How to drive the wild road to Kori La?

How to drive the wild road to Kori La?

Bhutan, asia

Length

256 km

Elevation

2,406 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Kori La Pass in Bhutan's Mongar District is calling your name. This baby climbs to 2,406m (7,893ft), so get ready for some serious views.

The Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1), built back in the '90s, is your path. Word to the wise: the pavement's seen better days (think rough patches and even some gravel). Plus, it’s a real rollercoaster with steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and sections so narrow you might want to fold in your mirrors! But trust me, it's mostly a blast to drive, especially with those twisty bits at the start and end.

This 256km (159-mile) stretch connects Chamkhar and Trashigang, and the scenery is unreal. You'll be winding through lush forests, spotting playful monkeys, and hearing the exotic sounds of the jungle. Prayer flags flutter everywhere, adding a touch of magic to the journey.

Keep an eye on the weather! Kori La, nestled in the Black Mountains, sometimes gets snowed in during winter, causing short closures. It's weird, but even at this altitude, the snow often disappears by April or May. And heads up, the summit is usually shrouded in mist, adding to the mystique.

Where is it?

How to drive the wild road to Kori La? is located in Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.2457, 90.3362

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Bhutan
Continent
asia
Length
256 km
Max Elevation
2,406 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
27.2457, 90.3362

Related Roads in asia

Grand Trunk Road is one of Asia's oldest and longest roadsmoderate

Grand Trunk Road is one of Asia's oldest and longest roads

🇮🇳 India

Get ready for the epic Grand Trunk Road – a 2,400 km (1500-mile) adventure snaking through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India from Kabul all the way to Kolkata! Imagine navigating bustling lanes, diving into rich history, and witnessing the vibrant chaos of South Asia. Known by many names, this ancient "Generals' Road" (or "Grand Road") has been around for over two thousand years and still serves as a vital artery for trade and communication. Starting high in Kabul, Afghanistan, it winds its way through the legendary Khyber Pass, reaching an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft). Picture yourself conquering this historic mountain pass before descending past Taxila, zipping through Lahore, and crossing into India at Wahgha. Finally, after an unforgettable 2,500 km, you'll roll into the vibrant city of Kolkata. But hold on tight! The GT Road is not for the faint of heart. It's famed not for its height, but for its sheer, exhilarating chaos. Think dromedaries casually strolling in your lane. Envision a symphony of trucks, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and the occasional cow – all vying for space on this incredibly busy road. You'll need your wits about you to navigate this wild ride, with drivers who may or may not value their lives, let alone yours! Be prepared for anything and everything – it’s all part of the adventure on one of the oldest and busiest roads in South Asia.

How to reach the Everest Base Camp?hard

How to reach the Everest Base Camp?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet, near the Nepal border, about to tackle a road that leads to Everest Base Camp – the north side, that is! We're talking about Zhufeng Road, located within the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve. This isn't just any road; it's mostly paved, a magnificent piece of engineering that takes you practically to the doorstep of the world's highest mountain. The asphalt ends at Zhufeng Base Camp Parking Lot, a lofty 5,017m (16,459ft) above sea level, with just the final 5.4km unpaved. This road follows the historic route, the very same one Mallory & Irvine pioneered. It's a 98.7 km (61.32 miles) stretch from the G318 highway, climbing to a peak of 5,205m (17,076ft). You'll want to factor in about 2.5 to 4 hours to drive it without stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. Speaking of weather, keep an eye on the forecast. Even though heavy snow isn't common, you're still in the Himalayas at a serious altitude. Oh, and a heads-up: you'll need a permit from the Chinese government to visit the North Base Camp. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Everest's north face are incredible. The scenery is next-level – think mixed forests, wildflower meadows, glaciers, rivers, and mind-blowing mountain vistas. Plus, the road itself is a thrill, boasting hundreds of hairpin turns that frame unbelievable views of Shisha Pangma, Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. For scenery junkies, this is one of the coolest drives on the planet! Just watch out for those 64 switchbacks near Pang La!

Shativankhard

Shativank

🌍 Armenia

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province and craving something truly off the beaten path, you HAVE to check out Shativank Monastery. This ancient, fortified church is seriously cool, and getting there is half the fun (and the challenge!). We're talking about Shativank Road, snaking its way up through the stunning Yeghegis Valley. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. It's gravel, it's rocky, it's bumpy, and at times downright tippy! Think serious 4x4 territory, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights – it's STEEP!). Winter? Forget about it – impassable is the name of the game. Starting near Shatin (cute village, mountain goat spotting!), it's only about 6km to the top, but those kilometers pack a punch. You'll climb to a hefty 1,651m (5,416ft) above sea level. The views? Epic! The monastery itself? Sadly, it's on the verge of collapse – crumbling cobblestones and scattered stones everywhere. But that just adds to the haunting beauty, right? Make sure you have an experienced driver because wet conditions can turn that already challenging road into a muddy slip-n-slide! If you're up for a truly unique experience, and an adventure that'll test your driving skills, Shativank is calling your name.

How to get to Milarepa’s Footprint on Mount Kailash?moderate

How to get to Milarepa’s Footprint on Mount Kailash?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: You're in Tibet, trekking toward the south face of the mighty Mount Kailash. Forget climbing the mountain itself; nobody does that. Instead, you're headed to Milarepa's Footprint, a sacred mark pressed into the rock at a staggering 17,175 feet! This isn't just any hike; it's a pilgrimage to one of Tibet's most spiritually charged spots, nestled between the Sonam Ri and Sharma Ri peaks. Legend says the great yogi Milarepa left his mark here after a face-off with a Bon master. Instead of a brawl, Milarepa meditated his way to victory – literally flying to the summit and proving that inner peace trumps all. It's all about humbling yourself and tapping into your inner strength. Getting there is an adventure in itself. The 11.5-mile dirt track kicks off from Trungto, and climbs over 2000 feet, with an average grade of 3.40%. You'll be winding through the Himalayas, in the remote Kailash Range. Keep in mind, this is Tibet, so pack accordingly! Snow is a serious issue in the winter (May to November is your best bet), and the wind can be brutal. Even in the summer, you'll swing from 20°C in the day to -10°C at night. Be ready for anything – rain, snow, you name it.