
Kanda Shan Pass is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
China, asia
49.6 km
4,656 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Kanda Shan Pass (also known as Yega La), a wild ride through Nangqên County in Qinghai, China! Nestled on the edge of Tibet, this beast climbs to a staggering 4,656m (15,275ft).
Forget smooth asphalt; this 49.6km (30.82 miles) stretch is all unpaved glory (or terror, depending on your perspective!). From Kanda Village to Maozhuangxiang, you'll be wrestling your steering wheel through what feels like a never-ending series of switchbacks (a good dozen, at least!) and countless turns. It's seriously steep in sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 12%.
Budget around 3-4 hours to conquer this road, and trust me, you'll want to take it slow. The reward? Views that'll knock your socks off, pure, unadulterated freedom, and lungs full of crisp mountain air. Seriously, the scenery here is unforgettable. Get ready for an adventure!
Where is it?
Kanda Shan Pass is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.9433, 104.6878
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 49.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,656 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 33.9433, 104.6878
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