The curvy road to Thrumshing La isn't an easy one
Bhutan, asia
256 km
3,752 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Thrumshing La Pass in Bhutan is a wild ride! This baby climbs to a whopping 3,752m (12,309ft), making it one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find it smack-dab in the middle of Bhutan, straddling the border between Bumthang and Lhuentse districts, right in Thrumshing La National Park.
Known as both Thrumshingla Pass and Donga Pass, it's basically the divider between two major river systems. Expect prayer flags galore fluttering in the breeze at the summit – it's a seriously scenic spot.
The road itself, the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1), was built in the 90s and let's just say it's seen better days. Paved? Yes, but in *very* rough shape, with some gravel thrown in for good measure. It's steep, twisty (think thousands of curves and hairpin turns), and narrow in places. The eastern descent is a doozy, dropping a staggering 3,150m!
The whole route stretches for 256km (159 miles) from Chamkhar in the west to Trashigang in the east. You'll be driving through thick rhododendron forests filled with monkeys, exotic bird calls, and more prayer flags painted on walls.
Located high in the Black Mountains, pack for the cold – seriously! Warm clothes, a hat, and gloves are a must. Heavy snowfall can close the pass for a day or two in the winter. Strangely, snow is uncommon from April to May. And be prepared for mist – the summit is usually shrouded in it!
Where is it?
The curvy road to Thrumshing La isn't an easy one is located in Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.3286, 90.3334
Road Details
- Country
- Bhutan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 256 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,752 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 27.3286, 90.3334
Related Roads in asia
extremePereval Kum Bel
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Pereval Kum Bel is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.256m (10,682ft) above the sea level, located in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan. The road to the summit is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). 4x4 vehicle required. Drive with care as this is a mountain road with hundreds of hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs. The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Pereval Ayrytash: The treacherous 10% gravel climb in Kyrgyzstan 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.
moderateHow to Get by Car to Rangdum Monastery in the Ladakh Region?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Suru Valley in Ladakh, a remote corner of Jammu and Kashmir. The road, freshly paved, stretches between Kargil and Padum. Suddenly, there it is: Rangdum Monastery, a Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Buddhist site perched dramatically on a rocky hill at a staggering 13,225 feet! This isn't just any stop; it's roughly halfway between Kargil and Padum, near the base of Pensi La Pass. You're talking serious isolation here! The 18th-century monastery feels like a fortress, complete with prayer halls, ancient murals, and Buddhist statues. Around 30 monks call this place home, keeping the traditions alive. The scenery? Rugged, to say the least. Think barren hills, glacier-covered peaks, and rocky outcrops stretching as far as the eye can see. And be warned: you're off the grid. No electricity, no cell service, no Insta updates (gasp!). The road is usually open from May to October, but shoot for late June to mid-September to avoid snow. Trust me, the wild, untouched vibe is worth the trek!
moderateSmell the Sea on the Road from Malabrigo to Laiya in Southwestern Philippines
🇵🇭 Philippines
Cruising the coastal road from Malabrigo to Laiya in Batangas, Philippines? Yes, please! This is one of those drives that sticks with you. Think salty air, ocean views, and a real taste of the Philippines. Okay, so the road isn't perfect. It's a mix of asphalt, concrete, and some dirt sections, but word on the street is they're giving it a major facelift. Stretching just under 24 kilometers (around 15 miles) from Laiya to Malabrigo, it's not a super long trip, but it's packed with amazing scenery. You can practically smell the ocean the whole time!
extremeThe road to Michen La isn’t an easy one
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Michen La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 16,935 feet (5,162m) above sea level. Find it nestled in Sog County, part of Nagqu Prefecture. The road up, 627 County Road (Y627), is a real beast – 38 miles (62km) of winding challenge running from Sechangxiang to Gamuxiang. Picture this: you’re hugging a cliff face, a little creek bubbling alongside you, as you climb, climb, climb into the sky. Fair warning: the air is thin, and the weather can be brutal. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. But the views? Totally worth the effort. Just remember to take it slow, respect the altitude, and soak in the epic scenery. You'll be telling stories about this one for years.