
Is the road to Karu La unpaved?
China, asia
31.4 km
5,063 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Karu La, a seriously sky-high pass in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking Comai County, Shannan, to be exact, and a whopping 5,063m (16,610ft) above sea level!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Forget smooth asphalt, because the G219 is completely unpaved. A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. The route stretches for 31.4 km (19.51 miles), running from Comai town (Tamzhol) to Piaojinle, offering seriously stunning views of south-east Tibet.
Word to the wise: this altitude is no joke. Oxygen is thin, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. And remember, this is Tibet, so snow is a real possibility in the winter. Slippery conditions can make things extra challenging, so always keep an eye on that weather forecast! Get ready for an unforgettable ride.
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 31.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,063 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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