Where is Gu La?

Where is Gu La?

China, asia

Length

23.7 km

Elevation

5,075 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Gu La, a seriously sky-high mountain pass clinging to the roof of the world in Cona County, China. We're talking a whopping 5,075m (16,650ft) above sea level!

Also known as Thermu La, you'll find this beauty in the Shannan Prefecture of southern Tibet, practically breathing the same air as the stunning Lake Nariyong Co.

The road itself? It's a fully paved ribbon stretching for 23.7 km (14.72 miles) from the S202 highway to Quzhuomuxiang. Don't let the "paved" part fool you, though. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking some seriously steep climbs, maxing out at a gut-busting 31% gradient in places. And the curves? Forget about it! Hairpin turns galore and switchbacks that'll have you questioning your life choices (in a good way, of course). Get ready for unforgettable views and an adrenaline rush that’ll leave you buzzing!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
23.7 km
Max Elevation
5,075 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in asia

Where is Ma'ale HaAtzmaut?hard

Where is Ma'ale HaAtzmaut?

🌍 Israel

Okay, picture this: you're cruising south of Beersheba, about 85 km deep into Israel's stunning southern region, and Highway 40 is your trusty paved companion. But get ready, because things are about to get twisty! You're approaching the legendary Ma'ale HaAtzmaut – think four seriously long hairpin switchbacks that plunge you down into the Ramon Crater. You'll rumble across the crater floor, then crank your way back up to Mitzpe Ramon, a cool desert town perched dramatically on a cliff edge. We're talking 860 meters (2,800 feet) above sea level here! The views of the Ramon Crater are absolutely epic, a true desert vista. Just keep your eyes on the road while you're soaking it all in. This climb isn't for the faint of heart, but the panoramas are totally worth it!

Driving on water surface through the Shiziguan floating bridgemoderate

Driving on water surface through the Shiziguan floating bridge

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: You're in Xuan'en County, deep in the gorgeous southwestern Hubei province of China, ready for an adventure. Get ready to experience the Shiziguan floating bridge, seriously one of the coolest bridges EVER! Hidden inside the Shiziguan scenic area, this wooden wonder, aka the Shiziguan water highway, puts you practically *on* the river. Seriously, you'll feel like you're gliding across the water as you walk or drive. They call it the "Long Bridge Of Dreams," and it's easy to see why. This 1,640-foot-long (500 meters) beauty winds its way over the dazzling turquoise Qingjiang River, which is a whopping 60 meters deep! It's only 4.5 meters wide, so keep an eye out for other travelers! There's a speed limit too, so keep it slow and steady to keep those big waves down. This unforgettable experience opened up to the public on May 1st, 2016. Get ready to have your mind blown!

Tarim Desert Highway is China's longest desert roadhard

Tarim Desert Highway is China's longest desert road

🇨🇳 China

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Tarim Desert Road in Xinjiang, China! This paved road cuts right through the Taklamakan, China's biggest desert - they call it the "sea of death," which sounds intense! Also known as the Tarim Desert Highway, it's made with sand stabilized with geotextiles instead of cement. Seriously cool engineering! This 562 km (349 miles) stretch runs north-south, connecting Luntai and Minfeng. We're talking a solid 5-hour drive across crazy desert scenery. Be warned: 80% of this road is in the heart of the Taklamakan, where massive, shifting sand dunes (up to 20 meters!) love to swallow the highway. Keep your speed under 60 km/h to avoid any sandy surprises. You'll find a gas station and some grub halfway through, but otherwise, it's just you, the sand, and the occasional hardy pump house worker. No settlements exist for the entire length of the highway. Despite the hazards, the views are insane. Think exotic desert landscapes and ancient Populus trees. It's the ultimate self-drive for anyone craving that total desert immersion! Just plan for a 10-12 hour journey if you’re doing it non-stop. This is one unforgettable road trip!

How long is the road to Piramza Pass?extreme

How long is the road to Piramza Pass?

🌍 Armenia

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Syunik Province of southern Armenia, way up in the Armenian Highlands, lies the Piramza Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a gravel track topping out at 2,795m (that's 9,169ft!) and stretching for 14.9 km (9.25 miles). It's a shortcut of sorts, linking two towns in a north-south dash. But trust me, what you gain in distance, you lose in sheer grit and concentration. Picture this: remote, rugged terrain, and a road that's more like a collection of loose rocks and dirt. The weather? Totally unpredictable. Sunshine can turn into a mud-slinging thunderstorm faster than you can say "stuck!" This is strictly 4x4 territory, and you'll want some serious clearance. Oh, and maybe a sense of adventure (and a good mechanic's number on speed dial). Now, about those hairpin turns...brace yourself for 26 of 'em! The northern section is the real kicker. It's crazy steep, with 18 hairpins packed tightly together. The road narrows, the drops get serious, and there are NO safety barriers. Seriously, zero margin for error. Night driving? Forget about it. Poor visibility? Nope. This route demands your full attention. Keep in mind, this pass is usually snowed in from October to June. So, plan your trip accordingly for the ultimate adrenaline-pumping experience!