How To Travel The Road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun
China, asia
38.8 km
4,367 m
extreme
Year-round
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!
Where is it?
How To Travel The Road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 39.0010, 105.7679
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 38.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,367 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.0010, 105.7679
Related Roads in asia
hardThe Wild Road to Tsermangchen La
🇮🇳 India
Just outside Leh in Ladakh, India, lies Tsermangchen La, a mountain pass that tops out at 12,736 feet. You'll find it nestled in the Himalayas' Sham Valley (aka Apricot Valley). The road is mostly paved and in decent shape, making it accessible to regular cars. That said, it's a bit tight and can be tricky, especially when it's raining. This 28.4-kilometer stretch winds its way from the NH1 (Srinagar-Leh Highway) towards Hemis-Shukpachan, a super picturesque village where traditional Ladakhi culture thrives. Keep an eye out for potential landslides or flooding. The road's never crazy steep, but you will hit some 8-9% grades on certain turns. Trust me, the views from Tsermanchan-La Pass are worth it, with apricot orchards and charming villages dotting the landscape.
extremeDare to drive the dangerous Shel La in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Shel La, or Xia La, is a seriously high mountain pass sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, clocking in at a dizzying 4,904 meters (that's nearly 16,100 feet!). You'll find it in Dêngqên County, Chamdo City, way out east in Tibet. Now, the original road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking unpaved, narrow, seriously steep, and loaded with hairpin turns. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? Guardrails? Sometimes you'll see them, but often, nada! Luckily, there's now a 4.06 km (2.52 mi) tunnel to bypass the gnarly old road. But if you're feeling adventurous, that original unpaved beast is still there waiting for you. The newer, paved route is part of the G317 (Sichuan–Tibet Highway) and stretches for 45.3 km (28.14 miles) between Badaxiang and Chiduzhen. Get ready for some stunning scenery, no matter which path you choose!
moderateThe spectacular Sidu River Bridge in China is the highest bridge in the world
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through China's Hubei Province, specifically Badong County. Suddenly, BAM! You're staring at the Sidu River Bridge. This isn't just any bridge; it's a record-breaker, once the highest in the world! Opened in 2009, this cable-stayed marvel stretches a whopping 4,009 feet (1,221 meters), connecting two mountainous areas. But here's the kicker: the deck soars 1,627 feet (496 meters) above the Sidu River. To give you some perspective, Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower could chill out underneath this thing. Seriously epic!
hardHow long is the drive through Yingkuoshan Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Located in the Chindu County of Qinghai Province, the (also known as Jarong La) is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of above sea level. Situated on the vast Tibetan Plateau between the cities of Yushu and Xining, this pass is a legendary segment of the historic G214 National Highway For decades, Yingkuoshan was a major bottleneck for logistics between Qinghai and Tibet. Today, while most transit traffic uses the modern and its bypass tunnel, the old mountain pass remains fully operational. It serves as a spectacular free alternative for those who prefer unparalleled mountain views and fresh air over the darkness of a tunnel. However, driving at nearly 4,500 meters requires a well-maintained vehicle and a driver ready for the challenges of high-altitude weather. Road facts: Yingkuoshan Pass (Jarong La) Chindu County, Qinghai, China How long is the drive through Yingkuoshan Pass? The road through the pass spans , running in a south-north direction from Nilunlong to Zhenqinzhen . Unlike many other Tibetan passes, the G214 route here is , making it accessible to standard vehicles. However, do not underestimate the climb; the road is very steep in sections, hitting maximum gradients of 7% through several ramps. These inclines, combined with the lack of oxygen at 4,400 meters, will force most vehicles to drop gears to maintain a steady pace. The drive is famous for its "jaw-dropping views" of the Qinghai highlands. As you navigate the winding curves, you are likely to encounter herds of yaks and vast, open landscapes that the new toll highway completely bypasses. It is the ultimate road trip for those seeking freedom and a slower pace through one of China’s most beautiful provinces. Winter hazards and safety on the G214 While the pavement is in good condition, the is subject to extreme winter weather. Snowfall is common from late autumn to late spring, and because the road is no longer the primary transit route, snow clearance may not be as frequent as on the G0613. When the road is covered in snow or black ice, the 7% ramps become dangerously slippery, requiring snow chains or winter tires. For a safe journey, it is ideal to plan your crossing during daylight hours. Night driving at this altitude is discouraged due to the extreme drop in temperature and the risk of encountering livestock on the road. Ensure your braking system is in top shape for the long descent towards Zhenqinzhen, and always carry extra warm clothing and supplies in case of a sudden weather-related delay. The Yingkuoshan Pass is a reminder of the golden age of Himalayan road trips, offering a scenic reward to those who avoid the tunnel. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Pic: Too simple, Sometimes naive Xiagete Wall Road: A Nerve-Wracking Cliff Drive in Guizhou New Changlung La is a winding road only for experienced drivers 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.