Medo La: a new military road on the Chinese-Indian border
India, asia
N/A
5,915 m
hard
Year-round
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Medo La! This border-crossing beauty sits way up high at a staggering 19,406 feet, straddling China and India. We're talking one of the planet's highest motorable roads, folks!
The road itself? Well, it’s mostly paved, but don't get too comfy – it quickly turns to a rough unpaved track. Military access only, so leave the sedan at home and grab your 4x4. The ascent is brutal, a real lung-buster thanks to the crazy altitude. Seriously, the air is THIN. Oh, and did I mention it's steep?
Finished in 2021, Medo La links Sikkim in India with Kamba County in Tibet. Getting permission to tackle this one is a mission in itself, even for locals, as it's in a super-sensitive area near the Indian border. Get ready for an isolated adventure unlike any other!
Where is it?
Medo La: a new military road on the Chinese-Indian border is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 22.2425, 82.5071
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,915 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 22.2425, 82.5071
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is Gu La?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Gu La, a seriously sky-high mountain pass clinging to the roof of the world in Cona County, China. We're talking a whopping 5,075m (16,650ft) above sea level! Also known as Thermu La, you'll find this beauty in the Shannan Prefecture of southern Tibet, practically breathing the same air as the stunning Lake Nariyong Co. The road itself? It's a fully paved ribbon stretching for 23.7 km (14.72 miles) from the S202 highway to Quzhuomuxiang. Don't let the "paved" part fool you, though. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking some seriously steep climbs, maxing out at a gut-busting 31% gradient in places. And the curves? Forget about it! Hairpin turns galore and switchbacks that'll have you questioning your life choices (in a good way, of course). Get ready for unforgettable views and an adrenaline rush that’ll leave you buzzing!
extremeHow long is the road to Mount Ughtasar?
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're up for a serious off-road challenge in Armenia's Syunik Province, then Mount Ughtasar is calling your name. This ain't your Sunday drive though, reaching the 3,296m (10,813ft) summit is an adventure best tackled in mid-summer (think July-August) when the weather plays nice. From Ishkhanasar, it's a wild 17km (10.56 miles) climb, gaining a whopping 1,500m in elevation. We're talking a solid 90 minutes of bone-rattling, unpaved terrain that demands a 4x4 beast. Be warned, the last 500m is a hike – your trusty steed can't quite handle the final, super-steep push. Situated high near the Azerbaijan border, Ughtasar is strictly a summer fling. Extreme weather is the name of the game up here: blizzards, gale-force winds, blinding fog, slick black ice, and avalanche dangers. You'll likely spot lingering ice patches even in summer. So, why endure all this? The reward is breathtaking. At the top lies the serene Ughtasar Lake and the legendary Ughtasar Petroglyph Field. The mountain's even shaped like a camel's toe! These ancient rock carvings depict everything from animals and humans to hunting scenes and abstract shapes. They offer an amazing glimpse into ancient life, agriculture, battles, and celebrations. Oddly, you won't spot any birds in the carvings. Trust me, this rugged, historical adventure is worth every bump and bruise!
hardGochak La, an epic enthralling road to the summit
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Gochak La, a crazy-high mountain pass chilling at 15,600 feet in Tibet, right near Bhutan. Locals also call it Guicha La or Guoqing La, and its name means "Lock Pass." The road? Think rugged, unpaved, and seriously remote. It's a proper mountain route, so be prepared for thin air and weather that can change in a heartbeat. But trust me, the views are worth it! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be winding through 17 miles (27.7 km) of incredible scenery, from the famous Kangbu Hot Spring to the super-high town of Pagri. And the payoff? Epic panoramas of the Talung Glacier, plus jaw-dropping views of Kangchenjunga and Simvu. The lamas know what's up – this place is special!
hardHow to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, so you're heading to Shemshak, Iran, a ski resort perched way up high at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)! They say it's the second biggest ski area in the whole country. Built back in '58, this place is nestled in the stunning Alborz Mountains. The road in, called 425, is fully paved, so no worries there. But be warned, it's a *steep* climb with some seriously narrow bits. But hey, the views are worth it! You'll pass through some cool little towns, perfect for a pit stop. And pro tip: you absolutely HAVE to try the kebabs along the way. Seriously amazing. The road itself stretches for 52 km (32 miles), running from Kushkak in the south to Lavasan in the north. And guess what? Keep going past Shemshak, and you'll hit another awesome ski resort called Dizin. Road trip, anyone?