Aba La is an otherworldly drive
China, asia
413 km
5,190 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Aba La, a seriously sky-high pass chilling at 5,190 meters (that's 17,027 feet!) in the Seni District of Nagqu, Tibet.
This epic stretch of road clocks in at 413 km, linking the G109 (near Nagqu) and G318 highways. The good news? It's paved and mostly straight. The not-so-good news? You're in the Himalayas, baby! The air gets thin up there, so be prepared for some serious altitude and potentially wild weather. But hey, the views are totally worth it, right?
Where is it?
Aba La is an otherworldly drive is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.9374, 102.4587
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 413 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,190 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 35.9374, 102.4587
Related Roads in asia
hardIs the road to Satsum La paved?
🇨🇳 China
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moderateHow long is the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract)?
🌍 Mongolia
Okay, picture this: the Chuya Highway, or Chuisky Tract, a 616-kilometer (382-mile) stretch of road in the Republic of Altai that's been connecting Russia and Mongolia for ages. We're talking ancient Silk Road vibes here! This legendary road kicks off at the Biya River in Biysk and snakes its way through the majestic Altai Mountains all the way to the Mongolian border. Get ready for some serious elevation changes as you tackle mountain passes. We're talking summits at 1,894m, 1,246m, and a whopping 2,482m! Don't let the fact that this road has been around for over a thousand years fool you. It wasn't exactly a smooth ride back in the day. Think prisoners and gulag inmates building it by hand in the early 20th century, narrow paths barely wide enough for one car, and drivers having to honk just to warn others they were coming. Thankfully, it's a dual highway since 1984. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! National Geographic even put it in their top 10 most beautiful roads in the world. Seriously, the scenery is insane. You'll be cruising past everything from bustling cities and cozy villages to dense taiga forests, rushing rivers, towering mountains, and endless steppes. These days, the Chuya Highway is paved and in pretty good shape, so you don't need a special vehicle. You'll find hotels, gas stations, and restaurants dishing out all kinds of tasty food along the way. But pro tip: if you're heading south towards Mongolia, it gets a bit more remote, so pack a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking stove just in case!
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Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Pensi Pass! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 14,744 feet in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Seriously, the views alone are worth the white knuckles. Think of Pensi La (that's its other name) as the VIP entrance to the magical Zanskar Valley, connecting it to the Suru Valley. So, how long is this epic journey? Plan for about 93 miles (150 km) of road stretching north to south from Panikhar to Phe. And pro tip: this road is typically only open from May to October, so time your trip wisely! The road has recently been paved. Is it worth it? YES! Prepare to be blown away by the Suru River valley, mesmerizing glacial lakes, and the massive Drang Drung Glacier. And keep your eyes peeled near the summit for Statso/Langtso Lake, a stunning blue gem. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you.
hardHow to get to the summit of Tochal Peak?
🇮🇷 Iran
Get ready for an adventure! Mount Tochal, towering at 3,966m (13,011ft), is one of Iran's highest peaks. You'll find this beauty north of Tehran, straddling the border between Tehran and Alborz provinces. Sar Tochal, the highest point so close to Tehran, is a sight to behold. The mountain is also home to the Tochal Ski Resort, a relic from the 70s. And for a truly unique stay, check out the Tochal Hotel, perched high up with breathtaking views - just be aware of the altitude restrictions. On a clear day, Sar Tochal dominates Tehran's skyline. From the southern slopes, you'll get panoramic views of the city, and the peak even offers a clear shot of Mount Damavand. The road to the top? Buckle up, it's a wild one! This 17.6 km (10.93 miles) unpaved track starts in Shahrestanak and gains a whopping 1,788 m in elevation. We're talking a super rocky trail only suitable for bikes and seriously equipped 4x4s. This high up in the Alborz range, the road is a no-go in winter, and only clears of snow for about 3 months in summer. Expect a seriously windy summit, so pack accordingly!