Yepuchen La: Conquering the 5,113m Pass in the Tibetan Himalayas
China, asia
33 km
5,113 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure deep in Tibet! Yepuchen La (also known as Yipuqin La) is a beast of a mountain pass, topping out at a lung-busting 5,113 meters (that's 16,774 ft!). This remote route will test you and your ride, so be prepared for some serious gradients.
You'll find this border crossing—marking the line between Biru County (Nagqu) and Banbar County (Chamdo)—in the eastern Nyenchen Tanglha mountains. Keep both names in mind, as locals use them interchangeably! The road sits west of the dazzling blue waters of Samu Co lake, and offers killer views of Sepu Kangri, a massive peak towering at 6,956 meters. Head southeast from the pass, and you'll be cruising through the gorgeous Nok Chu valley.
This 33-kilometer (20-mile) stretch winds its way from Tsapuka to Yaibug, and the road to the top is a rough and ready, unpaved track. Expect plenty of curves and incredibly steep sections—some ramps hit a whopping 13%! Brace yourself for 12 hairpin turns near the summit, demanding your full attention.
Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure. The terrain is rugged, the slopes are steep, and those tight turns can be tricky.
Remember, you're on your own out here! Facilities are practically non-existent. Electricity, medical help, hot showers, and even decent restrooms are rare finds. Due to the extreme altitude and remoteness, plan ahead, pack smart, and get the latest updates before you go!
Where is it?
Yepuchen La: Conquering the 5,113m Pass in the Tibetan Himalayas is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.4238, 101.1622
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 33 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,113 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 35.4238, 101.1622
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