Shertang La
Bhutan, asia
N/A
3,573 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Shertang La, also known as Ura La! This mountain pass sits way up in Bhutan's Bumthang District at a dizzying 3,573m (11,722ft), making it one of the country's highest roads.
The Bumthang - Ura Highway, built in the 90s, is mostly paved but don't expect a smooth ride! Think patchy asphalt (even some gravel thrown in!), steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. You'll see prayer flags fluttering at the top, but be warned: the air is thin up here. Altitude sickness is a real possibility.
The road itself? Super narrow. If you're prone to car sickness, this might not be your jam. But the views… oh, the views! Seriously, it's worth it. You're driving through the Black Mountains, after all. And if the weather's on your side, you might catch a glimpse of Gangkhar Puensum towering over the northern valley, plus the charming yellow-roofed lhakhang of Shingkhar village below.
Just a heads-up: the wind can be intense up here year-round, so bundle up. The pass can also be closed for a day or two in the winter due to snow. It's often misty on top. But when the clouds part, you're rewarded with incredible views over the wide valleys and forests of Bumthang. Don't miss it!
Where is it?
Shertang La is located in Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.4199, 90.2869
Road Details
- Country
- Bhutan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,573 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 27.4199, 90.2869
Related Roads in asia
moderateLawu Pass: a paved steep road to the top
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Lawu La! This epic mountain pass punches a hole through the sky at a staggering 14,340 feet in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. You'll find it in Markham County, snaking along the Langcang River. This section of the legendary 318 National Road (G318), also known as the Tibet-Sichuan highway, is no Sunday drive. Think 47.3 kilometers of paved road twisting and turning from Rumeizhen to Markam. Hold on tight, because this stretch is steep, with hairpin turns galore! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for some serious high-altitude thrills and scenery that'll blow your mind.
hardHow to get by car to Zizhu Temple in Tibet?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a place for your bucket list: Zizhu Temple in Tibet's Chamdo Prefecture. We're talking SERIOUSLY high altitude here – 4,474 meters (that's almost 14,700 feet!). You'll find this incredible temple nestled in Dingqing County, eastern Tibet. "Zizhu" means "six peaks," and it's one of the highest AND oldest monasteries in the region, a super important site for the Bon religion. This place has been around for over 300 years, and it's dedicated to Guanyin. Every year, they hold this incredible prayer ceremony with ancient Bon religious dances (which, BTW, have influenced Tibetan Buddhism). Now, the road...get ready for an experience. From 535 Country Road, it's about 10.7 kilometers (6.6 miles) of unpaved, steep trail with a crazy amount of hairpin turns – I'm talking 40! You'll climb 852 meters, with an average gradient of almost 8%. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle. Oh, and pro tip: don't even THINK about trying this in winter; it's usually impassable. The views, though? Absolutely breathtaking. Just remember, photography and videography are off-limits inside the temple, but you can freely explore. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
moderateWho built Al Hada Road?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Located in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, Al Hada Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, with 93 bends. Who built Al Hada Road? Construction of the road started in the 1950s, under the reign of King Abdulaziz. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and important mountain roads in the region. The drive offers enchanting and attractive views at night. How long is Al Hada Road? Set high in the southwestern part of the country, the road, known as Route 15, is fully paved. It’s 79.9 km (49.64 miles) long, running east-west from Taif to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. Why is Al Hada Road famous? The road climbs up to Al-Hadā, a mountain resort city at an elevation of 1,975m (6,479ft) above sea level. The road is most notable for its wavy, spiral design, and the occasional twists and turns. Along the way, you can stop to watch the monkeys that live in the mountains. Is Al Hada Road challenging? The road is not easy, with very steep parts and sweeping turns. Breathtaking and majestic, the road rises 6,500 feet in 21 km and has 93 bends. At higher elevations, you can expect foggy conditions around the mountains and temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius. Driving the defiant Al Baha's 25 Tunnels of Saudi Arabia Highway 1 of Iraq was the world's scariest highway 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.
moderateWhere is Lake Moriri?
🇮🇳 India
Tso Moriri: Imagine a hidden gem nestled high in the Ladakh region of India! This lake sits pretty at 14,836 feet, a true alpine paradise. Forget swimming – this place is all about soaking in the views and respecting the pristine environment of this protected wetland. Stretching almost 16 miles long and a few miles wide, Tso Moriri's crystal-clear waters reflect the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for migratory birds like the black-necked crane, and other cool high-altitude wildlife. The road to Tso Moriri, about 28 miles from Sumdo to Korzok, is paved, but don't let that fool you! You'll be fording streams and battling potential snow, even in summer. The road also treats you to views of the shimmering Tso Kar lake. Reaching a max elevation of 15,889 feet, this high-altitude route is usually open only in the summer months, thanks to brutal winter conditions. This area is remote, so come prepared! Fuel up before you go, as there are no gas stations nearby, and don't expect fancy amenities. Power, hot water, and medical aid are scarce, but the views of the Rupshu Valley are priceless.