Lung La is a truly outstanding SUV adventure

Lung La is a truly outstanding SUV adventure

China, asia

Length

33 km

Elevation

5,216 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure junkies, let's talk Lung La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Gyaca County, Tibet, clocking in at a lung-busting 17,112 feet (5,216m). You'll find it southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Forget your fancy sports car, because the road to the top is a wild, unpaved ride. We're talking serious off-road terrain, so bring your high-clearance SUV. This 20-mile (33km) stretch connects Cijiuxiang and Jilongnacun. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views of the untouched lakes, Ge Salangcuo and La Mulacuo. Trust me, the scenery makes the bumpy ride totally worth it!

Where is it?

Lung La is a truly outstanding SUV adventure is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 39.9778, 102.9620

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
33 km
Max Elevation
5,216 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
39.9778, 102.9620

Related Roads in asia

Where is the Anzob tunnel of death?extreme

Where is the Anzob tunnel of death?

🌍 Tajikistan

Located in the Sughd Region of Tajikistan, Anzob Tunnel is said to be the most dangerous tunnel in the world. Nicknamed the Tunnel of Fear and the Tunnel of Death by locals, it lacks proper lighting and ventilation, and breathing is hard and painful due to the thick mixture of exhaust gases. Where is the Anzob tunnel of death? The tunnel is located in the northwestern part of the country. It was built to bypass the infamous and keep the road open year-round. The tunnel through the tunnel is the infamous , the main road between Duschanbe, the capital of the country, and Khujand, the country's second-largest city. How long is the Anzob tunnel? The tunnel is 5,040 m (3.13 mi) long at an elevation of 2,700 meters above sea level. The tunnel is dark and dangerous with hardly any lights inside, and it’s suffocating as there’s no ventilation bar one fan. Why is the Anzob tunnel called the tunnel of death? Locals have shared stories of a number of people dying inside it due to traffic jams that leave people trapped, where they succumbed to carbon monoxide. The poisonous air in the tunnel is barely shifted by one solitary fan somewhere in the middle of the tunnel, which gives some, but not sufficient, movement to the air. How is the Anzob tunnel? The tunnel floor is a maze of deep, seriously deep, potholes hidden under a constant stream of water; the tunnel is strewn with abandoned construction machines and filled with the noxious black smoke of clapped-out lorries. It can be a disturbing experience: no lights, ventilation, or road markings, and it is liable to flooding. It's long, dark, and really dusty, and if you are claustrophobic, just be prepared to be uncomfortable. Even in good weather conditions, the tunnel is flooded, turning the giant potholes in the unfinished road into invisible death traps. Unmarked drainage channels waiting to swamp your bike. The tunnel lacks proper lighting and ventilation, and breathing is hard and painful due to the thick mixture of exhaust gases. Most drivers go as fast as they can, as in any other Central Asian country. Avoid the potholes, particularly in the winter time here. Your whole SUV can submerge if you drive in the wrong place. There are no road markings, so driving on the left or the right are optional, with the middle being the common choice. When was Anzob Tunnel opened? The tunnel was officially opened in March 2006 and supports heavy traffic. It’s also known as Istiqlol tunnel or Ushtur Tunnel. There are no traffic lights to regulate traffic through this section, nor is there an ordered tidal flow of traffic being allowed to enter the tunnel; instead, anarchy prevails in the darkness. Expect huge, axle-snapping potholes threatening to swallow up the car, along with flooding that almost turns them into tunnel ponds. Halfway along the tunnel, water floods the road as a result of an engineering fault. Oncoming cars and trucks emerge in the darkness with headlights flashing for the other drivers to get out of their way. How’s Anzob Tunnel today? In 2018, the tunnel was improved (adding drainage and repairing potholes), and for the most part, it is lit now, with a more or less decent asphalt surface. But it needs much more improvement to be done. How to Survive and Drive through the Dangerous Anzob Pass in Tajikistan Pamir Highway is the second highest altitude international highway in the world Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Budrang Lahard

Budrang La

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to the Budrang La pass in Tibet, China, a whopping 16,115 feet above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive – the "road" is more like a gravel track, officially known as 306 Provincial Road. Seriously, watch your step (or tire!). This route is unforgiving, and those 80 hairpin turns (50 up, 30 down) are covered in rocks and loose gravel. Maybe skip that extra helping of momos before you go – the altitude might make you regret it! Speaking of altitude, this climb is BRUTAL. The air gets thin REAL fast. Most folks start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet, and up here near the pass, oxygen is a luxury. But the views? Totally worth it! And the summit? Decked out in prayer flags fluttering in the wind. A true Tibetan experience!

How long is Guoliang Tunnel?extreme

How long is Guoliang Tunnel?

🇨🇳 China

Deep in the Taihang Mountains of Henan province, China, lies the legendary Guoliang Tunnel. Carved into the cliffs, this 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) passage is a testament to human ingenuity and sheer determination. Back in the early 70s, villagers took matters into their own hands, spending five years armed with hammers and chisels to create this link to the outside world. The tunnel stands 5 meters (16 ft) tall and 4 meters (13 ft) wide. What makes it special? Over 30 "windows" punctuate the tunnel walls, offering glimpses into the breathtaking gully below and letting light stream in. These openings, used during construction to clear rubble, frame the landscape in round and square shapes of varying sizes. Be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive! Guoliang Tunnel demands your full attention. Its twists, turns, and unexpected dips can be unnerving, and the narrow passage barely allows for one-way traffic. Locals will tell you, one mistake here could spell disaster. Despite the challenges, the reward is well worth it. This scenic route is a major draw for tourists, offering unparalleled views and a glimpse into a remarkable feat of human endeavor. Open year-round, Guoliang Tunnel is a must-see for adventurous travelers seeking a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel!

Where is Pen La?hard

Where is Pen La?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Pen La Pass in southeastern Tibet hits a staggering 17,299 feet above sea level! Think you're ready to ditch the predictable? This 17.14-mile stretch, running from south to north from Dêqên to Showuwa, is NOT your average highway. We're talking unpaved goodness (or, well, challenging-ness!), a twisty, turny climb with super narrow spots and seriously steep grades. Forget guardrails; it's just you, your ride, and the raw Tibetan landscape. Heads up, though - this is remote, so check conditions beforehand, as facilities are basically non-existent. But if you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, this wild ride is calling your name!