Lunkar La is a winding road only for experienced drivers
China, asia
N/A
5,390 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found another crazy pass to add to your bucket list: Lunkar La in Tibet! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 17,683 feet! You'll find this beast in the Zhongba County of Xigazê Prefecture, smack-dab in the Lunkar mountains.
Forget smooth sailing, this road (if you can even call it that) is all dirt and gravel. We're talking the Drongto tso-Ang Laren Tso road, known for its insane hairpin turns that will test your driving skills.
Be prepared for some steep climbs; some sections max out at a 6% gradient. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one, especially because you will encounter river crossings. And a word of warning: avoid this route during heavy rains because the rivers can become impassable. But if you time it right, the views are supposed to be amazing. Get ready for an unforgettable ride.
Where is it?
Lunkar La is a winding road only for experienced drivers is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.5977, 105.8375
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,390 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 35.5977, 105.8375
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving through the unpaved Hormuz Island Loop Road
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay wanderlusters, picture this: you're cruising along the Hormuz Island loop in southern Iran, right in the heart of the Persian Gulf. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about a roughly 21-kilometer gravel track that hugs the entire island. "Arid" doesn't even begin to cover it – this place is dry, dusty, and seriously remote, so pack accordingly! Leave your low-rider at home, because this route is strictly for high-clearance vehicles and experienced drivers who aren't afraid of a little bump and grind. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the otherworldly scenery is SO worth it! Think Martian landscapes meeting the turquoise waters of the Gulf. It's a photographer's dream (and a driver's test!).
moderateWhere is the Moreeb Dune?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Cruising through the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, you'll find the epic Moreeb Dune, or Tal Moreeb, one of the planet's tallest dunes. This beast is nestled near the Liwa Oasis, right on the edge of the Empty Quarter desert, practically waving to Saudi Arabia. So, what makes it a must-see? For starters, it's the tallest dune in the UAE! We're talking a whopping 5,250 feet long and almost 1,000 feet high, with a seriously steep 50-degree slope. It's not just a pretty face though—it's famous for hosting insane drag races. Getting there is surprisingly easy. The whole 13.6-mile stretch from the Arada - Hamim Road (E90) is paved. As you drive south of Mzeerʻah, the road winds through the desert, treating you to incredible sand dune vistas before you even reach the legendary Tal Mireb ("Horrifying Hill"). The paved road takes you all the way to the base of Tal Moreeb and ends in a parking lot, so no 4x4 needed, thanks to the government's efforts to make this place accessible. Just follow the signs for 'Moreeb Dune' or 'Tal Mireb'. One heads up though: the desert wind loves to blow sand onto the road, so keep an eye out!
extremeKalpani Pass: The volatile 4x4 mountain route in Upper Dir
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Deep in Pakistan's Upper Dir District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sits the Kalpani Kandao (Kalpani Pass) – a whopping 2,206m (7,237ft) high! It’s a crazy, strategic route twisting through the foothills of the Hindu Kush. Think volatile landscapes meeting equally volatile regional vibes. This "road" stretches for 32.2 km (20 miles) between Barawal Bandi and Lal Qila. Don't let the distance fool you; it could take *hours* thanks to the rough terrain and frequent military checkpoints. This pass is your gateway to Pakistan’s remote, northwestern valleys bordering Afghanistan. Get ready for a serious challenge! The Kalpani Kandao is a wild, mostly unpaved 4x4 adventure of loose dirt and jagged rocks. Expect hairpin turns and unbelievably narrow sections hugging the mountainside. A high-clearance 4WD isn’t optional; it’s a MUST for those steep climbs and deep ruts. And hold on tight – there are no guardrails, just sheer drops into the valleys below. Monsoon season turns this place into a slippery mudslide, so watch out! But here's the real deal: the personal security risks here are real. This region is unstable, with military ops and militant groups. Sadly, threats like terrorism and kidnapping are a concern in these remote areas. Many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are off-limits to foreigners and require special permits that are nearly impossible to get for this pass. Given the volatility and the potential for things to escalate fast, most governments advise against traveling here. Even armed escorts can't guarantee safety. Think twice – or maybe three times – before tackling this route.
hardHow long is Kohat Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, formerly known as the North West Frontier Province, and you stumble upon Kotal Kohat, a mountain pass that tops out at 855 meters (that's 2,805 feet!). This fully paved road, locally known as Kohat Road, stretches for about 20.4 kilometers (or 12.67 miles) from Babozi to Kohat. It's a proper climb! Now, while the pass is steep and can be a bit narrow for larger vehicles, the good news is that the Kohat Tunnel opened in 2003, bypassing the most challenging sections. Back in the day, navigating these rugged mountains was a real hassle. The weather here can turn on a dime, especially in winter – think snow, ice, and fog. Landslides, thanks to heavy rains, can also cause chaos. British authorities kicked off the construction of Kohat Pass way back in 1849, finishing it up by 1850, despite some serious local resistance. It even got temporarily shut down in 1853 after a tribal spat. A word to the wise: Pakistan can be a bit unpredictable. Exercise caution due to potential security issues like terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Travel during daylight hours, and always check with local authorities about road conditions, especially during monsoon season or winter. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!