
The road to Zimei Pass will take your breath away
China, asia
N/A
4,557 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China, you HAVE to check out Zimei Pass. We're talking about a sky-high pass topping out at a whopping 14,950 feet!
Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and can get seriously dicey, especially from October to June when the weather turns. Expect hairpin turns that'll make your head spin and some seriously steep drop-offs the entire way, but that is part of the fun!
The views though? Absolutely breathtaking! You'll be stopping every few minutes to snap pics of the incredible scenery. The summit has a big parking lot and even a communication tower. Just be prepared for some intense wind – seriously, the snow sometimes falls sideways! Setting up a tent is definitely not recommended.
Keep in mind the altitude and the rough road conditions. This trip isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to altitude sickness). But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with a view of Mt. Minya Kongka, the highest peak in Sichuan, that is out of this world. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget!
Where is it?
The road to Zimei Pass will take your breath away is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.3694, 104.0978
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,557 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.3694, 104.0978
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