The inhumane climb to Qiuchi Mountain with 38% ramps
China, asia
12.3 km
1,759 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Longnan in China's Gansu Province, you HAVE to check out Qiuchi Mountain. This beast tops out at 1,759m (that's 5,770ft for my American friends!) and getting there is an adventure in itself.
Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking a 12.3 km (7.64 mile) unpaved route that winds its way up this monster. I'm not gonna lie, this climb isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to carsickness!). You'll be tackling hairpin turns galore, and some sections are seriously steep – we're talking gradients up to 38%!
But trust me, the views are worth it. It's a wild ride, combining excitement with some seriously stunning scenery. Most cars should be able to handle the road, but be prepared for a bumpy, unforgettable trip. Start from the S223 highway and get ready for an epic ascent!
Where is it?
The inhumane climb to Qiuchi Mountain with 38% ramps is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.2807, 102.3981
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 12.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,759 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.2807, 102.3981
Related Roads in asia
extremeCan you drive to Lowari Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers, because Lowari Pass in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region is an adventure you won't soon forget! Locals call it "Hell's Road," and trust me, this winding ribbon of N45 connecting Dir and Chitral lives up to the name. At 3,118m (10,230ft), it's a relatively low pass compared to its neighbors, but don't let that fool you. Forget smooth sailing – once you hit that incline, it's all rough, unpaved dirt for a good 40km until you reach Dir. Think beauty and the beast! Weaving through tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, this road is a trucker's lifeline but a driver's test of nerve. It's steep, unbelievably narrow, and packed with hairpin bends that'll have you clinging to the cliffs. Oh, and did I mention the potential for avalanches? Yeah, those can happen without warning, especially with those towering mountains on either side. Historically, the pass is closed by snow from late November to late May. The good news? A tunnel opened in 2017 to bypass the sketchiest sections. The Lowari Tunnel, at 8.75km (5.4 mi) + 2km (1.2 mi) long, it's open 24/7, even in winter, with a speed limit of 40 kilometers.
hardLanma La, one of the toughest tracks in the world
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in Tibet, Lanma La Pass is calling your name. Nestled in Tingri County within the Chomolungma Nature Reserve, this beast of a pass climbs to a staggering 5,098 meters (16,725 feet)! Forget your fancy sports cars; this is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking a seriously dusty jeep road that carves its way through stark, barren plains. It's 54.2 km (33.5 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure, connecting north to south from the Friendship Highway (G318) as an alternative (and less-traveled) route. Be warned: the landscape is rugged and a little desolate, but that just adds to the thrill, right? Get ready for some seriously epic views from the top!
hardThe curvy road to Thrumshing La isn't an easy one
🇧🇹 Bhutan
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!
hardIs Jebel Al Mebrah harder than Mortirolo and Angliru?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Jebel Al Mebrah (aka Jabal Yibir) in the UAE's Hajar Mountains! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 17.15 km (10.6 miles) of serious climbing that'll test your mettle, like tackling Europe's toughest climbs but with added desert heat. Forget lush Alpine scenery, think raw, rugged beauty. The final 6km are brutal, averaging 12% with spikes hitting 18%! Trust me, your engine and brakes will be screaming. You'll climb to 1,527m – making it the highest peak entirely *within* the UAE, towering over even Jebel Hafeet. The views of the Musandam Peninsula and Northern Emirates? Simply epic! Expect the summit to be refreshingly cooler – around 15 degrees Celsius less than down below. Now, the road itself... let's just say it's seen better days. Flash floods and rain have taken their toll, so keep your eyes peeled for debris and cracks. It’s a winding, hairpin-filled beast that demands respect. The average gradient is around 8%, but don’t be fooled! The first section lulls you in with a 7% grade, then BAM! You’re hit with relentless 10-12% inclines. Heads up: you can't actually reach the very top. There's a military base and telecommunications tower up there, so access is restricted to around 1,300m. But even that drive is worth it for the mind-blowing views. Be prepared for security checks and bring your ID.