Road Trip Guide: Conquering Kamba La in Tibet
China, asia
70.2 km
4,851 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kamba La (also called Khamba La or Gampa La)! This sky-high mountain pass in Tibet's Shannan Region sits at a whopping 4,852 m (15,915 ft). Take it easy if you're sensitive to altitude!
This road links the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to the sacred Yamdrok Yumtso area – and let me tell you, the views are EPIC. Seriously, this is one of the most gorgeous passes in Tibet!
At the top, you'll find a parking area with insane views of Yamdrok Lake (aka Blue Lake), Tibet's largest freshwater beauty and one of its four holiest. The lake is stunning. Plus, along the way, you can snag photos with yaks and Tibetan mastiffs for a small fee (if they're around). The pass itself is draped in colorful prayer flags, and if you look beyond the lake, you’ll catch a mind-blowing view of the glaciated Nojin Kangtsang peak, soaring to 7,191 m (23,593 ft)!
Provincial Road 307, also known as the Southern Friendship Highway, will get you there. It's paved, so no crazy off-roading needed. It's a long drive – 70.2 km (43.62 miles) running from Qüxü to Baidi – but not too steep. Word of warning: this route is popular, so expect some company from tourist buses. And remember, at this altitude, even your engine might feel the thin air!
Where is it?
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Kamba La in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.3167, 104.6302
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 70.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,851 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.3167, 104.6302
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