
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
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!
moderateDongshan Tunnel: enjoy a drive among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to the Dongshan Tunnel, a crazy-high mountain passageway straddling the Gansu and Qinghai provinces in wild northwest China. Picture this: You're cruising along a perfectly paved road, right through the heart of the Qilian Mountains. This tunnel punches through at a whopping 3,850 meters (that's 12,631 feet!) above sea level. At 3,639 meters long, this tunnel shortcut saves you from a HUGE detour along the old G213 (Suqi Highway). We're talking about chopping off over 400 kilometers and FIVE HOURS of driving! Completed in early 2021, this wasn't exactly an easy project. Think harsh weather, thin air, and seriously rugged terrain. But hey, they did it, and now we get to drive through! Get ready for some seriously stunning mountain scenery, a testament to human ingenuity, and bragging rights for conquering one seriously high road.
hardVishapasar
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're itching for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Armenia's Ararat Province, Vishapasar Pass is calling your name. Nestled in the Geghama mountains, this route tops out at a cool 2,890m (that's 9,481ft!). Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Expect a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes seriously uneven surface that'll keep you on your toes. You'll be traversing through pretty isolated landscapes, so come prepared. Leave the family sedan at home – a 4x4 is an absolute must. And if you get a little queasy looking down from great heights, this might not be your cup of tea as the trail is known to be pretty steep. Oh, and definitely skip it during the winter months when it's impassable. But if you're an experienced off-roader seeking a thrill and stunning scenery, Vishapasar promises an unforgettable journey. Just keep an eye on the weather – things can get pretty tricky when the path turns muddy and it rains.
extremeWhere is Sirsir La?
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Sirsir La, aka "the pass of yesterday", is calling your name from the lofty heights of Jammu and Kashmir, India. We're talking a whopping 15,761 feet above sea level! The summit itself is a broad, gently curved space marked with prayer flags strung between cairns. The views? Totally worth the climb. Seriously, prepare for some next-level vistas of raw, rugged beauty. This isn't a Sunday drive. The road snakes for roughly 37 miles from Photoksar through Wanla and Tarlak, before reaching Sirsir La. It's a visual feast of multicolored rocks—greens, purples, rounded, sharply cut—a geological wonderland! Now for the reality check: while some sections are paved, much of the road is unpaved and rough. We're talking narrow, steep, and challenging. This trek is strictly for experienced drivers only. Keep in mind that you won't find petrol pumps, mechanics, or medical assistance along the way, so be prepared! Nestled in the Zanskar mountain range, Sirsir La is only accessible for a limited time each year, typically opening in May. Winter snowfall slams the door shut, so plan accordingly.