Is the road to Yaksang La paved?
China, asia
39.9 km
4,894 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just discovered the epic Yaksang La, a mountain pass teetering at a staggering 16,056 feet! Find it straddling the Comai and Qonggyai counties in Shannan, Tibet.
The entire route to the summit (also known as Gu La) is paved, following the Qiongcuo Line, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Think endless hairpin turns, crazy twists, and seriously steep inclines. At the top, you'll be rewarded with an archway marking your achievement.
Stretching for nearly 25 miles from Qonggyai to Zongzongcun, this north-south route delivers jaw-dropping views and a serious adrenaline rush. Word to the wise: when winter rolls in and the snow falls, things get hairy, so plan accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 39.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,894 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
moderateIs Toli Peer Worth It?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Toli Peer! This "most attractive point" is nestled in the northeastern corner of Tehsil Rawalakot, high in the Poonch District. Imagine lush meadowland atop a hill – that's Toli Peer! It's where three majestic mountain ridges begin. The road itself? Well, it was paved a while back, but let's just say it's seen better days. Most cars *can* make it, even RVs, but be prepared for some steep sections with a max gradient of 10%. The 33.6 km (20.87 miles) from Abbaspur to Ban Behak can get a little dicey, especially when it's wet, so take it slow and easy during monsoon season and definitely skip it in winter. Now, for the not-so-fun part. Pakistan, beautiful as it is, has some safety concerns. It's best to exercise a high degree of caution as the security situation can be unpredictable, and terrorist groups operate in the region. Sadly, incidents like bombings and kidnappings can happen. Plus, the driving can be, shall we say, enthusiastic! Aggressive drivers and frequent accidents are common. So, if anything feels unsafe, get out of there and find the nearest authorities. If you do drive, avoid the roads at night, keep your doors locked, and tell someone your plans. Be prepared for police checkpoints, and pack essentials like gas, water, food, and a cell phone. Stay safe and enjoy the incredible views!
extremeWhere is Chang La?
🇮🇳 India
Chang La – get ready for some serious altitude! We're talking 17,631 feet above sea level in Jammu and Kashmir, India. This Himalayan pass, nestled in the Leh district of Ladakh, is no joke; altitude sickness is real, so keep your visit under 20 minutes. The road, connecting Leh to Pangong Lake and acting as the gateway to the Changthang Plateau, is mostly paved, though you'll hit some dirt patches. Any vehicle can make it, though! Just be prepared for steep climbs – some sections hit a 14% gradient. The Indian Army keeps this pass in shape (it's close to the Chinese border), and snow sticks around all year. Hit it up between mid-May and October for the best weather, with May and June being prime time. What to bring? Layers, my friend! Warm clothes, covered ears, and sturdy shoes are musts. Sip warm water, too. A medical kit with altitude sickness meds is also a good call. This 44-mile stretch from Karu to Durbuk isn't just about bragging rights. The views of snow-capped peaks are unreal. Plus, it's a great jumping-off point for Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri Lake, and Hermis Gompa. Even with the biting winds, Chang La's stunning vistas make it an adventure you won't forget!
hardAn awe-inspiring drive to Lisuo Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Lisuo Pass, or Gongbucuo as the locals call it, is calling your name from the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, Southwest China. This baby tops out at a staggering 4,675m (15,337ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious altitude! Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and has some seriously sketchy drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. There are also some super-narrow sections, so make sure you're comfortable reversing! A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. But hey, the views are absolutely killer! Prepare to be blown away by the stunning panorama, especially the iconic Mt. Minya Konka, which looks unreal when mirrored in Lisuo Lake. The climb itself is no joke, with gradients hitting a lung-busting 16% in places. The ascent from Shangmujucun is only 8.1km, but you'll gain a whopping 928 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 11.45%! Trust me, the bragging rights are worth it!
moderateDangjin Shankou: Navigating China's Majestic Altitudes on Road G215
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dangjin Shankou, a seriously stunning mountain pass soaring to 3,655m (that's nearly 12,000ft!) in Gansu Province, China. This gem sits pretty in the Altyn Tagh range, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. The road, known locally as Dangjinshan Daban, is completely paved and part of the G215 highway. Picture this: endless straightaways mixed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes – it's a driver's dream! This epic pass stretches for 60km (37 miles), connecting Aleteng Town in the south with Changcaogou Daoban up north. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go. This area can get hit with rough conditions quickly. Stick to daylight hours, and definitely avoid driving after dark or after it's been raining. Trust me on that one!