
Travel guide to the top of Peacock Mountain Pass
China, asia
96.6 km
3,891 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the ride of your life on the Kongque Shan Yakou, or Peacock Mountain Pass! You'll find this beast straddling the border between Nujiang and Dêqên Prefectures, high up in China's Yunnan Province.
We're talking serious altitude here - 3,891m (12,765ft) above sea level! The road, mostly unpaved S318, throws down a gauntlet with its steep climbs and approximately 50 hairpin turns. Definitely bring your 4x4 for this one!
The pass stretches 96.6 km (60 miles) from the S237 road towards Pengdangxiang. This isn't a quick spin; budget about 2.5 hours to conquer it non-stop. Word to the wise if you get carsick easily, this might test your limits! But, if you're chasing a true off-the-grid experience, this remote route promises an unforgettable journey and views for days.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Peacock Mountain Pass is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.4426, 103.4645
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 96.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,891 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.4426, 103.4645
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