Taking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban

Taking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban

China, asia

Length

99.7 km

Elevation

5,292 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Xila Daban in western Tibet is calling your name, if you're brave enough. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a staggering 17,362 feet! Picture this: You're in Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture, China, tackling almost 62 miles of pure, unadulterated, UNPAVED road.

Yeah, you read that right - no smooth sailing here! We're talking steep climbs, with gradients hitting 7% in sections. The road is pretty narrow too, so keep your wits about you. Oh, and definitely keep an eye on the weather forecast - things can change in a heartbeat up here.

The route runs between Qipu Jilie (near the Indian border) and Menduo. A heads up though, amenities are scarce! Forget electricity, fancy toilets, or readily available medical help. But hey, who needs those when you've got bragging rights for conquering Xila Daban, right? Get ready for epic views and a true off-the-grid experience!

Where is it?

Taking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.0400, 107.7080

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
99.7 km
Max Elevation
5,292 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
35.0400, 107.7080

Related Roads in asia

The Ultimate Road Trip To Huoshaoyunextreme

The Ultimate Road Trip To Huoshaoyun

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Huoshaoyun in Xinjiang, China, a seriously epic mountain peak soaring to a dizzying 18,914 feet. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a 65-mile-long unpaved beast of a road that'll have your 4x4 begging for mercy. Built back in 2017, this climb kicks off from the paved G219 and doesn't mess around, with some sections hitting a crazy 12% gradient. The views? Absolutely insane. You're smack-dab in the Huoshaoyun Mountain Range, surrounded by raw, untouched beauty. Word on the street is that this mountain's sitting on Asia's largest zinc and lead deposit. But heads up: mountain weather is no joke, and that high altitude is a real factor. So, prepare for anything and everything and get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Driving to Rib La: The remote mountain pass to China’s smallest townshipextreme

Driving to Rib La: The remote mountain pass to China’s smallest township

🇨🇳 China

Rib La is an absolutely insane high-mountain pass topping out at 4,760m (15,616ft) in southeastern Tibet. Seriously, this is one for the bucket list. It's THE vital link to one of the most isolated spots on the planet! The road snakes for 30.9 km (19.2 miles) from Legaduo in the Tsari Valley up to the tiny village of Yumai. You might've heard of it—it's known as China’s smallest township. For ages, this pass was the ONLY way in or out. Prepare for a white-knuckle ride! The road to the summit is ridiculously steep and narrow. You absolutely need a 4x4 and laser focus. Get ready for 16 hairpin turns, and hold your breath because there are some serious, unprotected cliff edges. Newbies, beware—this route demands experience and nerves of steel. Up at 4,760 meters, winter is no joke. Snow makes the surface incredibly slippery and treacherous. This pass used to be completely snowed in for up to six months a year! Even now, winter can be rough and unpredictable. Let's be real: this is one of the most thrilling, but also dangerous, roads in southeastern Tibet. Between the altitude, the narrow gravel tracks, and the risk of avalanches or landslides, it's a high-stakes adventure. The scenery is mind-blowing, but keep your eyes on the road unless you want to end up tumbling down a steep embankment. Beyond the views, Rib La is a crucial route in a sensitive border area. Recent upgrades aim to keep Yumai connected year-round. This remains a wild and raw mountain experience that shows off the extreme side of the Himalayas.

Is the 705 County Road (X705) paved?hard

Is the 705 County Road (X705) paved?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Want a taste of the real Tibet? Then buckle up for the X705, also known as the 705 County Road! This epic route stretches entirely across a seriously high mountain range, so be prepared for some altitude! The good news? It's paved now, so you can ditch the off-roader and take your trusty car. The not-so-good news? "Easy" isn't exactly the word that springs to mind. We're talking major elevation here, so acclimatize and prepare for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Trust me, you don't want that ruining your trip! This beauty clocks in at 705 County Road (X705) long, winding its way east to west from a S304 to a small town called Tinki La. Speaking of winding, get ready for a serious workout for your steering wheel! We're talking 90 hairpin turns leading up to Tinki La. Now, a word of warning: this is the extreme Tibet Autonomous Region, so winter is no joke. Blizzards? Yup. Icy roads? You bet. Check the weather forecast religiously before you even think about setting off. But hey, with all that said, the views are absolutely breathtaking. If you're up for the challenge, the X705 promises an unforgettable Tibetan adventure!

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Road S202moderate

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Road S202

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the S202 in southeastern Tibet! This fully paved road stretches for 224 km (139 miles) between Shannan (Lhoka) and Cona, near the India-Tibet border. Don't let the "pretty straight" description fool you – this route is packed with seriously steep climbs. And the altitude? We're talking a lung-busting 5,119m (16,794ft) above sea level! Factor in 6-7 hours of driving time, minimum. Oh, and pro tip: keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Things can change fast up here. Get ready for an unforgettable ride with views that'll blow your mind!