Ela Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds

Ela Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds

China, asia

Length

110 km

Elevation

4,502 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Ela Shankou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.502m (14,770ft) above the sea levele, located in Xinghai County, in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the east-central part of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China.

Set high in the Tibetan plateau, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called G214 Highway. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Expect strong winds. The pass has been bypassed by the scenic G0613 (Gongyu Expy Toll Road).

The pass is 110 km (68 miles) long, running from Wenquan Town to Hekazhen. It features steep sections, hitting a 10% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. There are hot springs just below the pass.

Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson

Travel guide to the top of Peacock Mountain Pass

Driving the wild Tingri-Penjixiang road

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.

Where is it?

Ela Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.8262, 104.9509

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
110 km
Max Elevation
4,502 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
37.8262, 104.9509

Related Roads in asia

Is Hon Giao Pass the most beautiful pass in Vietnam?easy

Is Hon Giao Pass the most beautiful pass in Vietnam?

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Vietnam on the Hon Giao Pass, also known as Khanh Le, Long Lanh, or Omega Pass - locals call it all sorts of things! This beauty straddles the Khánh Hòa and Lâm Đồng provinces, right in that sweet spot of the South Central Coast. We're talking a fully paved road that twists and turns like a coiled serpent, so buckle up if you get carsick easily! It's a 132 km (82 miles) rollercoaster connecting Nha Trang, that vibrant beach city, to the mountain charm of Đà Lạt. Clocking in at 1,645m (5,396ft) above sea level, prepare for epic views as you snake through mountains, dense forests, and past cascading waterfalls. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you later! Just keep your eyes on the road; it's all about enjoying the ride, one curve at a time.

Kǒng Táng Lā: Driving the 32 hairpin turns of the abandoned 5,251m passextreme

Kǒng Táng Lā: Driving the 32 hairpin turns of the abandoned 5,251m pass

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kǒng Táng Lā – a ridiculously high mountain pass in Tibet's Nyalam County that'll leave you breathless (literally). We're talking a lung-busting 5,251m (17,227ft) above sea level! Nestled between Gyirong and the gorgeous Paiku Co lake, this isn't just a drive; it's an epic tale for the grandkids. So, here's the deal: a shiny new tunnel now bypasses the summit, but the OG road? Still there, calling your name. Think "Himalayan engineering" meets "forgotten maintenance." It’s paved, sure, but expect cracks and debris to keep you on your toes. It's all "up, down, right, left," demanding your full attention. This 32.6 km (20.2 miles) stretch from Zhongma to Zharang is dominated by a relentless set of 32 hairpin turns. Seriously, your arms will be screaming! And at that altitude, expect your engine to feel the burn. Lower gears will become your new best friend as you battle the steep inclines. While there are some concrete barriers and metal guardrails, don't expect a safety net. One wrong move, and you're staring straight down the Tibetan Plateau. Oxygen is scarce, so altitude sickness is a real threat. Acclimatize beforehand, and maybe pack some supplemental O2. Winter turns this pass into a snowy wonderland... or a frozen nightmare. Heavy snowfalls can shut it down anytime, and black ice lurks in those shady switchbacks. Temperatures plummet, turning the road into an impassable ice rink. Oh, and did I mention there's nothing out here? No gas, no grub, no mechanics. You're on your own. Make sure your brakes are tip-top for the never-ending descent; those 32 hairpins will put them to the test. Kǒng Táng Lā is a raw, unfiltered slice of Tibetan wilderness, but respect is key; this road doesn't forgive mistakes.

Is the road to Lake Saiful Muluk paved?extreme

Is the road to Lake Saiful Muluk paved?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Want to reach the stunning Saif ul Maluk lake, shimmering like a jewel at 3,224 meters in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? Get ready for a wild ride! The Naran-Saiful Muluk Road is not for the faint of heart. Forget smooth pavement; this is a rugged, unpaved 9 km (5.59 miles) stretch demanding a 4x4 beast. We're talking perilous drop-offs and a stomach-churning series of 11 hairpin turns! Seriously, the road's rough condition makes it a real test. Starting in Naran, you'll climb a staggering 785 meters with sections hitting an 18% gradient. Translation: it's steep! And don't even think about attempting this from late October to late June/early July – snow makes it a no-go. Even in summer, snow is common, avalanches are a risk, and nighttime temperatures can plummet. But is it worth it? A resounding YES! The lake, nestled amongst the majestic Karakoram mountains, is breathtaking. Crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks in an unreal panorama. Word of warning, boating is risky due to the unknown depth. But trust me, the views alone make this white-knuckle drive an unforgettable experience!

How To Travel The Road from Ka'erza to Yinkecunextreme

How To Travel The Road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun

🇨🇳 China

Okay adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on the road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun, straddling the Garzê and Sichuan regions of China! This 38.8km (24.1 mile) route is mostly paved, so you *should* be able to tackle it in any vehicle when the weather's good. Don't get too comfy though! This climb is STEEP. We're talking gradients reaching a hefty 12% in places! And get ready to ascend – you'll be topping out at a dizzying 4,367m (14,327ft) above sea level. Remember, you're deep in the mountains, so be prepared for thin air and potentially wild weather. It's all part of the adventure!