
Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier
China, asia
11 km
5,606 m
hard
Year-round
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 it?
Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.6271, 107.2023
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,606 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.6271, 107.2023
Related Roads in asia
moderateKelok Sembilan: 9 curves-climb
🌍 Indonesia
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out Kelok 9 in West Sumatra, Indonesia! This road connects the central and eastern parts of the island, and the views are seriously stunning. Also known as Kelok Sembilan, this 2.7 km stretch of road near Payakumbuh is a wild ride. Built way back in the early 1900s, it used to be famous (or maybe infamous?) for its nine super steep curves that caused crazy traffic jams. Luckily, six new bridges were built in 2013, making the drive smoother and even more scenic. "Kelok" means "curve," and trust me, you'll feel every single one of those nine bends! If you're looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, this is the place. Plus, you're driving through lush nature reserves with green hills on either side, making the journey even more incredible. This road is a true testament to Indonesia's road-building skills, and with tons of awesome photo spots, it's become a major tourist attraction.
hardHere's What You Need to Know about Driving the Road to Chaguola post
🇨🇳 China
Chaguola is a military outpost at an elevation of 5.261m (17,260ft) above the sea level, located in Yadong County of the Tibet region of China, part of its Shigatse Prefecture. The military road to the outpost, also known as Thog La, is unpaved, with hundreds of curves and hairpin turns. A 4x4 vehicle is required. The climb requires a military authorization very difficult to obtain (even for a national) because it is located in a totally isolated area near the Indian border. Weather here is brutally harsh: the annual average temperature here is minus 4 degrees Celsius, and the oxygen content of the air is about 40% of that at sea level. It is called the “forbidden zone of life”. The road is impassable in winters and there is snow and very strong winds all year round. Starting at Luojiao, the road to the military outpost is 23.2km (14.41 miles) long. It has very steep parts, hitting a 10% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip From Tinizi to Bianlongduo Driving the grueling road to Dagchu La Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateDriving one of the highest roads in the world to Lo La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Ngamring County in Tibet, you HAVE to check out Lo La Pass. We're talking seriously high altitude here – a whopping 18,300 feet (5,578m)! It’s up there with some of the highest roads in all of China! Tucked away northwest of Sangsang in the breathtaking Gangdise Mountains, getting to the top is a ROUGH ride. We're talking a completely unpaved, rocky path – Y231 to be exact (or 231 Country Road, if you prefer). Leave your low riders at home; you absolutely need a 4x4 for this one. The whole shebang is about 29 miles (47km) stretching north-south. You'll start near Cazê, a little township, and wind your way down to the tiny village of Xialacun, which hooks up with the S205 Provincial Road. Seriously, the views are out of this world!
hardDriving the high mountain road to Kandovan Pass in Iran
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Iran and craving a serious mountain adventure, you NEED to check out Kandovan Pass! Nestled way up high – think 2,989 meters (that's a whopping 9,806 feet!) – this epic pass straddles the Alborz and Mazandaran provinces. Winding for 12.1 kilometers (or 7.5 miles) through the Central Alborz range, the Kandevan Pass isn’t always paved but is generally accessible to most vehicles. Prepare for killer views between the Karaj and Chālūs rivers! Located in northwestern Iran, get ready for a challenging drive! We’re talking tight turns, narrow sections, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 8% in spots. Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully! This road is usually a no-go from late October to late June/early July due to snow. FYI, the famous Kandovan Tunnel, a key part of the Chalus Road, now bypasses the pass and is one of Iran's busiest roads, built way back in the 30's. So, make sure you take the old road to experience the pass!