A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass

A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,312 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kudi Daban! This epic mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 3,312 meters (that's 10,866 feet!) high in the Kargilik County of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

You'll find it along the 219 National Road, also called the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway. Construction started way back in 1951, finally wrapping up in 1957. The whole thing was paved as recently as 2013.

This "Sky Road," as the Chinese call it, will have you cruising at altitudes over 5,000m, so be aware of altitude sickness! And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the incredible views ahead instead of looking down. Get ready for some wild scenery on this unforgettable ride!

Where is it?

A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.4882, 101.7126

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
3,312 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
34.4882, 101.7126

Related Roads in asia

How to drive the beautiful road to Lake Moriri in northern India?easy

How to drive the beautiful road to Lake Moriri in northern India?

🇮🇳 India

Tso Moriri, a stunning jewel nestled high in the Ladakh region of India, sits at a dizzying 14,836 feet above sea level! This high-altitude lake, south of Namshang La, is a must-see in Jammu and Kashmir, though you can't swim in it. Stretching 26 km north-south and 3-5 km wide, Tso Moriri is the largest lake entirely within India. Think crystal-clear waters reflecting snow-capped peaks – it’s a photographer's dream! But it’s not just pretty; it’s a vital wetland reserve teeming with migratory birds like the Bar-headed Goose and the endangered Black-necked Crane. The 28-mile road from Sumdo to Korzok (one of India's highest towns!) is paved and takes you through the Rupshu region. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views, including Kyagar Tso, a smaller saline lake at a cool 15,436 feet. The road peaks at a staggering 15,889 feet! Situated on the Changthang Plateau, expect freezing temps in winter, making summer the best time to visit. Be warned, though: even in summer, the nights are COLD. This is a remote area with few inhabitants, but the beauty is out of this world. There aren't many villages along the way, so come prepared. Fill up on gas beforehand because there are no petrol pumps around. Located in the secluded Rupshu Valley, don't expect fancy amenities like electricity or hot running water – this is a true adventure!

Where does the A77 mountain road lead?extreme

Where does the A77 mountain road lead?

🌍 Afghanistan

Okay, picture this: Afghanistan's A77, a wild 135 km (84 miles) dirt track snaking through Maidan Wardak and Bamiyan provinces. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking raw, unpaved adventure along the river valleys of the Hindu Kush! This east-west lifeline connects remote settlements like Zarkharid and Panjab, following the river's twists and turns through deep canyons and across high plateaus. It's not just a road; it's a vital (if a bit hairy) link for isolated communities. You'll tackle two major mountain passes: Kōtal-e Nāwêr, topping out at 3,077m (10,095ft) with insane views and seriously steep, winding bits. Then there's Kōtal-e Mullā Ya‘qūb at 2,745m (9,005ft), another key transition point in this rugged terrain. Driving? Think loose dirt, rocks, and super-narrow sections carved into cliff sides. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops with zero guardrails? Spring thaws and heavy rains can flood or wash out sections, so be prepared for anything! Forget your everyday car; a high-clearance 4x4 is a must. And come prepared — there are no services along the way, so pack fuel, water, and emergency supplies. Timing is everything. Winter snows shut down both passes, so aim for late spring to early autumn. Even then, mountain weather can change in a heartbeat, and landslides can happen, so stay alert. The A77 is not for the faint of heart!

Is Kazi La unpaved?hard

Is Kazi La unpaved?

🇨🇳 China

Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Kazi La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Litang, southwest of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China – we’re talking 4,439m (14,563ft) above sea level! You’ll be cruising (slowly!) along China National Highway 318 (G318). The road from Donglaiyicun to Lawuke is about 20.2 km (12.55 miles) long and mostly unpaved, but don’t let that scare you off. Most cars can handle it, just take it slow. But be warned: this drive is a real test! Expect seriously steep climbs, tons of twists and turns, and plenty of loose gravel to keep you on your toes. Before you head out, keep an eye on the weather. This area is known for its unpredictable conditions, so be prepared for anything. The views? Absolutely epic!

A cliff road on the edge of the Black and White volcanomoderate

A cliff road on the edge of the Black and White volcano

🌍 Arabian Peninsula

Alright, adventurers, buckle up for Jabal Abyad (or Jabal Bayda, the Black and White volcano!) in Saudi Arabia's Ḥaʼil Province. This extinct volcano, formed from some seriously cool silica-rich lava, is a sight to behold. Deep in the Harrat Khyber volcanic field, you'll find a wild, unpaved road circling the crater, perched at a cool 5,905 feet. Seriously, some say it's one of the most incredible natural wonders on Earth. Word on the street is, hiking it might be better than driving. Heads up if you're not a fan of heights, keep your eyes on the path! While the volcano sides are super steep, the southern slope is just gentle enough for a (slippery!) climb to the top. Just north of Medina, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this loop around Saudi Arabia's tallest volcano. Trust me, the views are out of this world! The surrounding landscape is straight-up otherworldly. Get ready for an unforgettable ride.