Where is the Tra La pass?

Where is the Tra La pass?

China, asia

Length

60 km

Elevation

4,046 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

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.

Where is it?

Where is the Tra La pass? is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 29.1511, 88.6215

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
60 km
Max Elevation
4,046 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
29.1511, 88.6215

Related Roads in asia

Is the road from Malabrigo to Laiya paved?hard

Is the road from Malabrigo to Laiya paved?

🇵🇭 Philippines

Alright, road trip lovers, listen up! If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, specifically in Batangas (that's in the southwestern part, FYI), you HAVE to experience the drive from Malabrigo to Laiya. Seriously, people call it one of the best coastal drives on the planet, and I can see why! Okay, so the road itself? It's a bit of a mixed bag. You'll find some stretches of asphalt, some concrete, and yeah, some parts are still unpaved…but good news! They're working on repaving the whole thing. It's about 23.8 kilometers (that's roughly 14.78 miles) of winding east-to-west goodness, connecting Laiya and Malabrigo. Even with the windows up, you can practically taste the ocean air—that's how close you are to the water!

A road trip on the Syangboche La is truly epicextreme

A road trip on the Syangboche La is truly epic

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Syangboche La, nestled way up in the wild, remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal, is calling your name! Imagine this: You're cruising at a cool 12,552 feet (3,826m), smack-dab in the Kali Gandaki River valley. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Kaligandaki Road Corridor, carved out by the Nepal Army, is a real beast. Think gravel tracks begging for 4WD, especially since winter basically shuts this place down. We're talking potential avalanches, serious snow, and landslides galore, plus those sneaky patches of ice that can ruin your day. The 5.2km stretch between Syanboche and Ghiling is absolutely epic. Just remember, the air gets thin up here, and you're way out there, so come prepared! This route isn't just a road; it's a high-altitude roller coaster through some of the most stunning (and isolated) landscapes Nepal has to offer. Get ready for some serious mountain pass hopping!

16 Top Road Trip Gadgets to Make Your Hill Station Vacation More Convenienthard

16 Top Road Trip Gadgets to Make Your Hill Station Vacation More Convenient

🇮🇳 India

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down this epic stretch of road clinging to the side of a mountain. We're talking serious elevation changes over its [length] distance. The views? Absolutely insane, with valleys dropping away beneath you. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, because it definitely earns its stripes with some seriously tight corners and a few spots where you might wanna tap the brakes. Plus, the weather can flip on you in a heartbeat, so be ready for anything. This is a drive where the journey *is* the destination.

Pereval Choloktorhard

Pereval Choloktor

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan, you HAVE to check out Pereval Choloktor! This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a staggering 3,618m (that's 11,870ft!). Fair warning: the road to the summit is not for the faint of heart. Think bumpy, gravelly, and rough. Some call it Pereval Tjoloktor. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Expect narrow trails, some tight hairpin turns, and keep an eye on the weather! Being that high up, winter snow can close it down in a heartbeat. But trust me, the views from the top? Totally worth the challenge.