prepare for a serious lack of oxygen – the summit has about 40% less than sea level. That means breathing gets tough, your pulse will race, and even simple movements feel like a workout. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so if you've got respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. The views, though? Absolutely stunning. Just be prepared for some challenges along the way! And pro tip: avoid this place on weekends – you'll want the space to navigate those tight turns and soak in the scenery (if the weather cooperates!). Also, watch out for rockfall when it's raining, and ice patches, especially from October to April. Be safe, and enjoy the ride!
moderateHighway A363/Issyk-Kul Lake
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Cruising around Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Lake on Highway A363 is an absolute must-do! This scenic loop hugs the shoreline of the "hot lake" (that's what Issyk-Kul means!), which is so deep it never freezes. The A363 loops for about 491 km and offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding Tian Shan mountains. Be warned: the pavement can be a little rough in spots, and some sections get pretty narrow, so keep your eyes on the road! You'll likely encounter some other traffic along the way. Keep an eye out on the south shore for a massive carving of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's face etched into a rock - a relic from the lake's Soviet-era days as a resort and submarine testing ground. Road work or bad weather might cause temporary closures, but that just adds to the adventure, right?