Where is Zhawa La?
China, asia
73 km
5,021 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Zhawa La in Sichuan, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: you're in western Garzê, tackling a mountain pass that climbs to a staggering 16,473 feet.
Forget smooth sailing – this road is a beast. We're talking countless hairpin turns and nerve-wrackingly narrow stretches. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right?
Good news, though! A new (ish) paved road opened up a few years back, carving a path north of the actual pass. This scenic route stretches for 45.36 miles, connecting Batang to Gemu.
Don't get too comfy, though. Even with the pavement, it's still a demanding drive, topping out at around 16,148 feet. But trust me, the panoramic views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Expect steep inclines, endless curves, and landscapes that'll leave you breathless.
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 73 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,021 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
extremeDriving the hairpinned N6 Road to Aqabat Thirah in Yemen
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
# Aqabat Thirah: Yemen's Wildest Mountain Pass Ready for one of the most intense driving experiences on the planet? Welcome to Aqabat Thirah, a jaw-dropping mountain pass that sits 2,283 meters (7,490 feet) above sea level in Yemen. Also called Lawdar Pass because of its proximity to the town of Lawdar, this route straddles the border between Al Bayda' and Abyan Governorates in the southwestern region. The 49.7-kilometer (30.88-mile) stretch runs north-south from Al Ayn to Owen Al-Down on the fully paved N6 highway. But here's where things get serious: this road is absolutely packed with 34 sharp switchbacks and relentless hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerves in equal measure. Steep grades and constant curves make every kilometer an adrenaline rush. Stick to daylight driving on this one—nighttime conditions are a hard pass. The mountain terrain demands respect and full visibility. **Fair warning though:** Yemen is currently experiencing unpredictable security situations, and most governments strongly advise against traveling there at all. If you're already in the country, seriously consider leaving. No road, no matter how legendary, is worth compromising your safety.
moderateAn awe-inspiring drive to Ak-Beyit Pass
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the Ak-Beit Pass in eastern Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Region. This baby climbs to a cool 3,289 meters (that's almost 11,000 feet!) in the At-Bashi Range. The good news? It's totally paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it on the A365, which is part of the E125 if you're into that kinda thing. Usually, it's open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva in winter, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. Clocking in at 119 kilometers (about 74 miles), this road connects Kara-Bulun to ... well, the start of your adventure! Seriously, daylight is your friend here. Night driving? Nah, skip it. This pass is the gateway between the At-Bashi and Arpa Valleys, so get ready for some serious scenery!
hardCan I drive to Sabalan Second Eastern Shelter on the way to Sabalan volcano?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ardabil province of Iran, near Meshgin Shahr, lies Mount Sabalan, a sleeping giant of a volcano. And guess what? You can drive *almost* to the top! This insane gravel road winds its way north from the peak, climbing to a dizzying 3,675 meters (that's over 12,000 feet!). In fact, it's one of the highest roads in the whole country! You can drive to the Sabalan Second Eastern Shelter; it's about 33 km (20.5 miles) long starting in Lahrud. Fair warning: This isn’t your Sunday drive. The route is seriously steep and bumpy, carved from ancient volcanic rock. A 4x4 is essential if you want to make it. Plus, you'll be cruising through the heart of nomadic shepherd country. Keep an eye out for their encampments! Be warned: Mother Nature often has other plans. Located in northwestern Iran, this road is usually buried under heaps of snow thanks to heavy precipitation and permanent glaciers. Getting to the top in winter is pretty much out of the question. But if you time it right, the views are epic!
hardThe Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway is one of the most congested roads on Earth
🇨🇳 China
Okay, so picture this: the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway, a HUGE artery connecting bustling Beijing all the way down to sunny Zhuhai on the southern coast. We're talking a mega-road trip of about 2,717 km (1,688 miles)! Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Some sections, especially up in northern Guangdong, have earned a rep as the "Vehicle Killer." Think steep mountain climbs, potentially icy winter weather, and way too many overloaded trucks. Yikes! Built between 1986 and 2004, it's the main route linking north and south China. Here's the kicker: it's POPULAR! So popular, in fact, that it's famous for some seriously epic traffic jams, we're talking 50 lanes of gridlock during holidays. Just imagine the views from a helicopter!