Driving the steep road to Dangbe La

Driving the steep road to Dangbe La

China, asia

Length

34 km

Elevation

5,183 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly epic off-road experience, Dangbe La Pass in Tibet is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 5,183m (17,004ft) above sea level! You'll find this beast in Xaitongmoin County, northwest of Shigatse, smack-dab in the middle of the rugged Tibetan Plateau.

Forget pavement, the 201 County Road (X201) is a 34 km (21.12 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt and gravel. Translation: 4x4 is a MUST! Connecting Cuobuxixiang and Nadangxiang, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Besides the steep inclines, you'll be battling thin air and unpredictable weather, no matter the season.

Keep in mind, this route is best tackled in the summer. Winter brings heavy snow and ice, making the X201 impassable. A word to the wise: bring your A-game. The sustained steepness and altitude will push your engine to its limits, and since you're in a remote area, you'll need to be completely self-sufficient. But hey, the views? Totally worth it for the adventurous souls among us!

Where is it?

Driving the steep road to Dangbe La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.9444, 104.4944

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
34 km
Max Elevation
5,183 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
35.9444, 104.4944

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