Travel guide to the top of Mobdi La
China, asia
43 km
5,788 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Mobdi La, a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border between Xinjiang and Tibet in China! We're talking a lung-busting 5,788m (18,989ft) above sea level – one of the highest drives on the planet.
Forget smooth tarmac; this is a rough and narrow unpaved track demanding a 4x4 beast. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients of up to 9% in places! The pass stretches for a hefty 43km (26.7 miles), so settle in for the long haul.
Now, a word of caution: altitude sickness is a real threat here. The air is thin, and the risk of pulmonary and cerebral edema is no joke. Plus, up at these altitudes, you can expect strong winds and wildly unpredictable weather changes. But, if you’re prepared to brave the elements, the scenery is simply out of this world!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Mobdi La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.3502, 110.9457
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 43 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,788 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.3502, 110.9457
Related Roads in asia
hardGoing For A Trekking Adventure? The Most Challenging Treks In Nepal
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, buckle up for the Jomsom-Beni Road, Nepal! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a roughly 108-mile (174 km) stretch of pure, unadulterated adventure snaking its way through the heart of the Himalayas. Prepare for some serious elevation changes, as this road climbs to some of the most dramatic altitudes anywhere. We're talking breathtaking views, but also thin air, so take it easy. Now, let's talk about the road itself. Don't expect smooth asphalt here. You'll mostly be dealing with rough, unpaved surfaces that can get incredibly treacherous, especially during and after the monsoon season. Landslides and washouts are a real concern, so always check conditions before you go. But oh, the scenery! You'll be rewarded with views of snow-capped peaks, raging rivers, and traditional Nepali villages clinging to the mountainsides. You'll pass through the deepest gorge in the world cut by the Kali Gandaki River between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. It's an experience you won't soon forget. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… when you can tear them away from the views, that is!
moderateBayi Daban, courage is required to drive to the summit
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bayi Daban – or Lingkyithang La as the locals call it – is a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border between Xinjiang and Tibet, China. We're talking a lung-busting 5,366 meters (17,604 feet) above sea level! The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think completely unpaved, but mostly straight, so brace yourself for a bumpy, yet scenic ride. Be prepared for very basic conditions: electricity, hot water, and Western-style toilets are pretty much non-existent up here, so come prepared. Starting from China National Highway 219, this 50.6 km (31.44 miles) climb rewards you with insane views of Songmuxi Co, a stunning alpine lake. The road also leads towards Salikyila Genzhi Tso (also known as Surigh Yilganing Kol), so keep your camera ready. Just a heads-up: this journey is definitely not for the faint of heart, so check conditions before you go!
hardA remote unpaved road to Mata La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in southern Tibet, where Comai and Cona counties meet, you'll find Mata La, a seriously high mountain pass topping out at 5,348 meters (that's 17,545 feet!). About 22 miles northwest of the stunning Naryong Co. lake, this baby is accessed via the G219, and the road to the top? Completely unpaved. We're talking rugged, real-deal exploring here! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You're in serious mountain territory, scaling to insane altitudes, so that thin air is a real thing. Altitude sickness and crazy weather are always in play. The entire route sits above 4,500 meters, so be prepared! The pass road stretches for about 40.6 km (25.22 miles), heading north-southeast from Riru until it hits the 202 Provincial Road (S202). Keep in mind this area is really only accessible in the summer months — and even then, don't expect snow-free conditions until late June or July. Amenities? Forget about it. Electricity, medical assistance, running water? Rare as hen's teeth. Western toilets? Dream on! But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
hardWhere is Lake Göygöl?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Hey fellow adventurers! Let's talk about Lake Göygöl, a stunning alpine lake chilling at 1,556m (5,104ft) in Azerbaijan's Ganja-Gazakh region. You'll find this gem tucked away in the western part of the country, inside Goygol National Park in the Murovdag Mountains. Fun fact: Göygöl means "Blue Lake," and it was born from a massive earthquake way back in 1139. Pretty epic, right? The paved road kicks off from the R19 near Toghanali and stretches for about 5.6 km (3.47 miles). Built in 2017, it's mostly smooth sailing, though you'll hit a few steep sections. Once you're at the lake, there's a rough gravel road that leads up to even more secluded and gorgeous spots. Trust me, the views are worth it! Speaking of views, get your camera ready because this drive is a photographer's dream! You'll be treated to vistas of Mt Kyapaz and lush forests. The lake itself? Crystal-clear water that's inspired artists for centuries! If you're planning a trip, spring and summer are prime time. But pro tip: skip the weekends if you want to avoid the crowds. And if you're looking to chill out even more, there's a mountain health resort with the same name on the lake's northern edge. Enjoy!