If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La
China, asia
N/A
5,038 m
moderate
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
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,038 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 34.9638, 108.4474
Related Roads in asia
moderateTro La, a curvy road only for experienced drivers
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Tro La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! This insane, totally unpaved road tops out at a whopping 5,390m (17,683ft), straddling the border of Lhari and Gongbo’gyamda counties. Think serious curves and breathtaking views south of Artsa Tso (Jia Naiyucuo lake). It's also sometimes called Cho La Pass. Word on the street is there's even an alternate route on the east side. A 4x4 is pretty much a must-have for this trek! This north-south route connects Tongguocun to the S302 Provincial Road and is seriously remote. You're looking at a summer-only window, as snow usually keeps it blocked until late June or even July. Forget about luxuries – electricity, running water, and Western toilets are practically mythical creatures up here! But hey, who needs all that when you've got views like these?
extremeDrive across Tekhar La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Tekhar La is calling your name. This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Tibet, China, clocking in at a staggering 14,685 feet above sea level. We're talking Banbar County in the Chamdo Prefecture. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. You're looking at 709 km of mostly paved (but seriously degraded) road that clings to the mountainside above 13,800 feet. Think hairpin turns galore, super steep inclines, and views of snow-capped peaks that'll take your breath away – if the altitude doesn’t first! But hold on, there's more. Be prepared for rough patches, unlit tunnels with dripping water (yikes!), and the occasional speeding truck barreling around a blind corner. Mother Nature also likes to keep things interesting with frequent flooding, landslides, and road damage. This pass, stretching 37.7 km from Lhorong towards Kangshazhen, can shut down without warning. So, buckle up, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for an unforgettable (and maybe slightly terrifying) ride!
moderateIs the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway in Tibet, China! This isn't just any road trip; it's the longest high-quality highway in the region, a smooth, paved path stretching from Lhasa's Liuwu New District all the way to Bayi Town in Nyingchi. Think two lanes going each way, making for a pretty relaxed drive (for the area). It roughly follows China National Highway 318, so you know the views are gonna be epic. Speaking of high points, you'll be cruising through the Mi La Mountain Tunnel, which peaks at a staggering 16,076 feet above sea level! Get ready for some serious mountain air. This highway is pretty new to help reduce the travel time. And while I haven't heard any specific hazards, let's be real: driving at high altitude in Tibet demands respect and attention. But with views like these, it's a journey you won't forget.
hardZing La is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've got a pass for you that'll blow your mind – Zing La. We're talking serious altitude here, almost 16,200 feet! You'll find this beast nestled way up in the Himalayas, deep in the Cona County of Tibet. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is all dirt, and I mean ALL dirt. Hairpin turns? Buckle up, buttercup, because they're relentless. You absolutely need to know what you're doing behind the wheel. The air gets thin up there, and even your trusty vehicle might start to complain. Snow can close this place down for long stretches, and when it's open, expect freezing temperatures. If you're hiring a ride, make absolutely sure your driver knows the road like the back of their hand, especially in snowy conditions. The route stretches for 24 miles from Cona, and every mile is an adventure. Get ready for some seriously epic views!