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
moderateA sensational narrow road to the summit of Chele La
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up for Chele La Pass in western Bhutan! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure soaring to a whopping 3,796m (12,454ft) – one of Bhutan's highest drives. Straddling the Paro and Haa districts, the 56.4 km (35-mile) journey from Haa Valley (a hidden gem!) to Paro takes you through postcard-perfect landscapes. Think lush valleys, fragrant pine forests, and vibrant rhododendrons galore! The Bondey-Haa Highway is paved, so no need for a monster truck. Built in the 90's, it's got a steady climb, with consistent gradients. Fair warning: expect a winding road and it can get pretty narrow. About an hour from Paro, the drive itself is stunning, almost entirely enveloped in dense forest. You’ll snake through spruce and larch trees hugging the mountain slopes. Trust me; the views are worth it! On a clear day, get ready for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and neighboring peaks, plus glimpses into the Haa and Paro valleys. Be prepared for some weather! Chele La often welcomes visitors with chilly rain, strong gusts, and prayer flags dancing in the wind. Pack warm clothes, a hat, and gloves, because that mountain wind doesn't mess around! And maybe skip it during serious storms, just to be safe.
moderateDriving the remote road to Ji La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Gyai La (also known as Ji La), a seriously epic mountain pass in Tibet's Tingri County! We're talking a lung-busting 16,335 feet (4.979m) above sea level. The road? Well, let's just say it's an *experience*. Think winding, unpaved curves that demand your full attention. This is a remote area, so be prepared for solitude and some seriously mind-blowing views to the south. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in during daylight hours. Night driving? Hard pass. This pass connects Yejiangcun and Chicun, making for an unforgettable journey.
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!
hardThe Serpentine Drive to Lake Maninjau: Unraveling Indonesia's Famous 44 Hairpin Turns on Kelok 44 Road
🌍 Indonesia
Okay, picture this: you're in West Sumatra, Indonesia, about to descend into paradise. I'm talking about Lake Maninjau, a stunning caldera lake formed by a volcano ages ago and sitting pretty at 460 meters above sea level. This beauty is massive – 16 km long and 7 km wide, plunging down to 480m deep! Now, the road to get there? It's legendary. They call it Kelok 44, which translates to "44 Turns," and trust me, it lives up to the name! This fully paved, 8-kilometer stretch is a wild downhill ride, throwing you into a series of hairpin turns, each helpfully marked by cigarette ads. Seriously, every single turn! Warning: motion sickness might kick in, but the views? Totally worth it. Think dramatic drops, lush greenery, and then BAM! You're staring at the breathtaking Lake Maninjau. Plus, cute cafes are dotted along the way, offering the perfect excuse to stop, breathe, and soak it all in. It's become a total tourist hotspot, giving you this amazing, unique bird's-eye view of the lake. Plenty of rest stops mean lots of opportunities to stop and stare at the exquisite beauty of it all. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!