Haxilegen La is an otherworldly drive
China, asia
N/A
3,538 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for this insane mountain pass in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Region! We're talking about hitting 3,538 meters (11,607 feet) above sea level in Nilka County.
Before diving into the tunnel that now bypasses it, make sure to stop at the panoramic terrace – you'll thank me later.
This paved road, chilling in the Borohoro Range of Tianshan, used to be the highest point of the whole route. The views? Unreal. Think alpine landscapes mixed with mountain tundra—seriously breathtaking!
Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round adventure. We're talking roughly May to October for access, thanks to the snow and ice. Also, leave the big rig at home – vehicles with more than 7 seats are a no-go. Heads up: mudslides are a real risk here, so stay alert.
Where is it?
Haxilegen La is an otherworldly drive is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.7254, 100.8893
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,538 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 37.7254, 100.8893
Related Roads in asia
hardA Cool Road to Munnar in the Western Ghats
🇮🇳 India
Munnar, nestled high in the Western Ghats mountains of Kerala, India, is a hill-resort town sitting pretty at 1,700m (5,600ft). Getting there is half the fun, thanks to the twisty NH-85 road! Starting in Kochi, the 118km (73-mile) journey winds its way up, passing through Kothamangalam, which is 80km away from Munnar. The road is paved, but it’s narrow and seriously curvy, with some steep climbs that will definitely keep you on your toes. If you're not used to roads like this, consider hiring a local driver. Trust me, you’ll want someone who knows the ropes, especially since the road can get super foggy, reducing visibility to almost zero, even with fog lights. It will take you 5.5 to 6 hours for the whole trip, so buckle up! After Adimali, Munnar is only 30 km away, but it’ll still take close to an hour to get there! Adimali is also your last chance to grab a good meal before Munnar. But oh, the views! Especially in the early morning, the scenery is breathtaking. The air is filled with the sweet scent of tea from endless tea plantations, and you’ll spot waterfalls cascading down the hillsides, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats at every turn. It's a feast for the eyes (and the nose!).
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Bumiktse La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up adventure seekers, because Bumiktse La (also called Bumice La) in Ladakh is calling your name! This beast of a pass tops out at a whopping 14,501 feet, so be prepared to feel the altitude. Forget smooth pavement – we're talking a totally unpaved, winding track that snakes its way up with hairpin turns galore. Seriously, you'll NEED a 4x4 to conquer this one – it's steep and the road is rocky with some serious potholes. This north-south route connects Photoksar and Yulchung, plunging you deep into the Zanskar mountains. You'll be surrounded by the lush Photang valley, and if you time it right during the summer months, you'll be rewarded with insane views of hanging icefalls. Trust me, the scenery alone makes the bumpy ride totally worth it!
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!
moderateThe road to Sinthan Top is not for you if you’re prone to car sickness
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Sinthan Top! This mountain pass, sitting way up high at 12,440 feet in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is calling your name. The road, also known as National Highway 244, winds its way up from Anantnag to Kishtwar for a full 93 miles. Picture this: mostly paved roads (refreshed in 2018, yay!), but get ready for a serious rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, some steep climbs, and sections that’ll have you holding your breath. Keep an eye out for those pesky rock slides! This route has serious history, once used by shepherds and traders moving goods. Now, it's your turn to conquer this beast! Sinthan Top lives in the Pir Panjal range, so expect some seriously dramatic weather. Even in summer, you might hit snow, which can close the road. Aim for April to September for the best chance of an open pass. Pro tip: pack for anything! The weather is known to flip on a dime. Trust me, the views are EVERYTHING. Every bend offers a postcard-worthy shot. This spot is becoming a total hotspot for tourists in Kashmir, and once you reach the summit, you'll see why. Get ready for a mind-blowing 360-degree panorama! Don't forget your camera, you’ll need it!