Where is Imis La?
India, asia
17 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
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!
Related Roads in asia
hardWhy is called the Hell Road?
🇮🇳 India
Kaksang La, nicknamed "Hell Road" by the locals, sits way up high in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, at a lung-busting 17,834 feet! Fully paved as of 2022, this is possibly the highest pass a foreign driver can conquer in India with just a regular Protected Area Pass. Located near the Line of Actual Control with China, this remote road is usually snowed in during winter. The weather can be brutal up here, so prepare for icy winds! This isolated 42-mile (67.2 km) stretch twists and turns between Chushul and Mahe in the Changthang region, sometimes facing small landslides and loose rocks. While not as famous as other passes, the drive is visually stunning. Picture this: mind-blowing views of lakes, mountains, and valleys as you journey through the Himalayas.
extremeIs the road to Spiti valley unpaved?
🇮🇳 India
Spiti Valley Road, nestled in the starkly beautiful desert mountain valley of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India, is legendary. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Think gravel and rough patches mixed with bits of pavement that don't last long thanks to the shifting soil. You'll be wading through streams from melting glaciers, navigating rocks, sand, and maybe even snow. It's a narrow track that feels unbelievably remote. The 137 km (85 miles) route runs from Kaza to Gramphoo, and any SUV with good ground clearance is recommended - 2WD or 4x4. You'll climb to Khardung La, a staggering 4,556 m (14,947 ft) above sea level, making it one of India's highest motorable passes. It’s usually open from May to October. Prepare for hairpin turns and truly isolated stretches where you won't see another soul for miles. The views of the Chandra Valley are unforgettable!
hardKulun Shanku
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventurers, buckle up because we're heading to Kulun Shanku, a mind-blowing mountain pass perched way up in Qinghai province, China! We're talking a staggering 4,785m (15,698ft) above sea level! This beast is nestled in the Kunlun Mountains, and the road – part of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Highway (China National Highway 109) – is paved, surprisingly enough. But don't let that fool you, the weather here is WILD. Think sunshine one minute, blizzard the next. Seriously unpredictable! This pass connects Golmud and Lhasa, slicing through scenery that's as breathtaking as it is harsh. Kunlun Pass, as it's also known, isn't for the faint of heart. The air is thin (expect altitude sickness to kick in way before you reach the top), and the climb is seriously steep. It's a true test of both you and your vehicle. Get ready for the ride of your life!
hardWhere does the Kennon Road start and end?
🇵🇠Philippines
Cruising through northern Luzon? You HAVE to experience Kennon Road! Think of it as the shortcut from the lowlands of Rosario up to the mountain paradise of Baguio City. This winding beauty stretches for about 41 kilometers (25.6 miles) and will take you on a climb from practically sea level up to a cool 1,700 meters (5,500 feet). Give yourself around 45 minutes to an hour to soak it all in, but be warned, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Expect tight hairpin turns and blind curves galore! Parts of the road are missing guardrails, and other parts have guardrails that may not be strong enough. Plus, the afternoon fog can roll in, cutting visibility. Landslides can also be a problem, especially after heavy rains, leading to road closures. Despite the challenges, it's a trip worth making because of the breathtaking views. It's also the fastest way up to Baguio if you're coming from Manila or central Luzon. Just take it slow, stay alert, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable driving experience.