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

Where is Wakhjir Pass?moderate

Where is Wakhjir Pass?

🌍 Afghanistan

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna explore the roof of the world? Then let me tell you about Wakhjir Pass! Perched way up at 4,836 meters (that's a whopping 15,866 feet!), this insane mountain pass straddles the border between Afghanistan and China. Word on the street is China just finished a military road leading right to the pass. We're talking about the Wakhan Corridor on the Afghan side meeting the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in China. Sadly, no joyrides for us mere mortals! This unpaved track is strictly for Chinese frontier patrols and supply runs. Forget about crossing over to the Afghan side by vehicle, there's simply no road to be found there. The road starts from Keke Tuluke and stretches for about 20.3 km (12.61 miles) to the top. I'm dying to see the views from up there, but for now, this legendary pass remains off-limits to foreigners. Maybe one day we'll all be able to experience its rugged beauty!

How do I get to Kunzum Pass?hard

How do I get to Kunzum Pass?

🇮🇳 India

Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk about Kunzum La! This epic mountain pass sits way up high in Himachal Pradesh, India, clocking in at a staggering 14,947 feet. You'll find it nestled between the Lahaul and Spiti districts, acting as the highest point on the NH505, also known as Spiti Valley Road. The road itself? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think 19 miles of mostly dirt track stretching from Losar to Batal. We're talking stream crossings, potential glacier encounters, and plenty of sand, rocks, and snow. Mother Nature calls the shots here, so be prepared for anything – floods, landslides, you name it! The road is narrow and winding, so you'll be hugging the edge as you climb, hitting a maximum gradient of 15% through fifteen hairpin turns. An SUV with good ground clearance is your best bet for tackling this beast. Keep in mind that Kunzum La is only open from May to October – the rest of the year, it's a frozen wonderland. But trust me, the views are worth it. Think breathtaking glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and a 360-degree panorama of the Bara-Shigri Glacier (the second longest in the world!), the Chandra-Bhaga mountains, and the Spiti Valley. Plus, there's a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga at the summit. It's a photographer's dream!

Where are the Naltar Lakes?moderate

Where are the Naltar Lakes?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Hey fellow adventurers! Ever heard of the Naltar Lakes in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan? Think three shimmering jewels – Strangi, Blue, and Bodlok – nestled high in the Naltar Valley, aka Pakistan's 'magic carpet' thanks to its unreal scenery. Getting there? Buckle up! The Naltar Valley Road is a wild 30km (19 mile) ride from Nomal that runs alongside the Naltar River. Forget paved roads, this is a bumpy, unpaved adventure that demands a 4x4 and some serious driving skills. Plus, keep an eye out – the river can flood! Elevation-wise, you're climbing! The lakes sit between 3,050 and 3,150 meters above sea level. Word of warning: winter turns this road into an impassable wonderland of 10-15 foot snowbanks. Best time to visit these beauties is May to October. Trust me, the views are SO worth the challenge!

Driving the steep road to Dangbe Laextreme

Driving the steep road to Dangbe La

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly epic off-road experience, Dangbe La Pass in Tibet is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 5,183m (17,004ft) above sea level! You'll find this beast in Xaitongmoin County, northwest of Shigatse, smack-dab in the middle of the rugged Tibetan Plateau. Forget pavement, the 201 County Road (X201) is a 34 km (21.12 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt and gravel. Translation: 4x4 is a MUST! Connecting Cuobuxixiang and Nadangxiang, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Besides the steep inclines, you'll be battling thin air and unpredictable weather, no matter the season. Keep in mind, this route is best tackled in the summer. Winter brings heavy snow and ice, making the X201 impassable. A word to the wise: bring your A-game. The sustained steepness and altitude will push your engine to its limits, and since you're in a remote area, you'll need to be completely self-sufficient. But hey, the views? Totally worth it for the adventurous souls among us!