
The road to Kharpo La is not for the sissies
China, asia
17.7 km
5,002 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer pass to tell you about: Kharpo La. This beauty sits way up high in southeastern Tibet, China, chilling at a cool 16,410 feet. We're talking Lhรผnzรช County, so get ready for remote!
The road? Oh, it's a doozy. Seriously winding, seriously steep, and seriously narrow. You're gonna want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Kharpo La links up the Char and Tsari valleys by way of the Kyu valley, just north of Sangak Choling.
Now, let's be real: this route isn't for the faint of heart. Think thrilling (or terrifying, depending on your perspective) drop-offs. That hairpin road to the top? Yeah, itโs pretty intense. The climb kicks off from Legaduo and stretches for about 11 miles, gaining over 2,300 feet in elevation. But hey, the views will be epic!
Where is it?
The road to Kharpo La is not for the sissies is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.5213, 101.7237
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,002 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.5213, 101.7237
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