If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La

If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

5,038 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for Yarto Drak La, a wild ride high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China! We're talking a whopping 5,038 meters (16,528 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for that altitude!

You'll find this beauty in Qusum County, snaking along the S202 Road. The good news is, it's fully paved, so no off-roading nightmares. The not-so-good news? It's remote, winding through desolate valleys. Keep an eye out for Shobo La to the south.

Speaking of challenges, altitude sickness is a real risk here, so take it slow and stay hydrated. And when winter hits, expect snow and slippery conditions. But the scenery? Totally worth it! You're cruising through the fertile Yarlung Valley, connecting Shannan (Lhoka) with Cona, passing the small, serene Zhalacuo lake at the summit. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Yarlha Shampo, a majestic 6636m peak where legend says the first Tibetan king descended from the heavens. Seriously epic views!

Where is it?

If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.9638, 108.4474

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
5,038 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
34.9638, 108.4474

Related Roads in asia

How challenging is the drive to Jangkhu La in Tibet?hard

How challenging is the drive to Jangkhu La in Tibet?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the G317, the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway, heading into the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. Next up? Jangkhu La, a pass that'll take your breath away—literally. We're talking almost 5,000 meters (that's 16,190 feet!), smack dab in the Seni District of Nagqu. This isn't just any drive; it's a 37.4 km (23.2 miles) stretch of pure adventure between settlements in about 45 minutes. The road is mostly smooth asphalt now, which is a huge improvement, but don't get complacent. The altitude is a real beast. Your engine will be gasping for air, and you might be too if you're not acclimatized. While the gradient's only around 6%, the elevation turns even small problems into big deals. Plus, this pass is technically open year-round because it's a lifeline for the region. But, trust me, winter throws some serious curveballs with blizzards and black ice. If you're thinking of tackling it between October and May, pack for the apocalypse and expect freezing temps. Keep your eyes peeled out there! Altitude sickness is the main enemy, messing with your head and making you tired. You'll also be sharing the road with massive trucks and wandering herds of livestock. And the weather? It can flip from sunshine to a whiteout in the blink of an eye. But hey, all that challenge is worth it! Reaching the top of Jangkhu La is a total "top of the world" moment. The views are insane—barren landscapes stretching as far as you can see. It's a real taste of Tibet's raw beauty and the epic scale of the Roof of the World. Jangkhu La? Definitely a bucket-list drive for any serious road-tripper.

Why is Haji Pir Pass Famous?hard

Why is Haji Pir Pass Famous?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Haji Pir Pass! Nestled high in the Inner Himalayas, specifically the western Pir Panjal Range, this mountain pass sits at a seriously lofty elevation. We're talking a road that connects Gulmarg to Poonch. Famous for its history (captured by the Indian Army!), this road is a wild ride. Forget smooth sailing; it's entirely unpaved! Picture this: curve after curve, hairpin turn after hairpin turn. It demands your full attention, so keep your eyes on the prize... and the road! You'll find it snuggled near the Line of Control in northeastern Pakistan. Get ready for incredible views, serious elevation, and a driving experience you won't soon forget. Just be prepared for a bumpy, winding journey that'll test your skills!

Is Simbhanjyang Pass paved?hard

Is Simbhanjyang Pass paved?

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Simbhanjyang Pass in Nepal's Bagmati Province is calling your name! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 2,488m (8,162ft) and offers some seriously stunning Himalayan views near Daman. Stretching 42.1 km (26.15 miles) between Naubise and Daman, this north-south route along the H02-Tribhuvan Highway is not for the faint of heart. While mostly paved, be prepared for some seriously rough conditions and potholes galore – keep your eyes peeled! Think hairpin turns, steep climbs, and drop-offs aplenty. This is Nepal's oldest highway and was completed in 1956 to link Kathmandu to India. Expect narrow roads, minimal traffic, and a healthy dose of "edge-of-your-seat" driving. While the scenery is incredible, this drive can be risky, so be prepared for anything!

The Wild Road to Sheosar Lake in Pakistanmoderate

The Wild Road to Sheosar Lake in Pakistan

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Sheosar Lake in Pakistan's Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province. This alpine gem sits way up high at 13,641 feet! Seriously, one of the world's highest lakes. Getting there is half the fun. The road, Deosai Park Road, winds for 52 miles between Skardu and Astore Valley Road. Heads up, it's mostly unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must. You'll be cruising through the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau, sandwiched between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. The lake itself is heart-shaped and pretty big - over a mile long and wide, and deep too! But plan your trip carefully because it's only open in summer. Winter? Forget about it! This area is usually snowed in. The lake's frozen from November to May. Get ready for some incredible scenery!