Tra La, a scary and dangerous journey in Tibet
China, asia
49.2 km
5,479 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tra La Pass in Tibet is calling your name, but only if you’re ready for a serious challenge. We're talking a whopping 5,479 meters (that's nearly 18,000 feet!) above sea level in Xaitongmoin County.
The X201, or 201 County Road, is a wild, unpaved route stretching almost 50 kilometers (around 30 miles) from Nadangxiang to Xaitongmoin. You’ll need a 4x4 to conquer this beast! Picture this: insanely steep climbs, thin air, and weather that can change on a dime. Oxygen is definitely a luxury up here, so be prepared for the altitude. Summer’s your best bet to make the trek, but always keep an eye on the conditions. Trust me, the views are totally worth the adrenaline rush!
Where is it?
Tra La, a scary and dangerous journey in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 40.1751, 100.7195
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 49.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,479 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.1751, 100.7195
Related Roads in asia
hardRong La: The dizzying 22-hairpin ascent in Eastern Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Deep in eastern Tibet's Dêngqên County lies Rong La, a mountain pass that'll leave you breathless – literally! We're talking 4,831m (15,849ft) above sea level. This isn't just a road; it's a battle against a near-vertical Himalayan mountainside. Get ready for some serious twists and turns – this road is dizzying, to say the least. You'll need a steady hand and a vehicle in tip-top shape. The air's thin, and the dust... oh, the dust! It's fine, pervasive, and will coat everything in seconds. If you're not a fan of heights, this one's a challenge, both mentally and physically. Connecting Zhuodu and Anlacun, the most intense section is a 6.41 km (3.98 miles) climb from Zhuodu with a whopping 447 meters of elevation gain. Forget gentle slopes; we're talking about an average gradient of almost 7%, but that doesn't even tell half the story. Brace yourself for 22 hairpin bends, so tight that even some 4x4s might need a little wiggle to get around. Forget asphalt; it's all about loose dirt and crushed stone here. In dry conditions, "dizzying and dusty" doesn't even begin to cover it. If you're following another vehicle, prepare for a total brownout. A high-clearance 4x4 is a must, not just for traction but to avoid getting stuck in the ruts carved into the switchbacks. And remember, entering Tibet in your own wheels requires a ton of paperwork and a government-approved guide. Up here, your engine's gonna be struggling for air. That lack of oxygen means reduced power, so expect to spend most of those 22 hairpins in first or second gear. Keep a close eye on your engine temperature, as cooling systems aren't as efficient at this altitude. And that dust? It's brutal! Protect your air intake and bring a spare filter if you're travelling with others. There are zero facilities on Rong La. This is a truly remote corner of Tibet, where the weather can flip from a dust storm to a blizzard in minutes. Self-sufficiency is key! Pack recovery gear, plenty of water, and make sure your brakes are in perfect condition for the equally challenging descent. Rong La is an incredible drive, but it demands respect and leaves absolutely no room for mistakes.
extremeWhen was Cho La Mountain Tunnel built?
🇨🇳 China
Cruising through western Sichuan Province, China? Buckle up for the Cho La Mountain Tunnel, a mind-blowing shortcut through the Cho La Mountains! This beast of a tunnel sits at a staggering 4,378m (14,363ft) above sea level. Opened in 2017 after a 15-year build, this 7km tunnel (plus 5km of access roads) is part of the G317 highway, linking Chengdu to Nagqu in Tibet. Imagine the challenge of building something like this at such an altitude, where the air is thin and the temperatures plummet! The tunnel, also known as Que'ershan Tunnel, cuts through the mountains between 4,232m and 4,378m above sea level. The tunnel is paved, speed is limited to 40 kph, and it takes around 10 minutes to cross. Before this tunnel existed, drivers faced a harrowing journey over a treacherous mountain road, dodging landslides, avalanches, and all sorts of nasty weather on the Que'ershan Mountain Pass at 4,920m (16,141ft)! This tunnel slices two hours off the trip and bypasses the scariest parts of the old road. Trust me, you'll be grateful for this engineering marvel when you see the views!
easyYongwu Road is the most beautiful road under water
🇨🇳 China
Picture this: you're cruising along Yongwu Road (part of county road X219), connecting Xincheng and Wuchengzen in northern Jiangxi, China. It’s a smooth, paved 30 km (18.5 miles) stretch through Yongxiu County. But here's the kicker: this isn't your average road trip. You see, Yongwu Road cuts right across Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake. And every year, like clockwork, this road disappears under the rising waters! Locals call it "the most beautiful road under the water," and it's easy to see why. As the rainy season kicks in around late May, Poyang Lake starts to swell. Soon, Yongwu Road isn't just near the water, it's in it. Even when the road dips below the surface – once the water level exceeds 18.67 meters – brave drivers keep navigating, using the guardrails as their guide. Eventually, the entire road vanishes completely for a few months, only to resurface again later. Talk about a unique driving experience!
extremeGurudongmar Peak
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because the road to Gurudongmar Peak in North Sikkim, India, is a wild ride! We're talking serious altitude here – 18,474 feet (5,631m) to be exact, putting you practically nose-to-nose with the Himalayas near the Chinese border. The road itself? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. It's a gravel military road with 14 hairpin turns, and the weather can change on a dime. Think extreme cold, fierce winds, and a landscape that'll take your breath away (literally, thanks to the altitude). Be prepared for the lack of oxygen—it’s no joke! Speaking of breath, if you've got any respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. Altitude sickness is a real concern, and the air gets thin way before you reach the top. Also, you'll need special permits from the Army and local Sikkim authorities to even attempt this journey. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are insane! Perched north of the Kangchengyao range, the peak houses a military base and offers panoramic views that are worth every single hairpin turn and gasp for air.