Dzang La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
China, asia
22.5 km
5,287 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dzang La (aka Khojang La), a seriously high mountain pass in Gyirong County, Tibet, China. We're talking about a lung-busting 5,287m (17,345ft) above sea level!
This mostly paved road is a rollercoaster of hairpin turns snaking through the Ublung Chu valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning Kochang Kangri peak (6,022m) towering above. Pro tip: always check local conditions before heading up—things can change fast up here.
The climb kicks off from the G216 and it's a leg-burner, with some sections hitting a crazy 13% gradient. It's a 22.5km (13.98 miles) haul to the top, gaining a whopping 1448 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.43%, so get ready for some serious uphill action! But trust me, the views are SO worth it.
Where is it?
Dzang La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.5371, 104.2516
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 22.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,287 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 34.5371, 104.2516
Related Roads in asia
hardHow long is Kandovan Pass?
🇮🇷 Iran
Hey thrill-seekers! Get ready for an epic adventure on the Kandovan Pass, a sky-high route straddling the Alborz and Mazandaran provinces of Iran. This isn't just any road; we're talking about soaring to a breathtaking 2,989m (9,806ft)! Wind your way through the heart of the Central Alborz mountains on this 12.1 km (7.51 miles) stretch, also known as the Kandevān Pass. While it's mostly unpaved, most cars can handle it, so no need to leave your trusty ride behind. Prepare to be mesmerized by the views as you snake between the Karaj and Chālūs rivers. This road, nestled in northwestern Iran, is a real challenge, with gradients hitting up to 8% on some ramps. Expect tons of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. Just a heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. For those looking for a smoother ride, the infamous Kandovan Tunnel bypasses this pass. The tunnel is a key part of the Chalus Road, one of Iran's busiest and most scenic routes, built way back in the late 1930s.
extremeDriving the extreme road to Gyandro La: A 5,147m mountain pass with 62 hairpin turns
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Gyandro La, clocking in at a sky-scraping 5,147m (16,886ft), sits nestled between Lhünzê and Cona counties in Tibet's Shannan Prefecture. We're talking seriously remote, folks—right in the heart of the Himalayas. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 46.6 km of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road snaking its way from Yonggaerding to Lenong through a wild, isolated landscape. Forget smooth tarmac! It's all rugged dirt and gravel here, so you'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the uneven terrain. Hold on tight, because the climb is packed with a mind-blowing **62 hairpin turns**! Seriously, they're jammed so close together, you'll need all your focus and patience to navigate them. The gradient hits a maximum of **8%** in places, and while that might not sound insane, remember you're doing it all above 5,000 meters. The air is thin, making it tough on both you and your engine. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so be prepared! Resources are scarce out here. Come ready to be self-sufficient and prepared for unpredictable weather. Speaking of weather, always check the forecast before you go. This road is generally only passable in summer, as winter snow turns it into a no-go zone.
hardWhy was the Kunshan Tunnel Road built?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about the Kunshan Tunnel Road in China's Henan Province. This isn't just a road; it's an epic tale etched into the Taihang Mountains. Picture this: a village, Kunshan, tucked away in the peaks, once only reachable by a sketchy cliffside path and some seriously steep stone steps. So, the villagers decided to DIY a road—by hand! The result? A 1.6 km rollercoaster through the mountains, complete with not one, but SIX tunnels! And get this: they carved windows right into the cliff face – originally to toss out the rock debris during construction! Elevation-wise, you're cruising between 1,000 and 1,300 meters above sea level. Now, when should you go? Aim for May to November. Winter can be a no-go thanks to snowfall. While the Guoliang Tunnel might get more buzz, Kunshan is longer and arguably more challenging. The government spruced it up in 2009, connecting the Wangmang Mountains Scenic Area entrance to Kunshan Village a few clicks north. Get ready for some incredible views, but keep your eyes on the road – this is one wild ride!
hardHow Long is Heaven's Road?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Heaven's Road, and yeah, the name is pretty accurate! This cliff-hugging motorway in China is a total jaw-dropper. We're talking some serious elevation changes, starting at 2,050 feet and climbing to a breathtaking 3,855 feet above sea level. The scenery is absolutely astonishing. Now, let's be real, this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. The road winds and weaves for roughly , packed with dozens of super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. It’s carved right into the side of a seriously steep mountain. But hey, the dramatic views are totally worth it! You'll start your adventure near , a tiny mountain village, and end up... well, wherever the road takes you, hopefully somewhere with even more incredible views. Just maybe skip this one if you get queasy easily!