
Xuemenkan Pass
China, asia
N/A
3,984 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Xuemenkan Pass, nestled way up high in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, China. We're talking serious altitude here – almost 13,100 feet!
This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, though the newly paved road might fool you at first. Get ready for a wild ride – twists, turns, ups, and downs galore! Seriously, if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale and Dramamine. You might not want to eat a huge lunch before this one!
The pass sits pretty in the Yajiageng Mountains, splitting the Minya Konka and Lamoshe massifs. Picture this: breathtaking views, but also some seriously steep sections. And hey, good news – there's even a toilet at the summit! Driving it at night or in bad weather? Only for the brave (and experienced). Stay safe out there!
Where is it?
Xuemenkan Pass is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.9676, 101.4848
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,984 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.9676, 101.4848
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