Is the road to Ma La paved?
China, asia
17.5 km
5,245 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Ma La in Tibet! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking remote, high-altitude driving in Nyalam County, China, connecting Gyirong with the unreal Paiku Co lake. Picture this: the vast Tibetan Plateau stretching out before you, but first, you gotta conquer this beast of a road.
Forget smooth tarmac – it's all gravel, baby! And depending on the weather, that gravel can turn seriously treacherous. Oh, and did I mention we're scaling to a whopping 5,245m (17,208ft)? Yeah, altitude sickness is a real thing up here. Plus, winter brings heavy snow, so this road can be a no-go at any moment.
Now, about those hairpin turns… Thirty-two of 'em! This ascent is a twisty, turny rollercoaster, demanding your full attention. Steep gradients and loose gravel mean even seasoned drivers will be put to the test.
Starting from Zhongma, it’s a 17.5 km (10.8 miles) climb to the summit, gaining a massive 1,752 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10%! Your engine's gonna be screaming, and you'll be gasping for air, but the views… oh, the VIEWS! Totally worth it (maybe after you catch your breath). Just remember to respect the mountain, bring a capable vehicle, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 17.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,245 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow long is the road to Gardaneh Sar?
🇮🇷 Iran
Gardaneh Sar: Picture this – a super-remote village way up in the Alborz Mountains of northern Iran, in Mazandaran Province. We're talking serious altitude here, 2,935m (that's 9,629ft!). This isn't just a Sunday drive, it's a proper off-road adventure. It's a seasonal spot for nomadic herders and climbers heading for Atash Sang Peak. The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. It's 7.5 km (4.66 miles) from the village of Mian Deh, but don't let the short distance fool you. You're climbing a whopping 764 meters! That's an average gradient of over 10%, and some bits are way steeper! Think unpaved, loose gravel, dirt, and chunky rocks – 4x4 with serious clearance is essential. It's narrow and can be pretty precarious. Snow shuts it down in winter and spring, and even summer rains can turn it into a muddy mess. Hazards? Isolation is a big one. Plus, the weather can flip on you in a heartbeat, and there's potential for rockfalls. Since it's mainly used by nomads and climbers, there are zero services along the way. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape, and pack extra fuel and water before you leave Mian Deh. But the views? Totally worth it!
hardWhere is Korzok?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna visit Korzok, one of the highest towns in Jammu and Kashmir, India? This little village (they also call it Korjak!) sits pretty near the northwest end of the stunning Tso Moriri lake. Plus, the Drukpa Buddhist Korzok Monastery is right there! Getting there is half the fun. The road stretches for about 45 km (28 miles). And guess what? It's newly paved! But don't get too comfy—it's still a *very* challenging drive. Think narrow stretches, super steep climbs, and a massive climb up to the Namang La, a high mountain pass sitting at a whopping 5,475m (17,963ft). Get ready for some serious views and maybe a little white-knuckle driving. You've been warned!
hardAn awe-inspiring road to Quanshui Lake
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet, northeast of the Himalayas, cruising on the Tibet - Xinjiang Highway, also nicknamed the "Sky Road" by the locals. This road climbs up to Quanshui Lake, perched way up at 5,137m (that's 16,853ft!). Built back in the '50s and finally paved in 2013, it's an experience, to say the least. You're basically living above 5,000m the whole time, so if you're not used to the altitude, be warned – it can be rough. The scenery is epic, but the terrain is seriously harsh. Think oxygen deprivation, crazy steep climbs, and stretches where you won't find food or water for ages. Plus, you're talking about freezing nights, potentially down to -25 degrees C! This road is a long, tough one, hitting multiple high mountain passes. It's remote, so come prepared. Despite the desolation, you'll pass some incredible historical and religious spots. Word to the wise: double-check conditions before you go. And hold on tight – it's super windy up there, like being hit by gusts from every direction!
hardMihman Yoli Pass, one of the toughest tracks in the world
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Mihman Yoli Pass! This beast of a road straddles the border between Afghanistan and China, clocking in at a dizzying 15,705 feet. You'll find it tucked away in the Wakhan Corridor Nature Refuge. Now, don't even THINK about bringing your sedan. We're talking super steep, unpaved terrain that DEMANDS a high-clearance 4x4. This pass links the Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan with Kashgar Prefecture in Western Xinjiang, China. Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully! This road is usually snowed in from October to June. But if you time it right, you're in for some seriously breathtaking scenery!