
Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget
China, asia
N/A
5,176 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a ride to the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope in western Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a steep, concrete road carved into the mountains of Gar County, Ngari Prefecture. Completed in 2020, this route takes you skyward to a staggering 5,176 meters (that's 16,981 feet!) above sea level.
The views? Absolutely breathtaking. But don't get too distracted β this is serious mountain terrain. As you ascend to this remote observatory, remember you're battling thin air and potentially extreme weather. The oxygen up here is scarce, so be prepared for altitude sickness. This journey is a challenge, but it leads to a groundbreaking window for CMB polarization observations in the northern hemisphere.
Where is it?
Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.8096, 109.8118
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 5,176 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.8096, 109.8118
Related Roads in asia
hardS304 is an unforgettable journey in Tibet
π¨π³ China
Okay, adventure awaits on Provincial Road 304 in Tibet! This little 170 km (105 mile) shortcut is a stunner, linking Yangbajain (off the main China National Highway 109) to the legendary 318 National Road (G318), the Tibet-Sichuan highway, near Dazhuka. Now, it's unsealed, but don't let that scare you off β most cars can handle it when it's dry. Just keep in mind we're talking serious altitude here, hovering above 3,800m, so that thin air is no joke. Weather can be a factor, too. The real highlight? Mula Mountain Pass! Prepare for jaw-dropping views from 5,453m (17,890ft) high in the Nyenchen Dangla Mountains. Seriously, the views are worth the climb!
extremeDare to drive the dangerous road from Bahrain to Kalam
π΅π° Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising through Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and fancy a white-knuckle ride, the Bahrain to Kalam road is calling your name! Hugging the Swat River, this mostly paved section of the N-95 is about 35 km of pure adrenaline. Don't let the short distance fool you; budget around 5 hours for this trip. While technically open to all vehicles, trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Seriously. Unless you're okay with leaving your low-rider halfway up a mountain, a sturdy vehicle is a must. Starting in Bahrain (at a cool 1,426 meters), you'll climb to Kalam (sitting pretty at 2,001 meters). The views are insane, but keep your eyes on the road! Expect hairpin turns, crazy drop-offs, potential landslides, flash floods, and the ever-present possibility of traffic jams. If you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe grab a postcard instead. But if you're up for an unforgettable adventure, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!
hardJiabo Co
π¨π³ China
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! I just found your next thrill: Jiabo Co, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 15,662 feet in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture. Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup. Weβre talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "tippy" moments along the infamous 711 County Road (X711). Forget about it in the winter β totally impassable. This is strictly a 4x4 kinda trip, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!). Think steep climbs and potentially muddy conditions if it's wet. The views? Absolutely insane. The challenge? Seriously real. You'll find yourself in a super remote area with hardly any traffic, so make sure you are self-sufficient and prepared. This is one for experienced off-roaders only!
extremeMore than 100 hairpin turns to Sangbu La
π§πΉ Bhutan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're REALLY looking to get off the beaten path, let me tell you about Sangbu La, aka Chaagagang La. This insane international mountain pass sits way up high on the China-Bhutan border at a whopping 17,345 feet. Picture this: you're winding your way up a seriously rugged, unpaved road on the Chinese side, switchbacking through over 100 hairpin turns. I'm talking a climb of 6,000 feet over just 18 miles from Bianbaxiang, with an average gradient of 6%. The views? Absolutely mind-blowing. The oxygen? Considerably less so - so take it easy! Keep in mind this isn't a Sunday drive! Don't expect any luxuries up here. Electricity, hot showers, or western toilets are pretty much non-existent. And forget about it in the winter β this military road becomes totally impassable. Oh, and the Bhutan side? No road at all! But hey, who needs a smooth ride when you've got bragging rights like this? Just make sure you're prepared for a serious challenge and some unforgettable scenery.