
Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains
China, asia
42.7 km
3,066 m
moderate
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
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
hardYouzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Have you ever heard of the Youzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road? Picture this: you're in northwestern Hebei province, China, specifically Huailai county, ready to tackle one of China's most epic tunnel roads. This baby's carved right into the cliff face, high above the stunning Yongding River. Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Straddling the Hebei border, you'll cruise along a two-way asphalt ribbon that transforms into a single-lane gravel adventure *inside* the tunnel. But wait, there's more! Gaze out the windows carved into the cliffside, framing breathtaking views of the Yongding River snaking below. You'll be hugged by mountains on one side and vertigo-inducing canyons on the other. Oh, and did I mention the steep sections? Be ready for some serious inclines, hitting up to 7.6% in spots. Trust me, the views are worth the thrill!
hardKungzhag La is one of the highest roads on Earth
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Kungzhag La is calling – a staggering 5,780m (18,963ft) high peak perched right on the India-China border. We're talking seriously high altitude driving here! Find it east of Lungmar La, straddling Sikkim (India) and Tibet (China). The only way to reach the top is via the Indian side. Word is, you'll find a military installation up there. Heads up: stick to the road! This area might have some surprises hidden beneath the surface, so no wandering off! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Think rugged, unpaved, and seriously steep. We're talking super-narrow sections and a full 22 hairpin turns to test your skills. It's raw, rocky mountain terrain that gets progressively tougher. Only seasoned mountain drivers need apply for this one! Starting from the Gurudongmar road, you've got 11.6 km (7.20 miles) of pure adrenaline to the top. You’ll climb a whopping 941m, with an average gradient of 8.11%. Trust me, the views from the Tibetan plateau are something else – if you can handle the drive!
moderateThe road to Kyi La is not for the faint of heart
🇨🇳 China
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.
hardHow to get to the summit of Tochal Peak?
🇮🇷 Iran
Get ready for an adventure! Mount Tochal, towering at 3,966m (13,011ft), is one of Iran's highest peaks. You'll find this beauty north of Tehran, straddling the border between Tehran and Alborz provinces. Sar Tochal, the highest point so close to Tehran, is a sight to behold. The mountain is also home to the Tochal Ski Resort, a relic from the 70s. And for a truly unique stay, check out the Tochal Hotel, perched high up with breathtaking views - just be aware of the altitude restrictions. On a clear day, Sar Tochal dominates Tehran's skyline. From the southern slopes, you'll get panoramic views of the city, and the peak even offers a clear shot of Mount Damavand. The road to the top? Buckle up, it's a wild one! This 17.6 km (10.93 miles) unpaved track starts in Shahrestanak and gains a whopping 1,788 m in elevation. We're talking a super rocky trail only suitable for bikes and seriously equipped 4x4s. This high up in the Alborz range, the road is a no-go in winter, and only clears of snow for about 3 months in summer. Expect a seriously windy summit, so pack accordingly!