Where is Sangbu La?

Where is Sangbu La?

Bhutan, asia

Length

30.2 km

Elevation

5,287 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a border-crossing thrill, Sangbu La (aka Chaagagang La) is calling your name. Perched way up at 17,345 feet on the China-Bhutan border, this pass is not for the faint of heart.

Picture this: you're snaking up the Tibetan side from Bianbaxiang on a rough, unpaved road – think over 100 hairpin turns! It's a 18.76-mile climb, gaining over 6,000 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6%, so get ready for a workout.

Keep in mind the air gets thin up there – altitude sickness is a real threat, so take it easy. Also, this road is a no-go in winter. And don't expect luxury; amenities are scarce. On the Bhutan side? No road at all! But the views? Absolutely epic.

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Road Details

Country
Bhutan
Continent
asia
Length
30.2 km
Max Elevation
5,287 m
Difficulty
extreme

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