Taking on the Twists and Turns of Zhong Daban
China, asia
71.2 km
3,779 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Zhong Daban Pass in Qinghai, China is calling your name! Straddling the border between Haibei and Xining, this high-altitude adventure tops out at a breathtaking 3,779 meters (that's 12,398 feet!).
The road, also called Dabanyahuo Pass or S105 (Qiaoyin Highway), is totally unpaved but easily doable in a regular car. Get ready for 71.2 kilometers (44.24 miles) of pure, unadulterated driving bliss running between Datong Hui and Tu to Menyuan Hui.
But, hold on tight! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about 25 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections. At times, you'll be grinding up a 25% gradient! The scenery is epic! So, are you ready to conquer Zhong Daban?
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 71.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,779 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Taibai Mountain?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, so you HAVE to check out this crazy mountain pass in China's Shaanxi province! We're talking seriously high elevation, so be prepared for some thinner air! It's smack-dab in the middle of the country, right in the Taibai Mountain National Forest Park. There's a massive parking lot at the top – perfect for soaking in the views. The good news? It's paved! The not-so-good news? Get ready for a nail-biting 19.5 km (12.11 miles) of narrow, super-steep road absolutely packed with buses! This drive isn't for the timid, trust me. The road is rife with switchbacks. The trick? Hug that guardrail on the cliff edge and crank the wheel hard when you hit those bends. But seriously, the scenery is totally worth the white knuckles!
hardDriving the dizzying 564 Country Road
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Y564, aka 564 Country Road, a real heart-stopper snaking through Zogong County in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 74km (46-mile) roller coaster ride that climbs to a dizzying 4,854m (15,925ft) above sea level, up near the Nujiang River. Expect a mix of paved sections and rugged terrain, plus hairpin turns galore. Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep climbs and drops? And let's not forget those dramatic, oh-my-god-don't-look-down drop-offs! This road links China National Highway 214 to Zhonglinkaxiang, and it’s packed with views that'll leave you breathless (if the altitude doesn't first). So, if you're craving a true test of driving skills and a dose of adrenaline, Y564 is calling your name. Just be prepared for an unforgettable ride!
hardChang La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Chang La! This high-altitude pass in Jammu and Kashmir, India, sits way up at 5,374m (17,631ft). It's one of the highest roads around, so take it easy when you get up there! You'll find it in the Leh district of Ladakh, snuggled in the Himalayas. The road, the Leh to Pangong Lake road, is mostly paved but expect some dirt sections. Any vehicle can handle it, and it's the main route to the Changthang Plateau. The Indian Army keeps watch here year-round, since the Chinese border isn't far off, and the pass stays snowy pretty much all the time. Your best bet is to visit in the summer (mid-May to October), with May and June being prime time. The cold is intense, and the air is thin, so bundle up! Warm clothes, covered ears, and good shoes are essential. Sip warm water and limit your visit to 15-20 minutes to avoid breathlessness. A medical kit with altitude sickness meds is a good idea, just in case. The drive itself is about 71.1km (44.20 miles) from Karu to Durbuk, and it gets steep – some sections hit a 14% gradient! While you're in the area, check out Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri Lake, and Hermis Gompa. Even though Chang La is super cold and windy, the incredible views make it an unforgettable trip!
extremeKagye La is recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kagye La! This wild ride tops out at a staggering 15,793 feet in the Karuo District of Qamdo, Tibet. Picture this: you're cruising (emphasis on "cruising" – slowly!) across nearly 61 miles of pure, unadulterated, *unpaved* road. Now, while technically any car can make it, a 4x4 is your best friend here. The climb isn’t too brutal, topping out around a 5% gradient, but remember where you are: high in the mountains with seriously thin air. Altitude sickness is real, folks, and the weather can turn on a dime. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll be winding your way from the G214 road in Dawacun on a west-to-east journey, experiencing a landscape unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Just remember to breathe (if you can!) and soak it all in!