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 – 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
hardWhere is Salambar Pass?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Salambar Pass in Iran is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper adventure up a narrow, unpaved, and winding road high into the mountains between the Qazvin and Mazandaran provinces. Think Elburz Mountains and imagine yourself near the famed Castle of the Assassins. This serpentine road climbs dramatically, revealing dizzying drop-offs to one side. The pass itself is a decent length, connecting Shahrestan to the south with Pichebon up north. At the summit, you'll find the Pichebon Carvansaray, a small, abandoned relic from the Safavid era. It's a fantastic spot to soak in the panoramic mountain views, imagining travelers of old stopping for rest and refreshment. The well-preserved caravansary is a testament to the historical importance of this route, even when traversed only by mule. Heads up, though: driving here demands respect. Unpredictable weather, especially at night, plus the absence of guardrails and some reckless drivers, mean you need to keep your wits about you. Also, the security situation in this region can be unpredictable, so definitely do your research beforehand. Still, for experienced adventurers, the raw beauty and history make Salambar Pass an unforgettable destination!
extremeDriving the road to Altyn-Arashan is not a piece of cake
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, picture this: you're in Kyrgyzstan, itching for adventure, and someone whispers the name "Altyn-Arashan." This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a wild 16.7 km (10.37 miles) trek starting near Teploklyuchenka that'll have your heart pumping and your 4x4 begging for mercy. Why? Because this "road" to the alpine meadow, nestled at 2,528m (8,293ft) in the Ak-Suu District, is no joke. It's bumpy. Like, really bumpy. Think gnarly, unpaved, and seriously steep climbs that gain you 682 meters in elevation. We're talking a 4.08% average gradient – not for the faint of heart! Expect a solid 2-3 hours of white-knuckle driving (without stops!) as you crawl along the Arashan River gorge. This isn't a race; it's a test of your off-road skills. Word to the wise: This path can be snowed in well into summer, so plan accordingly. But if you make it? You'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and a mountaintop resort where you can soak it all in. This road's a beast, but the views are worth every bump and jolt!
easyDriving the Scenic Paved Mountain Road to Namshang La
🇮🇳 India
Namshang La, sitting pretty at 16,273 feet in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a total feast for the eyes. Picture this: you're surrounded by hundreds of colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind at the summit. This pass is your gateway from the Indus Valley up to the high plateau of Tsomoriri, right near the border with Tibet and its massive lake sitting pretty at 14,700 feet. The good news? The road is a smooth, newly paved black tarmac. The area is remote, so prepare for vast, sparsely populated landscapes and raw natural beauty. Keep in mind there's next to nothing in the way of villages or gas stations along the route, so fill 'er up before you go! This 27.83-mile stretch runs north-south from Sumdo to Korzok, one of the highest towns in India. Nestled in the Rupshu region of the Changthang Plateau, expect freezing temperatures in winter, which pretty much shuts things down until summer. Even then, be prepared for some seriously high passes (like Kiagar La at 15,941 feet!), a small saline lake called Kyagar Tso at 15,436 feet and cold nights, even in the summer months.
hardHow to get to Komic in India, one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth?
🇮🇳 India
Hey fellow adventurers! Have you heard of Komic? This remote village sits way up high in the Indian Himalayas, in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, clocking in at a dizzying 4,572 meters (15,049 feet)! Komic gets a lot of buzz as the "highest village in the world connected by a motorable road," but while it might not wear that particular crown, it IS the highest village in India and boasts the world's highest permanent post office. Pretty cool, right? Getting there is an adventure in itself. The 17 km (10.56 miles) road from Kaza, off the Spiti Valley Road (Road 505), is now paved, making it easier to reach. Don't let that fool you though! You'll be tackling 25 hairpin bends, navigating narrow sections, and white-knuckling it past some seriously steep drop-offs. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Think snow-capped peaks, stunning valleys, and an experience you won't soon forget. Just be aware that due to heavy snowfall, Komic is often cut off from the world for half the year. So plan accordingly!