Why is Mount Davis famous?
China, asia
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hard
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Mount Davis in Hong Kong! Perched high up (elevation withheld for dramatic effect!), this spot on Hong Kong Island is steeped in history. We're talking old military site vibes with war ruins scattered all around. Seriously, you can explore five old gun emplacements and even old accommodation buildings!
But why is Mount Davis so famous? Well, for starters, the views from the summit of the southern part of Hong Kong Island are breathtaking. And history buffs will be in heaven exploring all the war relics along the easily accessible paths to the hilltop.
Fun fact: it’s named after Sir John Francis Davis, the 2nd governor of Hong Kong.
The road itself? It's a good length (distance withheld for dramatic effect!), but be warned: the very last bit is blocked off, so cars can't quite make it all the way.
Related Roads in asia
extremeDzi La: The technical 16% climb through the Ngonkhori range
🇨🇳 China
Deep in the heart of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China, lies Dzi La, a mountain pass that'll take your breath away – literally and figuratively! Perched at a staggering 4,799m (15,744ft) high in the Ngonkhori mountains, this is high-altitude driving at its most raw and real. Forget the smooth asphalt of eastern China; at these coordinates (32.66468, 98.04547), you're in for an off-road adventure. While the new S456 handles most of the traffic, the original, unpaved track to the summit is still there for those who dare. It's a more direct route, but be warned, it's also a wilder ride through grasslands and jagged peaks. This 75.1 km (46.66 miles) stretch of road runs north-south from Sêrxü (connected via the G345) to Luoxuzhen and is entirely unpaved. Get ready for countless twists and turns as you navigate the steep mountainsides. This track is less about sweeping curves and more about a head-on assault of the slopes, with some sections hitting a crazy 16% gradient! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the deep ruts and loose gravel. And heads up, your engine will feel the altitude, so be smart with your gear selection. No safety barriers here, just dramatic drops into the valleys below. Dzi La sits in one of the highest inhabited areas of the Tibetan Plateau. The weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even in summer, you could face sudden snowstorms or hail that turns the track into a mud bath. The newer road means less maintenance on this one, so landslides or washouts are real possibilities. Come prepared! There are no facilities, fuel stations, or workshops along this 75km stretch. Pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and consider bringing oxygen to combat altitude sickness. Oh, and remember that foreigners driving in these areas usually need permits and local guidance. Dzi La is epic, challenging, and demands serious respect!
moderateWhere is David Gareja Monastery?
🌍 Azerbaijan
Okay, so you're headed to Georgia? Forget the usual tourist traps and get yourself to the David Gareja Monastery in the Kakheti region! This place is seriously cool – a rock-hewn monastery complex that's probably the most amazing of all of Georgia's ancient sites. You'll find it southeast of Tbilisi, practically spitting distance from the Azerbaijan border. This 6th-century monastery clings to the side of Mount Gareja, about 695m (2,280ft) high. It's super remote and was pretty much left to crumble during the Soviet days. Expect a lunar-like landscape, but if you time it right (April to early June), the steppe blooms and it's magical. The road in, Road 172 (შ172), starts from Sagarejo, and it's a 48.1km (30 miles) shot straight into the middle of nowhere. The good news is that it was fully paved in the 2020s, so no more bone-jarring ruts!
hardAn Unforgettable Road to Götse La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Götse La (aka Gray Head Pass), a seriously epic mountain pass chilling at 15,183 feet! You'll find this beast nestled in Dêgê County, deep within China's Sichuan province. This isn't just any road; it's a gateway to the soul! It's the main artery to the ancient Palpung Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important Kagyu schools. Think rugged Kham landscapes, connecting the tiny villages of Sede and Xuexia. Here's the kicker: Götse La isn't just one pass, but a double whammy! You'll tackle two high-altitude saddles back-to-back, clinging to the same ridge. Oh, and did I mention the entire thing is unpaved? Yep, it's a proper off-road challenge, making it one of the toughest drives in northwest Sichuan. Get ready for some seriously stunning views and a true test of your driving skills!
extremeDriving the grueling road to Dagchu La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Dagchu La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture, China, clocking in at a lung-busting 4,894 meters (that's 16,056 feet!). The road itself? A wild 23.3 km (14.47 miles) ride from Churkang that's not for the faint of heart. Think unpaved surfaces, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 12!), and seriously steep climbs, plus sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Oh, and did I mention it's usually closed from late October until late June/early July? Beyond the challenge, the scenery is epic! Just be prepared to rough it – electricity, medical help, hot water, and Western toilets are pretty much non-existent up here. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?