
Longga La
China, asia
13.1 km
4.559 m
extreme
Year-round
Longga La is a seriously high mountain pass in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, China, topping out at a staggering 5,159m (16,925ft) above sea level!
The road to the summit is paved, so that's a plus. But don't let that fool you – this isn't a Sunday drive!
Up here, the weather can turn on a dime. Expect strong winds, freezing temperatures, and even snow, even in summer. Road closures due to bad weather are common. Ice and snow can make things tricky. Take it slow and steady! If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, maybe skip this one. And definitely no babies under 4 months, the altitude is no joke. The climb is steep, about 13.1km long from the 219 National Road at 4,559m above sea level. You'll gain 600 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 4.58% and a fun 16 hairpin turns.
Despite the challenges, the views are incredible. Definitely a road for those seeking a serious adventure!
Where is it?
Longga La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.0638, 101.0389
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 13.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4.559 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.0638, 101.0389
Related Roads in asia
hardHow to drive the wild paved road to Yongko La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Yongko La! This beast of a pass clocks in at a cool 1,760m (5,774ft) in Bhutan's Mongar District. This route, also known as the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1), was carved out back in the 90s. Get ready for a wild ride! The pavement can be pretty rough, sometimes giving way to gravel, and the road gets seriously steep. We're talking thousands of curves, including hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Some sections are incredibly narrow, so keep your eyes peeled! Stretching 256km (159 miles) from Chamkhar to Trashigang, prepare for jaw-dropping scenery. You'll wind through thick forests teeming with Rhododendron trees, chattering monkeys, and other crazy exotic wildlife. Plus, the prayer flags draped along the roadside add a magical touch. Nestled high in the Black Mountains near Phrumsengla National Park, Yongko La can get hit hard by winter snow, closing it down for a day or two. Strangely, by April and May, the snow is usually gone. Be warned that the summit is often shrouded in mist, adding an extra layer of mystique to your journey.
moderateIs Nakee La paved?
🇮🇳 India
Nakee La Pass, sitting pretty at 15,647 feet in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a must-see for any adventure seeker! The road's mostly paved, thank goodness, and it's part of the legendary highway heading from Manali to Leh. You'll hit Nakee La as the third of five awesome passes along the way. Word to the wise: keep your eyes peeled for some rough patches that can give your tires a workout. But seriously, conquering this road is a badge of honor! Nestled in the Zanskar Range, between Sarchu and Pang, the climb to Nakee La is a real treat. You'll be ascending for 23 kilometers, snaking up 22 hairpin turns from 13,746 feet to a cool 15,255 feet above sea level. After you've conquered the pass, be prepared for a super dry landscape. Oh, and a little local lore: some say the pass is haunted by the ghost of a trucker who met his end due to a snowstorm. It's tradition to leave offerings of cigarettes and water as you pass through. But honestly, most people cruise right through without even realizing its there!
hardHow to get by car to Latong La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Latong La! This beauty sits way up high in the Mongar District of Bhutan, clocking in at 2,750m (9,022ft). The Bumthang-Ura Highway (aka PNH1) is paved, but let's be real, it's seen better days (think rough patches and even some gravel surprises!). It's a 256km (159 miles) rollercoaster from Chamkhar to Trashigang, and prepare for a workout — this road is steep with a never-ending series of curves, including tons of hairpin turns, and it gets super narrow in spots. The scenery, though? Totally worth it! You'll be cruising through dense Rhododendron forests, keep an eye out for monkeys, and listen to the incredible sounds of the jungle. Plus, prayer flags line the route, adding to the magic. Heads up: Latong La, nestled in the Black Mountains, can get hit with heavy snowfall and close for a day or two in winter. Oddly enough, by April and May, the snow's usually gone, but the summit is often shrouded in mist. Just part of the adventure, right?
easyCrossing the Braldu Valley Road bridges isn't for the sissies
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to K2 in Pakistan's Gilgit Baltistan region (Skardu District, to be exact), get ready for a wild ride! The road to Askole and Korphe, those little villages nestled on the way to the mighty K2, is an experience in itself. We're talking about a route that winds its way through the Braldu Gorge, crisscrossing the Braldu River on what can only be described as *thrilling* wooden suspension bridges. Seriously, these bridges are not for the faint of heart! They might just be some of the most spectacular – and slightly terrifying – bridges you'll ever encounter. Keep an eye out for the legendary Korphe Bridge in Askole Village. This rickety wonder stretches a whopping 215 feet over the Braldu River and is mostly made of broken planks. Buckle up, and enjoy the views! This curvy road leads up to Khojak Pass with another route to Baboon Top, too. Get ready for some serious elevation, some hair-raising moments, and views that will absolutely blow your mind!