
The road to Gang La: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles
China, asia
18.2 km
4,824 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Ready for a wild ride? Buckle up for Gang La, a mountain pass that hits a staggering 15,826 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled in Biru County, part of Nagqu in Tibet, China.
This isn't your typical highway cruise – think unpaved paths and serious off-road vibes along the G317. We're talking about a 11.3 mile (18.2 km) stretch from Gangla Daoban to Gangduocun, running west to east, that'll have your heart pumping.
The road's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter – things can get dicey. Get ready for stunning views, but remember, this route isn't for beginner drivers!
Where is it?
The road to Gang La: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.5736, 100.6829
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 18.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,824 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 32.5736, 100.6829
Related Roads in asia
moderateJinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Yunnan, China, for a bridge experience that'll blow your mind. I'm talking about the Jinshajiang Bridge, a true marvel of engineering. Spanning the mighty Jinsha River, this steel giant is seriously impressive. Built between 2016 and 2020, it's an absolute stunner. They had to build it to survive earthquakes at high altitude, which makes it all the more of an achievement. We're talking record-breaking heights here: 461 meters (1,512 feet) above the original riverbed! It also boasts a crazy long span, stretching 1,386 meters (4,547 feet) between its towers. It connects Panzhihua and Lijiang. More importantly, it slashes the drive time between the two cities from six hours to a mere two. As you drive, peer down at the Jin'an Dam below (when it’s full), and try not to get dizzy. It’s like looking down from a 110-story building! The drop to the original river is even more, at 461 meters. It's a beautiful drive that you'll never forget.
extremeOde La, a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ode La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Tibet's Chamdo Prefecture, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,468 meters (14,658 feet)! You'll find it along the 303 Provincial Road, which is basically a high-altitude rollercoaster, never dipping below 4,200 meters. This 709 km journey is mostly paved, but don't get too comfortable—there are plenty of unpaved sections to keep you on your toes. Expect hairpin turns galore as you wind your way through stunning snowy mountain scenery. But here's the thing: this road is rough. Really rough. Think seriously damaged surfaces, potential closures due to rain and landslides, and even flooded sections. Oh, and did I mention the dark, muddy, and dripping tunnels you'll have to navigate? Add in a healthy dose of speeding trucks, and you've got yourself a truly unforgettable drive. The pass itself stretches for 28.7 km, going from Zhongyixiang to Xobando. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for an epic adventure, Ode La is calling your name!
easyRoad to Adventure: Journeying to Sahand Ski Resort in Iran
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: You're in East Azerbaijan, Iran, ready for some serious mountain vibes. Head northwest to the Sahand mountain range and get ready to climb! The Sahand Ski Resort Road is your perfectly paved path, winding 24.4 km (15.16 miles) up from Saied Abad to a whopping 2,942m (9,652ft) above sea level. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure in one of Iran's most stunning regions! The road is usually in great shape, but keep an eye on the weather – things can get dicey, and access might be limited. The locals even say the skiing can last until June because it's so cold up there! For the truly adventurous, there's a gravel road south of the resort that's begging for a 4x4. It's a chairlift access trail that climbs to 3,209m (10,528ft) on the northern slopes of Mount Sahand. Only take this route if you're prepared. Get ready for epic views!
moderateBayi Daban, courage is required to drive to the summit
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bayi Daban – or Lingkyithang La as the locals call it – is a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border between Xinjiang and Tibet, China. We're talking a lung-busting 5,366 meters (17,604 feet) above sea level! The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think completely unpaved, but mostly straight, so brace yourself for a bumpy, yet scenic ride. Be prepared for very basic conditions: electricity, hot water, and Western-style toilets are pretty much non-existent up here, so come prepared. Starting from China National Highway 219, this 50.6 km (31.44 miles) climb rewards you with insane views of Songmuxi Co, a stunning alpine lake. The road also leads towards Salikyila Genzhi Tso (also known as Surigh Yilganing Kol), so keep your camera ready. Just a heads-up: this journey is definitely not for the faint of heart, so check conditions before you go!