The road to Drongu La will take your breath away

The road to Drongu La will take your breath away

China, asia

Length

37.4 km

Elevation

4,929 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Drongu La in Tibet! This isn't just any drive; it's a lung-buster at a whopping 4,929 meters (16,171 feet) high in Sa'gya County, Xigazê.

The road, also known as Sachu or Sa Chu Xian, is paved the whole way from Zhaxigangxiang to Mabujiaxiang. The 37.4 km (23.23 miles) stretch is more about thin air than crazy curves. That being said, some sections on the southern side are seriously steep, with gradients hitting a punchy 18%!

Winter brings snow, making things tricky. Keep an eye on that weather forecast before you go because conditions can change fast. Oh, and the best part? Early views of Everest will greet you along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable, sky-high experience!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
37.4 km
Max Elevation
4,929 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in asia

The nuclear National Route 6 from Namie to Tomiokamoderate

The nuclear National Route 6 from Namie to Tomioka

🇯🇵 Japan

Hey fellow road trippers! Ever crave a drive that's a little... different? Then buckle up for a trip down Japan National Route 6 in Fukushima Prefecture. This isn't your average scenic cruise. We're talking about a 17.5km (10.87 miles) stretch cutting through the heart of the Fukushima Nuclear Exclusion Zone, near the Daiichi nuclear power plant. Yep, you read that right. This section, between Namie and Tomioka, once had seriously high radiation levels. Thankfully, it's been decontaminated since 2014, so you can drive through without special permits. Just a heads-up: bikes, motorcycles, and pedestrians are a no-go here. Though bigger motorcycles are allowed. This road runs straight as an arrow, hugging the coastline with some seriously haunting scenery. Think abandoned buildings and barricades keeping you on the straight and narrow, ensuring no accidental detours into restricted areas. Keep those windows rolled up and cruise on through! Despite its history, Route 6 is a vital, paved artery, offering some unique, if somber, coastal views. It's a drive you won't soon forget.

Gaoersi Pass, an adventure road you will never forgetmoderate

Gaoersi Pass, an adventure road you will never forget

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! We're heading to Gao'ersi La, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling way up at 14,278 feet in eastern Tibet (that's part of China's Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, if you're keeping score). You'll find it along the legendary 318 National Road, aka the Tibet-Sichuan highway. Now, hold on tight, because this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking bumpy, unpaved goodness for about 46.6 km, stretching west from Xinduqiaozhen and east of Bajiaolouxiang. Be ready for crazy weather shifts and chilly temps up high! Word to the wise: some parts are missing guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road (and away from the seriously deep drop-offs!). Oh, and pro tip: there's a 5.7km tunnel that bypasses this madness if you're feeling less adventurous. But where's the fun in that?!

Lungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan borderextreme

Lungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan border

🇨🇳 China

Hit up Lungdri La if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure! This high-altitude pass sits way up at 4,689 meters (15,383 feet) in western Sichuan, China, practically straddling the border with Tibet. Seriously remote and raw, this route snakes through the rugged landscape above the Jinsha River (that's the upper Yangtze, FYI). Don't let the epic scenery fool you – this 17 km (10.5 mile) climb from near Jidong is a beast, and not for the faint of heart. We're talking a relentless, sustained climb with an average gradient of almost 10%, and sections maxing out at a whopping 17%! Loose rock means traction is a major issue, even if you're an experienced off-roader. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 – seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. The views, though? Unbelievable! Think dramatic switchbacks overlooking the deep canyons of the Jinsha River. Just be prepared for anything. This is super remote, so there's no electricity, medical help, or running water. Bring your own fuel, emergency gear, and maybe some oxygen – altitude sickness is no joke up here. Plus, being so close to Tibet, permits and regulations can change in a heartbeat. And in winter, heavy snow makes this pass a complete no-go – icy 17% grades? No thanks! This climb is an unforgettable challenge, but remember, self-sufficiency is key out here in the wild west of Sichuan.

Is the road to Kotal-e Gardish unpaved?extreme

Is the road to Kotal-e Gardish unpaved?

🌍 Afghanistan

Hey, adventure seekers! Ever dreamed of conquering a truly wild mountain pass? Let me tell you about Kotal-e Gardish, perched way up in Afghanistan's Daykundi Province at a cool 10,032 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a full-on unpaved rollercoaster, winding for 26.4 miles between Barghosang and Korala. Think hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath! You'll definitely want a 4x4 with high clearance for this one, and if heights aren't your thing, be prepared for a bit of a thrill. But wait, there's more! This is Afghanistan, so safety is paramount. Keep your eyes peeled, and stick to daylight hours—trust me on that one. And definitely avoid this trek in winter unless you're a pro at navigating snowy, treacherous roads. But, if you're up for a challenge, you'll be rewarded with some seriously breathtaking scenery!