Where is the Tra La pass?

Tra La Pass, sitting pretty at 4,046m (13,274ft), is nestled in the Samzhubzê District of Shigatse, Tibet. Find it around 29.15114, 88.6215 on your GPS. This beauty is a key spot along the Friendship Highway, linking Central Tibet with Nepal.

You'll find it on China National Highway 318 (G318), also known as the Friendship Highway, specifically between Gyamcoxung and Gêding. This stretch is a vital artery, one of the main routes heading west towards Nepal (Gyirong or Zhangmu).

The whole 60 km section is smooth sailing, all paved with asphalt! It's kept in pretty good shape because it's a major national highway. That being said, being so high up, the road can get a little beat up with the rapid temperature changes, so keep an eye out for cracks. Plus, watch for those big trucks, this highway is a busy one!

Speaking of that 60 km (37 miles), it's surprisingly gentle. Unlike some of its Himalayan neighbors, Tra La Pass is relatively flat, with gradients rarely going over 3-5%. No crazy switchbacks or narrow bits here, so most vehicles can handle it just fine. The real challenge is the altitude and those strong crosswinds.

Good news, though! Tra La is usually open year-round. Since it's not *super* high (just over 4,000m), it doesn't get snowed in as much as some other passes. Still, keep an eye on the weather in winter (December to March), as heavy snow or black ice can cause short closures.