Driving one of the world's highest motorable roads to Lajiong La
China, asia
36.8 km
5,830 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers! We're heading to Lajiong La, a mind-blowing mountain pass in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Seriously, this spot in Coqên County, Ngari Prefecture, sits at a staggering 5,830m (that's 19,127ft!) altitude.
Get ready for a wild ride on this unpaved road—think loose rocks, broken surfaces, and heart-stopping drop-offs. You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Starting from the S206 road, you've got about 36.8 km (22.86 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure ahead, with some seriously steep sections hitting a 16% gradient.
The views? Absolutely epic. You're perched high in the Himalayas, in western Tibet. The best part is that Lajiong La is open to anyone in Tibet without special permits. Just be warned: winter can be brutal, with those icy winds making the journey almost impassable. This is a road trip for the books!
Where is it?
Driving one of the world's highest motorable roads to Lajiong La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.3905, 103.5291
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 36.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,830 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.3905, 103.5291
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Churi Meri La?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Churi Meri La! This isn't just a road, it's a climb into the clouds, reaching a staggering 14,786 feet above sea level. You'll find it snaking through the southernmost reaches of Qinghai Province and into the Tibet Autonomous Region, specifically within the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The good news? You can tackle this beauty in a 2WD when the sun's shining. But heads up, this is a high-altitude route, and when winter hits… well, let's just say things get a bit more interesting. The journey stretches for nearly 60 miles, connecting Baizhaxiang (Nangqên County, Yushu, Qinghai) to Asangkaxiang (Riwoqê County, Chamdo, Tibet). Word to the wise: keep an eye out for the Niujiaoyan chain bridge. It's a total thrill, but maybe not for the faint of heart! This route is all about the views, the challenge, and creating memories that'll last a lifetime. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Karkang La?
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Karkang La in southeastern Tibet is calling, and it's a wild one. Perched way up high – think lungs-screaming altitude – this pass straddles the border between Qusum and Lhünzê counties. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking serious off-road territory here. This ain't a drive for your Prius. You'll need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 beast to even think about tackling it. It's not just steep climbs that'll get you, it's the relentless combo of a rough, unmaintained track and crazy altitude that can bring on vehicle failure and altitude sickness. Winding for about 37.6 km (23.36 miles) alongside the untamed river, the road snakes from Nieding to Duobuzha (near the paved G219). Pro Tip: Don't even think about attempting this journey between late October and late June/early July. Mother Nature's snowstorms turn it into an impassable winter wonderland. But for those brave enough to venture forth, get ready for views that'll knock your socks off.
hardThe unpaved road to Gardaneh-ye Galeh Badush in Iran's Zagros Mountains
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in Iran’s Lorestan province and are craving an adrenaline rush, Gardaneh-ye Galeh Badush is calling your name! Situated high up in the Zagros Mountains at almost 10,000 feet, this pass is not for the faint of heart. Shool Abad Road, as it's known, is a wild, unpaved beast of a road stretching nearly 43 miles between Shulabad and Khanabad. We're talking hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and stretches so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Loose gravel and dramatic drop-offs add to the excitement (or terror, depending on your perspective!). Honestly, this isn't a beginner's route. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle, and 4-wheel drive is highly recommended to conquer this bad boy. But, if you’re up for the challenge, get ready for some mind-blowing scenery as you snake your way across the western Iranian landscape! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, and maybe say a little prayer!
extremeHow Challenging is the Road to Khinalug?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Khinalug is a high mountain town at an elevation of 2,350m (7,710ft) above sea level, located in Azerbaijan. It’s said to be the most remote and isolated village in the northeastern part of the country, and among the highest in the Caucasus. How Challenging is the Road to Khinalug? The road to the town, also known as Khinalugh or Khinalig, is a picturesque mountain road at an altitude of about 2,000m above sea level, hidden on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. This very challenging cliff road was carved through the stone. There are some narrow sections—scarcely wide enough for two cars—where, if two vehicles meet, one might have to reverse for several kilometers of winding narrow road to reach a place wide enough to pass. The main danger is falling rocks, particularly in the Gudialchay canyon section. How Long is the Road to Khinalug? The road, called Xinaliq yolu, is pretty steep. It starts in Quba, the capital of the Quba Rayon of Azerbaijan. It’s 51.5 km (32 miles) long, leading to this ancient mountaintop settlement in Azerbaijan. The road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Is the Road to Khinalug Paved? The road is mostly paved, but with some unpaved sections. The road was paved in 2006 following a visit from the President of Azerbaijan. Now a car can make the trip to Khinalig. Before paving, an SUV was essential (but still recommended). Is the Road to Khinalug Open in Winter? Because of the high altitude and remoteness of this tiny mountain village, the road can be closed at any time due to snowfalls. In winter, temperatures at this altitude drop to -20 degrees C, and summer temperatures tend to reach no more than around 18 degrees. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Driving the Wild Road to Mount Kapaz How to get by car to Lake Goygol in Azerbaijan? 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.