The road to Kyi La is not for the faint of heart
China, asia
33.1 km
5,106 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Kyi La, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in the Comai County of Shannan, in southeast Tibet. We're talking serious altitude here: 5,106 meters (that's 16,751 feet!).
The road kicks off from Qudegongcun, and it's a 33.1km (20.56 miles) climb to the top. The good news? It's paved the whole way. The better news? The views are insane! You'll be staring at Yarlha Shampo, a super-important holy mountain in Tibet, as you wind your way up.
Just northeast of Zhegu Lake, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of endless curves and hairpin turns. Budget about 1 to 1.5 hours to conquer it without stopping. And hold on tight — there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 15%! Just remember to keep an eye out and make room for oncoming traffic.
Where is it?
The road to Kyi La is not for the faint of heart is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.8630, 107.9976
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 33.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,106 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 32.8630, 107.9976
Related Roads in asia
moderateIf you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for Yarto Drak La, a wild ride high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China! We're talking a whopping 5,038 meters (16,528 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for that altitude! You'll find this beauty in Qusum County, snaking along the S202 Road. The good news is, it's fully paved, so no off-roading nightmares. The not-so-good news? It's remote, winding through desolate valleys. Keep an eye out for Shobo La to the south. Speaking of challenges, altitude sickness is a real risk here, so take it slow and stay hydrated. And when winter hits, expect snow and slippery conditions. But the scenery? Totally worth it! You're cruising through the fertile Yarlung Valley, connecting Shannan (Lhoka) with Cona, passing the small, serene Zhalacuo lake at the summit. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Yarlha Shampo, a majestic 6636m peak where legend says the first Tibetan king descended from the heavens. Seriously epic views!
hardA Journey on Kalash Valley Road, Pakistan's Most Challenging Drive
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Head to the Kalash Valley in Pakistan's Chitral district, practically knocking on Afghanistan's door! Here you'll find a road that's not for the faint of heart. This totally unpaved track hugs the Kalash River for about 17.6 km (10.93 miles) between Ayun, off the N45 south of Chitral, and Grum. You'll even find yourself on the Rumbur Valley Road for the final stretch! Think you can breeze through? Think again. This bone-jarring road boasts crazy narrow sections, dizzying drop-offs, and zero safety barriers. Seriously, you need a high-clearance 4x4 to even think about tackling it. The countless tight turns and rugged terrain mean this short trip can take up to nine hours! Plus, expect stream crossings – which turn into icy hazards in the freezing winters. Perched high in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this adrenaline-pumping road climbs a hefty 400m, topping out at 1,923m (6,309ft). Word to the wise: this route is a no-go during winter. The road is not suggested.
hardWhere is Jebel Shams?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Jebel Shams, or the "Mountain of the Sun," is calling your name! This majestic peak, scraping the sky at a whopping 2,970m (9,744ft), reigns supreme as the highest point in Oman. You'll find this natural wonder nestled between the Al Batinah South and Ad Dakhiliyah governorates in northeastern Oman, not too far from the UAE border. Now, about that road... It starts smooth, but don't get too comfy! Things get a little rough, so a 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. While you can't conquer the very tippy-top (military base, you know), you can get pretty darn close. Starting from Dar as Sawda', this 10.3 km (6.40 miles) climb is a real workout for your vehicle, gaining a hefty 1,014 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! But trust me, the views of the dramatically deep Wadi Ghul are worth every bump and swerve. Just keep your eyes on the road, it's a tricky one!
extremeThe rugged road to Dza La: a high mountain drive in Qinghai province
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Dza La, a wild mountain pass chilling at a whopping 4,690 meters (that's 15,384 feet!) in Qinghai Province, China. You'll find it tucked away in Yushu City County. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This 11.7 km (7.27 mile) stretch, also called Chumarleb or Qumalai, is a totally unpaved beast! Think narrow, steep, and edges that drop off into oblivion. Seriously, this road demands respect. Heads up: because this route is so remote and, let's face it, a bit hairy, they built a tunnel as part of the G215. So, if you're just trying to get from Yushu to Longbaozhen, take the paved road. But for the true thrill-seekers? Dza La awaits.