Where is Gu La?
China, asia
23.7 km
5,075 m
extreme
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!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 23.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,075 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Karakul Lake?
🌍 Tajikistan
is a high mountain lake at an elevation of above sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan Where is Karakul Lake? lake lies in a more than 2,100 square kilometer impact crater, in the eastern part of the country near the . Despite its remote location, south of the legendary , Karakul is accessible to travelers and offers basic camping opportunities Why is it Called Karakul Lake? Set high in the eastern of Tajikistan, the lake freezes over every winter, turning its blue water into , which gives the lake its Kyrgyz name: (Black Lake). The sparsely populated area around the lake is home to small and practice traditional herding. Is the Road to Karakul Lake Paved? The road to the lake is the , known informally and more commonly as the . The road is paved in some areas but is . It is heavily damaged in places due to . Parts of the road were built in the , while others were constructed in the .This is a difficult climb even for 4-wheel drive vehicles , and it can cause headaches and difficulty breathing due to the high altitude. The and constant wind result in a , making breathing harder. Simply of the vehicle can be exhausting. Construction and maintenance levels vary significantly along the highway. Driving the challenging Pamir Highway to Koitezyak Pass Travelling Through the Defiant Kulob-Qal'ai Khumb Road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeThe Old Dabanshan Road: 7 Hairpin Turns
🇨🇳 China
Hey adventurers! Ready for a trek through China's Qinghai Province? Buckle up for Dabanshan Pass, a sky-high crossing sitting pretty at 3,944m (that's 12,939ft!) on the border of Haibei and Xining. This beauty is nestled in the Qilian Mountains, and it's a key part of the G227, a road that's got serious Silk Road history. Now, getting over Dabanshan used to be a real white-knuckle ride. We're talking a 9 km mountain track with hairpin turns and seriously steep climbs. Thankfully, they built a tunnel to skip the gnarliest parts. But for the thrill-seekers? The old road's still there! Think you can handle the original Dabanshan Road? It's got 7 sharp hairpin turns and gradients that'll test your car (and your nerves!). It was a beast in winter with ice and snow, but now it's a scenic detour. Head up, and you'll find Silk Road memorials, even a statue of Marco Polo! Need a shortcut? The 1.6 km Dabanshan Tunnel is your ticket. It’s a toll road that makes things quick and safe. Once you're out, stop at the viewpoint where local traders hang out. The panorama of the high-altitude landscape is unreal – perfect for a breather! Heads up: this pass is no joke in winter. Usually, it's closed from late October to late June because of snow. The tunnel helps, but even that can shut down if the snowfall is heavy. Keep an eye on the weather before you go. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardAn Explorer's Guide to Jang La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jang La Pass in Tibet is calling your name. Perched at a dizzying 17,263 feet, this border crossing between Gyirong and Saga counties is not for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think unpaved, bumpy, and hairpin turns galore. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Pro Tip: Summer is really your only window to tackle this beast. Spanning nearly 100 kilometers from Changguoxiang to Kangbeicun, the views are absolutely breathtaking – classic, raw Tibetan landscapes. But be warned, creature comforts are scarce. Forget electricity, reliable medical care, or even a decent toilet. This is about getting back to basics and conquering one seriously epic road. So, are you in?
hardWhere is Imis La?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, so Imis La is this crazy-high mountain pass perched right on the border of Jammu and Kashmir in India and the western Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking serious altitude here! From the top, the views are absolutely epic, a total feast for the eyes. Getting there is part of the adventure though – you'll need to traverse the Shansha Bridge. The road leading to the summit stretches for about 17 kilometers (around 10.5 miles), but keep in mind, due to the extreme conditions, the road to the top is entirely inaccessible to foreigners. Definitely a trek for the well-prepared and those in the know!