
Where is Hei Daban Pass?
China, asia
N/A
3,778 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because Hei Daban Pass in China is a wild ride! Nestled in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, northeast of the stunning Hala Lake, this off-the-beaten-path route delivers major thrills.
Forget paved roads, this is a completely unnumbered, unpaved adventure demanding serious off-road skills. We're talking steep ramps, some hitting a 20% gradient, and a surface begging for high clearance and 4-wheel drive. Loose rock is your constant companion, especially as you climb higher.
The views, though? Totally worth it! Get ready for sweeping vistas, including the majestic Qiyi Glacier.
The road stretches for roughly 12km, climbing from 3,840m to a lung-busting 4,745m, making for an average gradient of around 7.5%.
Keep an eye on the weather, because things can change in a heartbeat thanks to its proximity to the glacier. Sudden temperature drops and unexpected mud from glacial melt are real hazards. So pack your layers and prepare for anything!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,778 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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