How to drive the steep 62 hairpin turns of Boi La in Tibet?
China, asia
15.97 km
4,950 m
extreme
Year-round
Boi La, perched at a staggering 4,950m (16,240ft) in southeastern Tibet's Cona County, is not for the faint of heart! Nestled deep within the raw and untamed Himalayas, this pass is a true adventure.
You'll be cruising at altitudes well over 4,000 meters, so acclimatize, acclimatize, acclimatize! The air is seriously thin up here, and it's no joke. Expect dramatic, windswept landscapes as you traverse the high Tibetan plateau, where even in summer, you'll be battling cold temperatures and strong winds.
Off-road junkies, this one's for you. Starting from Shemucun (3,549m), you'll climb 15.97 km (9.92 miles) via 62 hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside. With a relentless 1,401-meter climb and an average gradient of 8.77%, prepare for potential car sickness and an overheating engine.
The road is a rough, unpaved mix of loose gravel and rocks. A high-clearance 4x4 is a must! Traction can be tricky, especially on those steep hairpins. And forget about it in winter – heavy snow and ice completely shut it down.
Safety first! Tibetan winters are brutal. Double-check the weather forecast as sudden storms can leave you stranded. Be aware of altitude sickness (it affects both you *and* your engine!). Bring extra fuel, oxygen, and cold-weather survival gear. Tackling this Himalayan beast is an experience, but be prepared!
Where is it?
How to drive the steep 62 hairpin turns of Boi La in Tibet? is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.8455, 102.4928
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 15.97 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,950 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 32.8455, 102.4928
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