Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds

Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds

China, asia

Length

70.4 km

Elevation

5,153 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Riong La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! Perched way up high at 5,153 meters (that's 16,906 feet!), this bad boy sits right on the edge of Lhari County (Nagqu) and Gongbo'gyamda County (Nyingchi City).

Forget pavement; this 70.4 km (43.74 miles) stretch from Codoi Township down to the Linla Highway is strictly off-road territory. We're talking 4x4 ONLY. Seriously. This area is REMOTE.

Expect a solid 3-4 hour drive if you're not stopping (but you'll WANT to stop for the views!). Be warned: it gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 11%! Oh, and pro tip? Don't even THINK about attempting this from late October through late June/early July. Snow makes it impassable. Always double-check conditions before you go. Trust me; this is a trek you won't soon forget!

Where is it?

Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.7022, 108.5896

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
70.4 km
Max Elevation
5,153 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
38.7022, 108.5896

Related Roads in asia

Jhankai Nuruu, a 4x4 road with stunning viewshard

Jhankai Nuruu, a 4x4 road with stunning views

🌍 Mongolia

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hidden in northern Mongolia's Khövsgöl province, waiting to be discovered, is the incredible Jhankai Nuruu peak. We're talking a whopping 2,282m (7,486ft) high! Nestled within the stunning Horidol Saridag Range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer the unpaved road to the top, and you'll probably want to save this trip for summer. This 5.5km climb packs a punch, with some seriously steep sections averaging around 8.1% and hitting peaks of 10%! But trust me, the reward is worth it. The summit offers breathtaking views of Khovsgol Lake and the surrounding landscapes, stretching all the way to the Siberian border. Get ready for views that will blow your mind!

Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacierhard

Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Damxung, Tibet, you HAVE to check out the new gravel road leading to the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier. Seriously epic! This totally untamed, unpaved road opened in April 2021, and it's already a legend. Reaching a staggering 5,606 meters (18,392 feet) above sea level, it’s one of the highest roads you'll find. Definitely need a 4x4 for this beast! Word of caution: this road is usually a no-go from late October to late June/early July due to snow. Keep an eye on the weather. And be prepared to rough it – facilities are seriously limited. But the views? Totally worth it! You'll wind your way up 11km (6.83 miles) from the S304 road, gaining 680 meters in elevation along the way. That’s an average gradient of 6.18%, with some sections hitting a steep 11%. Hold on tight – there are 17 hairpin turns! Not recommended for anyone who gets carsick easily. And be careful, the road can be icy year-round. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – this area is pristine. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on one of the world's three largest land glaciers. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and be prepared for anything!

Where is Wenquan?moderate

Where is Wenquan?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (part of China National Highway 109), and you find yourself climbing, and climbing, and climbing... until you reach Wenquan. Also known as Wenchuan or Wenzhuan. This high-altitude town sits way up in the Tanggula Mountains of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, claiming a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. The journey to this remote spot is about 642 km (398 miles) from Nagqu to Budongquan, and you'll be driving at a staggering 5,100m (16,732ft) above sea level. Keep in mind that while Wenquan might be one of the highest towns reachable by car, there are other settlements out there that are even higher. Heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The weather in this part of the Tibetan Plateau can change in a heartbeat, from sunshine to snow. The altitude means the air is thin, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness. But, the views? Totally worth it! Plus, you might even spot a snow leopard or a panda in the wild — this area is a haven for endangered species. So buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Is the road to Pang La paved?hard

Is the road to Pang La paved?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up for an epic adventure on Pang La! This incredible mountain pass sits way up high at 5,205m (that's 17,076ft!), nestled in the Himalayas in Tibet, China. The whole 48.9 km (30.38 miles) of Zhufeng Road is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but get ready for a wild ride. From the south, you'll tackle a whopping 64 switchbacks, and from the north, there are 41 leading to the Friendship Highway! The climb gains over 1000m in elevation, and while it's not crazy steep (maxes out at 5.8%), those endless curves will keep you on your toes. But trust me, it's all worth it. The summit offers mind-blowing panoramic views of the entire Himalayan range. You can even see Everest! It's about 90km from the top to the Rongbuk monastery, the last stop to view Everest. The pass itself is marked with a cairn adorned with prayer flags, stones, and bones – a truly special place. Crossing Pang La is easily one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Tibet.