Jiabo Co
China, asia
N/A
4,774 m
hard
Year-round
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! I just found your next thrill: Jiabo Co, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 15,662 feet in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture.
Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup. Weβre talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "tippy" moments along the infamous 711 County Road (X711). Forget about it in the winter β totally impassable. This is strictly a 4x4 kinda trip, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!). Think steep climbs and potentially muddy conditions if it's wet.
The views? Absolutely insane. The challenge? Seriously real. You'll find yourself in a super remote area with hardly any traffic, so make sure you are self-sufficient and prepared. This is one for experienced off-roaders only!
Where is it?
Jiabo Co is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 40.4822, 104.2127
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,774 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.4822, 104.2127
Related Roads in asia
hardTsugaru Iwaki Skyline: A Road So Winding, You'll Feel Dizzy Just Observing!
π―π΅ Japan
Ready for an epic road trip in northern Japan? Buckle up for the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, a twisty-turny dream (or nightmare, depending on your driving skills!) in the TΕhoku region. Starting from the Ajigasawa Highway at the foot of Mount Iwaki, this paved road climbs all the way to the mountain's 8th station, a staggering 1,247 meters (4,091 feet) high. While you can't drive to the very top (1,625 meters), you can hop on a lift to reach the peak. What's so special about this road? Only 69 hairpin turns of pure driving bliss (or terror!). Seriously, it's one of the most intensely hairpinned roads on the planet. But it's not just about the adrenaline rush. At the top, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views. Feeling adventurous? Hike from the 8th station to the summit, passing through a gorgeous 90-year-old beech forest near the 3rd station. Located near Hirosaki city in Aomori Prefecture, the road stretches for 9.3 km (5.77 miles), climbing 806 meters with an average gradient of 8.66% (and some seriously steep 10% sections). It's open from mid-April to late October, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closes at 5:00 p.m.). Keep in mind that cyclists aren't allowed. Opened back in 1960, it begins at 441m above sea level. Get ready for the drive of your life!
extremeWhere is Derbent Gorge?
π Uzbekistan2
Cruising through Uzbekistan? You HAVE to check out Derbent Gorge in the Surxondaryo Region. This place is epic! Think a stunning 7-8 kilometer canyon carved out by time, with mountain slopes towering up to 400 meters. You'll find it about 30 kilometers from Boysun, practically kissing the Qashqadaryo Region in the southeast corner of Uzbekistan. Derbent, meaning "Closed Gates" or "Narrow Passage," definitely lives up to its name. The gorge gets SO narrow (especially in the last two kilometers) that sunlight barely peeks through except at midday. Imagine the drama! Historically, this was THE spot for Silk Road caravans trekking from Kabul to Bukhara. Everyone from India, China, Persia, and even Spain paid a toll to pass through, earning it the nickname "Iron Gate." Talk about a crossroads of civilizations! The paved road, stretching about 18 km (locally known as Great Canyon Road or Darband Canyon Road), links Derbent to Pas Machay. Word of warning: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. Expect hundreds of turns, clinging close to river level. Seriously, skip it if it's rainy or windy β flooding is a real risk. Keep an eye out for potential rockslides too, slow and steady wins the race here! And maybe avoid peak holiday times β it's a popular spot, so things can get crowded.
extremeWhere is the road to Muling La?
π¨π³ China
Okay, picture this: you're in the far, FAR west of Tibet, about to tackle one of the highest drivable passes on the planet. We're talking serious altitude β way over 5,500 meters! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Muling La, nestled in Zanda County (or Tsamda if you're feeling local) within the Ngari Prefecture, is a beast. Forget lush landscapes; you're entering a lunar-esque world of high-altitude desert and jagged, unforgiving peaks. The adventure begins deep in remote Zanda County, famed for its otherworldly "Earth Forest." But as you start climbing, kiss that goodbye β you're headed into a brutal alpine zone. The climb itself is about 50 km of pure, unadulterated ascent, carving through some of the most sparsely populated territory imaginable. This isn't a tourist trap; this road is mainly for strategic purposes and local access, keeping it raw and real. Now, about the road itself... "road" might be a generous term. Think loose gravel, shifting sand, and razor-sharp rocks under your tires. It's an unpaved rollercoaster with around 30 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and your stomach. Parts of it are ridiculously narrow, demanding a high-clearance 4x4 and the nerves of a seasoned off-roader. The weather throws curveballs, too, with wind and snowmelt constantly reshaping the "path." One wrong move on those unprotected edges, and well... let's just say you don't want to find out. And the hazards? Oh, they're plentiful. First, oxygen is practically non-existent at this altitude. Your engine will wheeze, and you'll be fighting altitude sickness every inch of the way. The Ngari Prefecture weather is notorious for sudden blizzards, even in summer, which can bury those hairpins in minutes. To top it off, there are absolutely ZERO services or emergency support along the entire 50 km stretch. You need to be 100% self-sufficient, packing extra fuel, oxygen, and serious cold-weather gear. This isn't a journey for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an epic, unforgettable, and truly challenging drive through a landscape unlike any other, Muling La is calling your name. Just be prepared to answer.
hardDriving the Legendary Road to Balang Shan Pass
π¨π³ China
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Balang Shan La, a mountain pass that's a whopping 4,485m (14,714ft) high in Sichuan Province, China! Picture this: you're perched on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, right where Xiaojin County, Wenchuan, and Baoxing meet. To one side, you've got the adorable Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, and on the other, the stunning Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area. Banlan, as the locals call the top of the pass, serves up views for days. You're looking out over a sea of mountains, crowned by the snow-covered Siguniang Mountains. The Tibetans call it Balangla, "the mountain of strange willows," and you'll see why! You'll be cruising on the Former 303 Provincial Road, a fully paved route with 26.8 km (16.65 miles) of pure driving bliss, featuring a wild 30 hairpin turns! Trust me, it's steep, it's snowy, and it's unforgettable. Word of warning: Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva here. Rain, snow, and landslides love to mess with the road, so closures are common. The good news? The insane Ba Lang Shan Tunnel (8.8 kilometers long!) bypasses the sketchiest part, saving you tons of time. Nestled between the Siguniang Mountains and Wolong National Park, this pass is a landscape jackpot. We're talking alpine meadows, lush river valleys, and crazy cool alpine flowstone slopes. Get your camera ready!