Taking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban
China, asia
99.7 km
5,292 m
extreme
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
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
hardZursair La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Zursair La, nestled way up in the Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a beast of a mountain pass. We're talking a whopping 4,960m (16,272ft) above sea level! The "road" to the top is more like a rocky, gravelly, and seriously bumpy trail. Imagine your tires teetering this way and that – yeah, that's the vibe. Heads up, this route is usually snowed in from October through June, so plan accordingly! You'll actually climb even higher on the approach, topping out at 5,022m (16,476ft). This one's definitely for seasoned off-roaders. If unpaved mountain tracks aren't your cup of tea, steer clear! A 4x4 is non-negotiable, and if heights make you queasy, maybe grab a calming tea beforehand. Oh, and expect some seriously steep sections. Keep an eye on the weather – thunderstorms can turn this already challenging track into a 4x4-only nightmare, or even completely impassable. But wow, the views are unlike anything you've ever seen!
hardHow long is Kandovan Pass?
🇮🇷 Iran
Hey thrill-seekers! Get ready for an epic adventure on the Kandovan Pass, a sky-high route straddling the Alborz and Mazandaran provinces of Iran. This isn't just any road; we're talking about soaring to a breathtaking 2,989m (9,806ft)! Wind your way through the heart of the Central Alborz mountains on this 12.1 km (7.51 miles) stretch, also known as the Kandevān Pass. While it's mostly unpaved, most cars can handle it, so no need to leave your trusty ride behind. Prepare to be mesmerized by the views as you snake between the Karaj and Chālūs rivers. This road, nestled in northwestern Iran, is a real challenge, with gradients hitting up to 8% on some ramps. Expect tons of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. Just a heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. For those looking for a smoother ride, the infamous Kandovan Tunnel bypasses this pass. The tunnel is a key part of the Chalus Road, one of Iran's busiest and most scenic routes, built way back in the late 1930s.
extremeCan you drive to Saach Pass?
🇮🇳 India
Saach La, nestled in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba District, India, is a staggering 4,420m (14,500ft) high. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Can you drive it? Absolutely, if you're up for an adventure. Think rugged, unpaved terrain—SH37, as it's known, is a serious challenge. Forget speed; even seasoned drivers crawl at around 10 km/h. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically essential. This pass is relatively new, opening in the early 2000s, slashing the distance between Killar and Chamba by a whopping 500 km! It's the quickest way to connect Chamba town to the remote Pangi Valley, which is otherwise cut off for much of the year. Killar offers basic accommodations for an overnight stop. Sitting high in the Pir Panjal range, Saach La is typically snowed in from mid-October until late June or early July. It’s usually the last pass to open and the first to get snowed in. Worth the trip? Undeniably! You're rewarded with jaw-dropping views of snow-covered peaks and pristine landscapes. The 67.9 km (42.19 miles) stretch from Siri to Killar is lightly trafficked, mostly seeing buses, jeeps, and trucks. The Pangi Valley itself is sparsely populated, with villages scattered roughly every 30 km or so. It's a journey for the bold, linking the Chamba and Pangi valleys in a way you won't soon forget.
moderateJinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for a seriously epic drive across the Jinshajiang Bridge in northwest Yunnan, China! Seriously, this thing is HUGE. They say it's the world's largest span suspension bridge, and after driving it, I believe it. This steel giant hangs way up high over the Jinsha River – construction wrapped up in 2020 after starting in 2016. Building it was no joke, given the earthquake risk and crazy altitude. Speaking of height, you're looking at a 461-meter (1,512 feet) drop from the top! It’s the highest bridge over Asia’s biggest river. And at 1,386 meters (4,547 feet) between towers, it's one of the longest suspension bridges on the planet. Connecting Panzhihua to Lijiang as part of the G4216 Chengdu–Lijiang Expressway, this bridge shaves the journey from a grueling 6 hours to a breezy 2. Peering over the edge? Get ready for a 335-meter (think 110-story building!) view when the Jin'an Dam is full, plunging down 461 meters to the original river surface below. If you're after stunning views and a little bit of an adrenaline rush, this drive is a must!