Travel guide to the top of Upyang Pass
China, asia
13.53 km
4,927 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Upyang Pass in Western Xinjiang, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at a breathtaking 4,927 meters (that's 16,164 feet for you imperial system folks!). You'll find it way out west near the border with Pakistan.
Forget pavement; this is an unpaved, raw, and rugged experience. The air gets thin up there, so listen to your body and maybe pack some oxygen if you're prone to altitude sickness. Seriously, though, if you're craving an off-the-grid escape, this is it.
The climb to the summit (also called Wufulang Daban) kicks off from the G314 near Red Qilafu. It's a 13.5 km (8.41 miles) grind with a serious elevation gain of 787 meters. The average incline is almost 6%, so get ready for a steep and winding adventure! Expect killer views, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 13.53 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,927 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
moderateHow long is Panlong Ancient Road?
🇨🇳 China
Deep in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, near Kashgar, lies the Panlong Ancient Road. Don't even think about attempting this drive if you're queasy! This 36km (22-mile) stretch of road, also known as Pamir Plateau Sky Road and Wacha Road, opened in 2019 to help local mountain communities. Heads up, foreign travelers: you'll need a border pass for Tashkurgan. Starting from Habu Sikalai in Waqia (next to the Bandi Dailiya River) on the X614 county road, it twists westward to Taxkorghan township (right off the G314 national road/KKH by the Tashiku'er River). Prepare for a wild ride with over 208 bends! Drive super carefully, especially in rain or snow, and watch out for potential mudslides. The highest point, Wuguliyate Daban, sits at a breathtaking 4,269m (14,005ft). The climb is seriously steep, with some sections hitting an 11.8% gradient. Luckily, it's been fully paved since 2020, making it a true driver's dream. Keep in mind, Panlong Ancient Road is usually closed from late October to late March each year.
extremeHow long is the Kalash Valley Road?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kalash Valley Road! This wild ride is in northern Pakistan, practically spitting distance from Afghanistan. We're talking a seriously bumpy, unpaved track stretching about 17.6 km (10.93 miles) from Ayun, off the N45 (south of Chitral town), all the way to Grum. The final leg? That's the legendary Rumbur Valley Road. "Challenging" doesn't even begin to cover it. Picture this: hairpin turns, major drop-offs, and zero safety barriers, all while hugging the Kalash River. Forget your cute little sedan; you'll need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 beast to even think about tackling this beast. And even then, expect a journey of up to nine hours! Streams crisscross the road, which can freeze into icy hazards during the cold season. Speaking of seasons, this route is a no-go in winter, so plan accordingly! It climbs a hefty 400 meters, topping out at 1,923 meters (6,309 ft) above sea level in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The scenery is absolutely stunning, but you'll be too busy clinging to the steering wheel to fully enjoy it. Get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, adventure!
hardWhy is Mount Davis famous?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Mount Davis in Hong Kong! Perched high up (elevation withheld for dramatic effect!), this spot on Hong Kong Island is steeped in history. We're talking old military site vibes with war ruins scattered all around. Seriously, you can explore five old gun emplacements and even old accommodation buildings! But why is Mount Davis so famous? Well, for starters, the views from the summit of the southern part of Hong Kong Island are breathtaking. And history buffs will be in heaven exploring all the war relics along the easily accessible paths to the hilltop. Fun fact: it’s named after Sir John Francis Davis, the 2nd governor of Hong Kong. The road itself? It's a good length (distance withheld for dramatic effect!), but be warned: the very last bit is blocked off, so cars can't quite make it all the way.
extremeRoad A367
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Kyrgyzstan, ditch the highway and prepare for the A367, a wild ride through the northern Naryn Region's Tian Shan Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive—we're talking 211 km of mostly gravel goodness connecting the M41 road to the village of Kochkor. Forget your low-rider, a high-clearance 4x4 is practically mandatory. Seriously, unless you're looking for an excuse to buy a new car, leave the 2WD at home. The toughest section hugs the Kekemeren River, where thick mist can roll in and visibility drops to zero. Trust me, you don't want to be caught there. This road is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides and add frequent patches of ice and you have a recipe for disaster. Oh, and did I mention Kalmak Ashuu Pass? This section has been known to make even seasoned drivers sweat a little. But hey, the scenery is absolutely epic, so buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!