Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains

Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains

China, asia

Length

42.7 km

Elevation

3,066 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Gongnaisi Daban, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 3,066m (10,059ft) on the border between Hejing and Xinyuan counties in Xinjiang, China!

This beauty's nestled in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains and you'll get there via the G218 national road. It's paved, but fair warning, it can get a bit rough near the top thanks to weather, heavy trucks, and not much upkeep.

Also known as Aiken Daban, this pass clocks in at 42.7 km (26.53 miles) of pure driving bliss running from Gongnaisixiang to Haersala. Prepare for hairpin turns galore, and scenery that'll knock your socks off – think fairy tale grasslands, lush forests, and an ovoo formation greeting you near the summit.

Heads up, this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw curveballs from November to May with snowfall and heavy rain causing temporary closures. Also, expect traffic! Keep an eye on the safety signs and stick to that 30 km/h speed limit on the twisty bits.

Where is it?

Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.2917, 103.8421

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
42.7 km
Max Elevation
3,066 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.2917, 103.8421

Related Roads in asia

Guoliang Tunnel was dug through the side of a mountain by handextreme

Guoliang Tunnel was dug through the side of a mountain by hand

🇨🇳 China

# Guoliang Tunnel: China's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Marvel Hidden in the rugged Taihang Mountains of northwest Henan province, Guoliang Tunnel is equal parts engineering miracle and adrenaline rush. Carved straight through the mountainside in the early 1970s, this 1.2-kilometre passage has earned itself the title "the road that doesn't forgive mistakes"—and once you've driven it, you'll understand why. The numbers tell part of the story: a tunnel just 5 metres tall and 4 metres wide, built by only 13 villagers over five grueling years using hammers, chisels, and sheer determination. At the toughest stretches, they advanced just one metre every three days. Several workers didn't survive to see the tunnel open on May 1, 1977, but their legacy transformed Guoliang from an isolated village accessible only by a terrifying "Sky Ladder" of carved steps into a place connected to the wider world. What makes driving here genuinely nerve-wracking is the tunnel's winding, unpredictable path. It twists and dips with blind corners that'll have your hands gripping the wheel, and there's barely enough space for two vehicles to squeeze past each other. One moment of inattention? You're in trouble. But here's the thing—it's absolutely stunning. The tunnel features over 30 "windows" of varying shapes and sizes punched through the rock (originally used to dump rubble during construction). Some are tiny, others stretch dozens of metres. They flood the passage with natural light and frame breathtaking views of the gully below. It's genuinely spectacular, making it one of China's most famous tunnels and a serious bucket-list destination for adventurous drivers. The road operates year-round and has even served as a film location. Just remember: stay sharp, drive carefully, and respect what you're navigating.

Sala La: A high-altitude paved pass in Sêrxü Countymoderate

Sala La: A high-altitude paved pass in Sêrxü County

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: Sala La Pass, sitting pretty at 4,459 meters (14,629 ft) in the wild heart of northwest Sichuan's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure on the S217, a key route across this stunning region. The views from the top are unreal! You're gazing out over the vast Tibetan Plateau, spotting nomad camps dotting the grasslands. On a clear day, the snow-capped Chola Mountains jut into the sky to the south, making for an epic backdrop. And don't forget the prayer flags whipping around, adding that vibrant Tibetan touch. Now, the road is paved and relatively wide, but Sala La keeps you on your toes. Expect crazy winds and sudden weather changes — storms can roll in fast, even in summer, bringing hail or snow. The descent into Sêrxü County is all about those long, sweeping curves, so keep your speed in check. Remember, you're out there, so be ready for solitude; services are scarce between towns. Pro tip: Fuel up and load up on water before you head out. That high altitude will have you gasping for air, so take it easy at the summit. If the mist rolls in, slow down and flick on those fog lights. And trust me, skip this pass during serious winter storms — black ice is not your friend!

Where is Pha Din Pass?extreme

Where is Pha Din Pass?

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northwestern Vietnam, right on the border of Sơn La and Điện Biên provinces, and BAM! You're face-to-face with Pha Din Pass. It's one of Vietnam's legendary mountain passes, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. This road isn't just a scenic drive; it's a total experience! We're talking about a climb to well over meters above sea level. This route played a crucial role in history, acting as a vital supply line. Now, don't get me wrong, the views are absolutely insane. But, this baby is no joke. Think hairpin turns, like eight of them back-to-back, and stretches so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Oh, and did I mention the cliffs on one side and a serious drop-off on the other? It's a nail-biter for sure. The whole pass stretches between and , and every kilometer is filled with winding roads, perilous bends, and some of the most breathtaking (and slightly terrifying) scenery you've ever laid eyes on. Seriously, if you've got a fear of heights, maybe skip this one. But if you're an adventure junkie, Pha Din Pass is calling your name!

An epic enthralling road to Puti Laextreme

An epic enthralling road to Puti La

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Puti La in Tibet! This beast of a pass sits at a lung-busting 4,483m (14,708ft) in Banbar County, Chamdo Prefecture. Clocking in at a hefty 709km, this route is not for the faint of heart! You'll be cruising above 4,200m for the *entire* time, hopping over mountain passes with views that'll make you weep (from joy and maybe a little fear). The road is mostly paved, but don’t get too comfy – there are plenty of rough patches to keep you on your toes. Expect countless hairpin turns, seriously steep inclines, and drop-offs that plunge hundreds of meters with zero guardrails. Gulp. Plus, the road surface is pretty beat up. The scenery? Unbelievable snowy peaks everywhere you look. The catch? It’s often flooded, seriously damaged by rain and landslides, and can close without warning. Oh, and did I mention the dark, muddy tunnels dripping with water? And the speeding trucks? Yeah, this one's an adrenaline cocktail.