Where is Me La?
China, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're planning a trip to the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, specifically east of the stunning Lake Pu Moyongcuo, you HAVE to check out Me La Pass.
Sitting pretty at a seriously high elevation, this route is about connecting with the landscape. Yes, the road IS paved, which is a definite plus. But don't think it's a walk in the park. Expect some winding sections that'll keep you on your toes.
The route is cleverly engineered so the inclines never get too crazy; think a maximum gradient of around 7%. Still, all that twisting requires your full attention. Get ready for some mind-blowing scenery!
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhy is it called Vardenyats Pass?
š Armenia
Vardenyats Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.410m (7,906ft) above sea level, located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Why is it called Vardenyats Pass? Set high in the Vardenis mountains range, the road to the summit, also known as Selim Mountain Pass or Sulemayi Lernantsākā, is called M10. The pass was formerly known as Selim Mountain Pass, but the name was recently changed. According to the governor of Vayots Dzor province, Edgar Ghazarian the name changed because āSelimā name is often used in the press, electronic mass media, tourist guides and reference books when the matter concerns a mountain pass, a caravanserai, etc. After consulting with historians, it became clear that Selim is the name of a person, rather than a place. This foreign barbarian was only famous for his evil deeds and destruction he caused. Our picturesque sites and historic monuments should not be linked to his name. I want to inform everyone that changes were officially made in the place names, with Selim mountain pass renamed Vardenyats mountain pass and the Selim caravanserai renamed Orbelianās caravanseraiā. How long is Vardenyats Pass? The pass is 55.7 km (34.61 miles) long, running north-south from Martuni (a town in the Gegharkunik Province on the southern shores of Lake Sevan) to Yeghegnadzor (a town in Vayots Dzor Province, on the southern part of the country). Is Vardenyats Pass challenging? The road leading to the summit is completely paved, but it presents numerous challenges to any vehicle's suspension due to the abundance of potholes and broken surfaces. The road's perilous nature is primarily attributed to the extreme weather conditions, including blizzards, strong winds, dense fog, limited visibility, sections with black ice, and the constant risk of avalanches. Depending on the season of your visit, it's crucial to monitor local weather reports, as heavy snowfall can pose significant problems. Additionally, the occasional tumbling rocks demand constant vigilance while driving. Is Vardenyats Pass worth it? While driving through this challenging road, with hairpin turns, steep sections and countless curves, youāll get stunning views. As you traverse the terrain, the road leads you to the highland steppe, just beyond the pass, where the beauty of Armenia's majestic mountains unfolds. Moreover, this pass serves as a gateway to Lake Sevan, offering an opportunity to experience this natural wonder. At the summit, you'll encounter a remarkable piece of history - the ancient Silk Road guest house, known as Selim Caravanserai. This establishment was constructed in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian, as revealed by inscriptions in both Armenian and Arabic. Throughout its existence, the caravanserai extended hospitality to countless travelers journeying along the highway that traversed the Selim (Sulema) mountains. Selim Caravanserai stands as a gem amongst Armenia's historical treasures, representing an example of secular Armenian architecture during the Middle Ages. What are the highest roads in Armenia? Driving the demanding road to Aragats Research Station 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.
extremeWhere is Thorong La?
š³šµ Nepal
Okay, picture this: you're trekking the legendary Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, and you're about to hit Thorong La Pass, one of the highest and most famous passes around! Now, getting to the top isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously gnarly, unpaved 4WD track way up there. Word is, someone who experienced a bit of drama at the pass donated a chunk of change to build it, hoping it'd speed up rescues. The road stretches quite a distance. Near the very top, expect some seriously steep inclines! Beyond that, it might get too wild even for your trusty 4x4. Seriously, timing is everything. If you want to soak in those incredible Annapurna views without the drama, aim for crossing during the safest months. Trying your luck any other time? You're looking at a way higher risk of avalanches, frostbite, and potentially getting stuck in a storm or whiteout. Acclimatization is crucial!
moderateIs the NH 109K Road paved?
š®š³ India
Okay, picture this: You're in Uttarakhand, India, ready for an adventure. NH 109K is calling your name, a 293km ribbon of asphalt snaking from Jauljibi, right on the Indo-Nepal border, all the way up north to Simli. Fully paved since 2020-ish, you might think it's a breeze. Think again! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking narrow stretches, hairpin turns galore, and zero guardrails separating you from a serious drop. Oh, and you'll probably be dodging waterfalls cascading across the road at some point. This route hugs the Goriganga and Gori rivers for miles, so expect some seriously stunning scenery, but also be warned: monsoon season can wreak havoc, washing away sections and causing frequent closures. Seriously, check conditions before you go! You'll need around 14+ hours to conquer this beast, and while the scenery (think Panchchuli peaks and rushing rivers) is epic, the rough road conditions mean youāll be earning those views. Trust me, though, if you're after a heart-pumping, jaw-dropping, unforgettable drive, NH 109K is where it's at. Just pack your patience, a sense of adventure, and maybe a spare tire (or two!).
moderatePar La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
šØš³ China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Par La, also known as Yu La, is calling your name! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, clocking in at a staggering 18,300 feet above sea level. Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Zhonglong Highway is completely unpaved and stretches for about 58 miles from the G219 toward Buduoxiang. We're talking serious off-road vibes! Keep your eyes on the road (if you dare!), because this climb is a real oxygen-sucking, mountainous adventure. Fair warning: you'll probably only be able to tackle this beast in the summer. And don't expect any fancy amenities up there ā electricity, medical help, and western toilets are about as common as unicorns. But hey, who needs those when you've got views that'll blow your mind?