Where is Thrumshing La?
Bhutan, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Thrumshing La! Nestled high in the heart of the country, straddling two districts within the Thrumshing La National Park, this pass earns its place among the highest roads around. You'll find it on the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1), acting as a watershed between two major river systems.
Stretching from Chamkhar to Trashigang for quite a distance, this route is a real beauty. It was carved out in the 90s and is paved, but let's be real, the conditions can be rough, even turning to gravel in sections!
As you ascend, prepare to be wowed by the scenery. The road winds through lush, dense forests brimming with Rhododendron trees. But remember, you're at a serious elevation, so pack those warm clothes, a good hat, and gloves—the air up here bites. Acclimatize for a day or two if you can to avoid altitude sickness. The summit's often shrouded in mist, which adds an extra layer of mystery. And surprisingly, despite the altitude, the snow often vanishes by April or May!
If you're feeling brave, keep an eye out for the breathtaking detour to Yotong La!
Related Roads in asia
moderateHow long is Highway 10 in Saudi Arabia?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, picture this: you're in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, ready to tackle one of the world's straightest roads. We're talking about a 255-kilometer (158-mile) shot of pure, unadulterated straightness, part of the massive 1,475-kilometer Highway 10. This isn't your average desert drive; this stretch connects Haradh, the oil and gas hub, to Al Batha near the UAE border. Legend has it that it was built as a private road for King Fahd. Now, it's a paved, mostly 2x2 lane highway slicing through the Rub Al-Khali desert. Forget winding turns or dramatic elevation changes – it is just you, the endless horizon, and a whole lot of straight road. This road is heavily trafficked, moving goods from Saudi Arabia's heartland to the UAE. Two and a half hours of driving without a single curve or significant slope? It's a unique experience, to say the least!
hardRong La: The dizzying 22-hairpin ascent in Eastern Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Deep in eastern Tibet's Dêngqên County lies Rong La, a mountain pass that'll leave you breathless – literally! We're talking 4,831m (15,849ft) above sea level. This isn't just a road; it's a battle against a near-vertical Himalayan mountainside. Get ready for some serious twists and turns – this road is dizzying, to say the least. You'll need a steady hand and a vehicle in tip-top shape. The air's thin, and the dust... oh, the dust! It's fine, pervasive, and will coat everything in seconds. If you're not a fan of heights, this one's a challenge, both mentally and physically. Connecting Zhuodu and Anlacun, the most intense section is a 6.41 km (3.98 miles) climb from Zhuodu with a whopping 447 meters of elevation gain. Forget gentle slopes; we're talking about an average gradient of almost 7%, but that doesn't even tell half the story. Brace yourself for 22 hairpin bends, so tight that even some 4x4s might need a little wiggle to get around. Forget asphalt; it's all about loose dirt and crushed stone here. In dry conditions, "dizzying and dusty" doesn't even begin to cover it. If you're following another vehicle, prepare for a total brownout. A high-clearance 4x4 is a must, not just for traction but to avoid getting stuck in the ruts carved into the switchbacks. And remember, entering Tibet in your own wheels requires a ton of paperwork and a government-approved guide. Up here, your engine's gonna be struggling for air. That lack of oxygen means reduced power, so expect to spend most of those 22 hairpins in first or second gear. Keep a close eye on your engine temperature, as cooling systems aren't as efficient at this altitude. And that dust? It's brutal! Protect your air intake and bring a spare filter if you're travelling with others. There are zero facilities on Rong La. This is a truly remote corner of Tibet, where the weather can flip from a dust storm to a blizzard in minutes. Self-sufficiency is key! Pack recovery gear, plenty of water, and make sure your brakes are in perfect condition for the equally challenging descent. Rong La is an incredible drive, but it demands respect and leaves absolutely no room for mistakes.
hardHow to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, so you're heading to Shemshak, Iran, a ski resort perched way up high at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)! They say it's the second biggest ski area in the whole country. Built back in '58, this place is nestled in the stunning Alborz Mountains. The road in, called 425, is fully paved, so no worries there. But be warned, it's a *steep* climb with some seriously narrow bits. But hey, the views are worth it! You'll pass through some cool little towns, perfect for a pit stop. And pro tip: you absolutely HAVE to try the kebabs along the way. Seriously amazing. The road itself stretches for 52 km (32 miles), running from Kushkak in the south to Lavasan in the north. And guess what? Keep going past Shemshak, and you'll hit another awesome ski resort called Dizin. Road trip, anyone?
extremeIs the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge paved?
🌍 Afghanistan
Tangi Tashkurgan is an amazing gorge located in the Balkh province of Afghanistan. Is the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge paved? Tucked away in the northern part of the country, the road through the gorges is the twisty AH76 road, also known as the Kabul-Mazar Road. It is fully paved. How long is the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge? It’s 135 km (84 miles) long, running from Kholm (or Khulm) to Puli Khumri (Pul-i-Khumri or Pol-e Khomri). How challenging is the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge? The road is very narrow. It’s often washed out after heavy rains. Dizzying roadside sellers offer juicy pomegranates and figs. Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Drivers are aggressive and reckless. Drivers do not respect traffic laws, and Afghan police do not enforce them. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Should I drive the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge? If you do choose this route, please check up-to-date information due to the security situation. Obviously you would have to really (!) check what is going on now. You might want to contact your embassy in Kabul as they have really the most accurate information about the security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, the risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the high crime rate. Driving the Road to Anjuman Pass is Not a Piece of Cake The ultimate road trip to the legendary Dorah Pass 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.