The rugged road to Dza La: a high mountain drive in Qinghai province
China, asia
11.7 km
4,689 m
extreme
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
The rugged road to Dza La: a high mountain drive in Qinghai province is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.0088, 104.8153
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,689 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 37.0088, 104.8153
Related Roads in asia
extreme43 hairpin bends on the steep road from Manjur to Mulli
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border in India and you're craving a thrill, you HAVE to check out the road from Manjur to Mulli. Seriously, it’s one of the steepest drives you'll find in the whole country! This paved ribbon of road stretches for about 28 kilometers (around 17 miles) between the two towns, and while it’s totally doable, be prepared for a wild ride. Think narrow sections, hairpin turns that will make your head spin, and views that'll knock your socks off. Starting high up at around 1,860 meters (over 6,000 feet!), this route gets extra spicy when the rain and fog roll in. Weekends and holidays can get a little crowded, so plan accordingly. As you wind through the forest, keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot signs of elephants on the move! The real kicker? A 9.8 kilometer (6 mile) stretch with a mind-boggling 43 hairpin bends! You'll climb 630 meters in that section alone, with some spots hitting an insane 27.5% gradient. It's a tough climb, but the scenery is absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateRoad trip guide: conquering Thit Zarbo La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Thit Zarbo La (aka Kyun La) in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is calling! Perched way up high at 5,107m (16,755ft), this Himalayan pass is seriously remote, snuggled near the Chinese border in south-eastern Ladakh. Think rugged: the road's mostly unpaved and usually snowed in from October to June. Summer's short and sweet, but be ready for surprise thunderstorms (hail, anyone?). While the gradient's mostly chill, you'll hit a 6.7% incline on some ramps. The 79.4 km (49.33 miles) route stretches north-south from Nyoma towards Chumar through the incredible Changtang plateau. Fair warning: this isn't a tourist hotspot. The road's tough, permits can be tricky, and you'll definitely need a 4x4. Plus, altitude sickness is a real risk. But, oh my, the rewards! Prepare for mind-blowing views of Ryul Lake shimmering against a backdrop of epic peaks and cliffs. This is a drive you won't forget!
hardWhere is Doi Ang Khang: Thailand's Little Switzerland?
🇹🇭 Thailand
Doi Ang Khang, Thailand's "Little Switzerland," sits way up in the mountains of Chiang Mai Province, in Fang District, at a cool 1,815 meters (5,954 feet). Think stunning mountain views and crisp air! You'll find this gem tucked away in the Daen Lao Range, practically a stone's throw from the Myanmar border, inside Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. Getting there is an adventure in itself! Route 1249, the road to the top (also called Doi Angkhang), is paved but seriously steep and twisty. We're talking hairpin turns and a maximum 19% gradient for a stretch. Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape and you've got some driving experience under your belt before tackling this one. The road stretches for 25.1 km (15.59 miles) from Ang Khang to หมู่ 1, running north to south. Is it worth the trip? Absolutely! The views are incredible, but keep your eyes peeled for those tight switchbacks. Since the road is super windy and public transport is non-existent around Doi Angkhang, consider hiring a driver if you're not comfortable navigating the steep uphill and downhill turns yourself.
extremeKotal-e Mianah: Driving the remote 121km pass in Central Afghanistan
🌍 Afghanistan
Buckle up for Kotal-e Mianah (aka Mianah Pass), a seriously wild ride soaring to 3,544m (11,627ft) in central Afghanistan's Bamyan Province. Nestled deep in the Hindu Kush mountains, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about a 121 km (75 mile) trek from Kota to Shahidan, connecting to the central highlands that feels like it's been forgotten by time. Picture this: deep valleys, craggy ridges, and a landscape that’s both breathtaking and brutal. Forget smooth tarmac – this road is rough. We’re talking bone-jarring potholes, crazy steep climbs, and those nail-biting cliffside edges with serious drop-offs. Hairpin turns? You bet – hundreds of them, demanding total focus. This isn't a quick jaunt; it’s a multi-day commitment, and you're on your own out there. Now, let's be real: beyond the challenging terrain, Afghanistan comes with its own set of risks. Security is a major concern, with ongoing conflicts and potential dangers. Basic services? Non-existent. If you absolutely HAVE to travel this route, a convoy and extreme caution are your only friends. Only a seriously kitted-out 4x4 stands a chance here. High clearance, low-range gearing – essentials! The altitude will rob your engine of power, so make sure your cooling system is tip-top. And pack everything: enough fuel for 300+ km, multiple spare tires, top-notch recovery gear, and a comprehensive first-aid kit. Oh, and one more thing: don't even think about it in winter. Heavy snow shuts this pass down from late October until at least May. Spring brings melting snow and treacherous river crossings. The sweet spot? Usually mid-summer, but even then, mountain storms can trigger flash floods. Basically, this route requires planning and a dose of luck!