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
hardIs the road to Beishan Daban paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Beishan Daban! This epic mountain pass sits high in China's Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, offering views that'll make your jaw drop. The road, also known as Beishan Road, is a smooth, paved dream (yes, you read that right – PAVED!). But don't get too comfy, because this climb is no joke! Think endless curves, most of them hairpin turns, testing your driving skills and your stomach. Clocking in at roughly 26km (16 miles), this west-to-east route is a visual feast. So, if you're chasing stunning scenery and a serious driving challenge, Beishan Daban is calling your name! Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the ride (and maybe pack some motion sickness pills!).
hardLamzo La, a winding road only for experienced drivers
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Lamzo La! Nestled way up in the Chang-Chemno range of northern India's Leh District, this mountain pass sits at a staggering 16,112 feet! You might also hear it called Porandu Pass or Cholung La. The road, officially Lukumg-Phobrang-Chartse Road, is actually paved, stretching for about 48 miles. Sounds easy, right? Think again! This route is a real rollercoaster, full of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll test your driving skills. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Expect some seriously steep sections – gradients can hit 6%! Factor in the altitude (hello, altitude sickness!), unpredictable weather, and the sheer remoteness of it all, and you've got yourself a challenging, unforgettable drive. The views? Absolutely epic. The experience? Totally worth it for the seasoned traveler.
extremeA curvy paved road to Qieshan La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Qieshan La! This beast of a mountain pass, also known as Hongtu Daban or "Red Clay Pass," sits way up high in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, China. We're talking 5,392m (17,690ft) – seriously thin air! You'll find it chilling on the 219 National Road (Tibet-Xinjiang Highway), nicknamed the "Sky Road" by the locals. This road was finished in 2013, but it's been around since 1957. Be warned: altitude sickness is a real threat at these heights. Acclimatize! The scenery? Unbelievably stark and raw. Think seriously remote, inhospitable landscapes, with the road twisting and turning over passes at 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 meters. Come prepared, because this road goes through some of the most uninhabited areas on Earth. Although the G219 seems remote, it passes some very important historical and religious places. Seriously, check the information before you go. Expect relentless winds – the kind that buffet you from every direction! Safety first! Weather can be brutal. Winter in Tibet means extreme cold, howling winds, and road closures thanks to heavy snowfall. Avoid it if you can. The air gets super dry and harsh. There are truck stops roughly a day's drive apart, but pack your own food, water, and a sleeping bag (a tent could be a lifesaver). Monsoons hit in July and August, bringing heavy rains that make driving tough. And FYI, some websites are blocked in China, especially when it comes to Tibet. Happy travels!
moderateHow long is the road from Gilgit to Skardu?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Cruising from Gilgit to Skardu in northern Kashmir, Pakistan is a proper adventure. This 167 km (104 mi) stretch, also known as Strategic Highway 1 or simply Skardu Road, climbs from Gilgit (elevation 1,500m or 4,900ft) to Skardu (elevation 2,226m or 7,303ft) along the Indus River. Think hairpin turns and dramatic drop-offs - not for the faint of heart! While it used to be a mix of gravel, it's now fully paved, which means the journey, when the road is open, clocks in at around 3–4 hours. Be warned: weather can shut this route down for days (sometimes even weeks) at a time, and landslides are a real risk. Built by Pakistani and Chinese engineers between 1970 and 1982, this road is a feast for the eyes. Expect stunning valleys, charming villages, and impressive suspension bridges along the way. It's a strategically important road, so you'll be sharing the road with everyone from locals to the military.