Mi La Mountain Tunnel: enjoy a tunnel among the clouds
China, asia
5.72 km
4,752 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through Tibet? You've GOT to check out the Mi La Mountain Tunnel! Seriously, this thing is mind-blowing. We're talking Southwest China, smack-dab in the Tibet autonomous region, and you're zipping through one of the highest tunnels *in the world*, hovering around 15,590 feet above sea level.
It's a key part of the new Lhasa-Nyingchi highway, making that 250-mile stretch a breeze. The tunnel itself is about 3.5 miles long, perfectly paved, connecting Lhasa with Nyingchi.
Before this tunnel, you had to tackle the Mi La Mountain Pass, topping out at a lung-busting 16,437 feet. This tunnel cuts out a huge chunk of that winding mountain road, shrinking an 11-mile stretch over the mountain to just 3.5 miles inside the tunnel. Major time-saver! Give a thought to the construction crew that worked in sub-freezing conditions, thin air, and dealing with constant floods. All for this tunnel!
Where is it?
Mi La Mountain Tunnel: enjoy a tunnel among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.4065, 105.1317
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 5.72 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,752 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 33.4065, 105.1317
Related Roads in asia
hardTraversing the Tunnel Beneath Kumbhe Waterfall: Maharashtra's Majestic Intersection
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, and BAM! You stumble upon the Kumbhe Waterfall – seriously stunning. Tucked away in the Sahyadri mountains, this natural beauty sends water cascading down about 175 feet. Think lush greenery and the sound of water hitting a clear, tranquil pool. While it’s pretty year-round, monsoon season (June to September) is when it REALLY puts on a show. But wait, there's more! At the base of the mountains, you'll find a crazy cool handmade tunnel, like something Indiana Jones would explore. It's about 820 feet long, and the locals built it! Heads up, though: it's dark, rugged, and totally raw. No fancy lights or smooth concrete here! There are some holes in the ground, too, so watch your step. And during the monsoon? That waterfall gets intense, so be extra careful. Safety first, folks! But if you're up for a little adventure, this place is unforgettable.
moderatePereval Tuzduu-Suu
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real mountain pass in Kyrgyzstan? Then Pereval Tuzduu-Suu in the Jalal-Abad Region needs to be on your radar. We're talking about a climb up to 1,970 meters (6,463 feet) above sea level. Now, the road isn't paved perfection; expect gravel and rocks. Fair warning: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. And don't overeat before you go – let’s just say things could get… messy. The pass is generally open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with short closures due to nasty weather. This route connects the charming villages of Torkent and Almalu, offering a glimpse into authentic Kyrgyz life. Get ready for some incredible views, if you can handle the rough ride!
extremeDriving the wild Yamda La
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Yamda La Pass in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal is calling your name! Situated at a whopping 13,077 feet (3.986m), this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking the Kaligandaki Road Corridor, a rough-and-tumble path carved out by the Nepal Army. Picture this: a mostly unpaved, seriously steep climb that’ll put your 4x4 (and your lungs) to the test. Oxygen? What oxygen? The air gets thin up here, especially since many start feeling altitude sickness lower down. This route isn't just about the thrill; it's a gateway between Kagbeni (a riverside village) and the Chinese border. But be warned: Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real threats, and icy patches lurk around every corner. Winter? Forget about it – this pass is usually a no-go. But hey, if you're prepared for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, Yamda La delivers unparalleled, rugged beauty. Just pack your courage (and maybe an oxygen tank).
hardPereval Kyndy
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in the Naryn Province of northern Kyrgyzstan and you're craving a seriously epic drive, check out Pereval Kyndy. This mountain pass tops out at a breathtaking 3,410 meters (that's nearly 11,200 feet!), offering views that will absolutely blow your mind. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday afternoon joyride. The road is unpaved, and rock slides are a very real possibility at any time. You're gonna need a 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this beast. You'll find it on the route connecting Chatyr-Kul and Col Suu. You might even spot some crazy souls doing it on ATVs! Whatever you do, DO NOT go it alone. Trust me on this one. And speaking of trust, you might want to skip the Kyrk-Kyz Pass altogether. But the scenery? Oh. My. Goodness. Picture this: rugged mountains, vast open spaces, and a feeling of being completely off the grid. Just keep in mind that winter here is BRUTAL, so plan your trip accordingly.