A drive to the top of Wenquan Daban
China, asia
N/A
5,808 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up because we're heading to Wenquan Daban (Hot Springs Daban) in Xinjiang, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive — we're talking about one of the highest roads *on Earth*, topping out at a breathtaking 5,808m (19,055ft).
Nestled high in the Chang-Chemno Range, this road is a rugged, unpaved beast. Forget your sedan; you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this terrain. Fair warning: this route isn't open to just anyone (civilians and foreigners, take note). It connects Wenquan (Hot Springs) and Hongshantou Co.
Beyond the incredible views, prepare for a serious challenge. The air is thin up here; altitude sickness is a real possibility, and even your engine will struggle with the low oxygen. This road, also known as Cayley's Pass and Changlung Yokma La, gets seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10% in places. Built back in 1962, it's a true test of both vehicle and driver!
Where is it?
A drive to the top of Wenquan Daban is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.1138, 100.9658
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,808 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.1138, 100.9658
Related Roads in asia
moderateAnglet Daban: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for Anglet Daban, a seriously epic pass soaring to 3,189 meters (10,462 feet) in Northern Xinjiang, China! You'll find it snuggled in the Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, part of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. This baby's paved the whole way, so no off-roading needed! It's officially known as the S237 provincial road, or the Yizhao highway if you wanna sound like a local. Be warned: it’s steep! The reward is so worth it, though. At the top, there's a parking lot with views that will absolutely blow your mind. Seriously, don’t forget your camera – this is Xinjiang beauty at its finest! Clocking in at 229 km (142 miles), this road trip stretches from Ili in Northern Xinjiang to the border with Kazakhstan, specifically the Raiymbek District of Almaty Region. Get ready for some thrills and maybe a few white-knuckle moments along the way. Heads up, this road is usually closed from October to May, so plan your trip accordingly!
extremeWhere is Kotal-e Khuni?
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kotal-e Khuni! This epic mountain pass climbs to a whopping 1,891m (6,204ft) in the heart of Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Where exactly is it? This beauty acts as a border crossing of sorts, linking the Shahidi Hassas District and Kajaki District. The road itself snakes for about 30km (18.64 miles) between Kuckak and Rabat. Think smooth tarmac? Think again! This is raw, unpaved Afghanistan at its finest – or most challenging, depending on your perspective. Expect sandy stretches, hairpin turns galore, and dramatic drop-offs that'll test your nerves. Oh, and keep an eye out for those vibrant Afghan trucks rumbling along! Now, a word of caution. Traveling to Afghanistan right now is seriously risky. We're talking terrorist activity, ongoing conflict, a high chance of kidnapping, and a whole heap of other dangers. Basically, your safety can't be guaranteed, and consular help is super limited. So, as much as this road screams adventure, it's one to add to the "dream list" for now.
moderateWhere is Wadi an Nakhur?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Wadi an Nakhur, a seriously epic canyon hidden away in northeastern Oman! Word on the street is, it's the deepest canyon in the whole Middle East. You might also hear it called Wadi Ghul – just a heads-up. To get there, head north of Al Hamra town and keep an eye out for a right turn near modern Ghul village. That's where the fun *really* begins. Kiss pavement goodbye, because this road is all dirt, all the time. And not the smooth kind, either. Think loose gravel, especially near the edges, so pay attention! After about 7 km of bouncing along, you'll reach the charming village of An Nakhur, nestled right in the heart of it all. Now, a word of warning: you absolutely NEED a 4x4 with high clearance for this trip. Seriously. The wadi floor is all loose gravel, which is a recipe for disaster in a regular car. Expect a bumpy, rough ride, but trust me, the views are SO worth it!
moderateWhere are the Naltar Lakes?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever heard of the Naltar Lakes in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan? Think three shimmering jewels – Strangi, Blue, and Bodlok – nestled high in the Naltar Valley, aka Pakistan's 'magic carpet' thanks to its unreal scenery. Getting there? Buckle up! The Naltar Valley Road is a wild 30km (19 mile) ride from Nomal that runs alongside the Naltar River. Forget paved roads, this is a bumpy, unpaved adventure that demands a 4x4 and some serious driving skills. Plus, keep an eye out – the river can flood! Elevation-wise, you're climbing! The lakes sit between 3,050 and 3,150 meters above sea level. Word of warning: winter turns this road into an impassable wonderland of 10-15 foot snowbanks. Best time to visit these beauties is May to October. Trust me, the views are SO worth the challenge!