Bayi Daban, courage is required to drive to the summit
China, asia
50.6 km
5,366 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bayi Daban – or Lingkyithang La as the locals call it – is a seriously high mountain pass straddling the border between Xinjiang and Tibet, China. We're talking a lung-busting 5,366 meters (17,604 feet) above sea level!
The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think completely unpaved, but mostly straight, so brace yourself for a bumpy, yet scenic ride. Be prepared for very basic conditions: electricity, hot water, and Western-style toilets are pretty much non-existent up here, so come prepared.
Starting from China National Highway 219, this 50.6 km (31.44 miles) climb rewards you with insane views of Songmuxi Co, a stunning alpine lake. The road also leads towards Salikyila Genzhi Tso (also known as Surigh Yilganing Kol), so keep your camera ready. Just a heads-up: this journey is definitely not for the faint of heart, so check conditions before you go!
Where is it?
Bayi Daban, courage is required to drive to the summit is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.4383, 101.5969
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 50.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,366 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.4383, 101.5969
Related Roads in asia
hardKungzhag La is one of the highest roads on Earth
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Kungzhag La is calling – a staggering 5,780m (18,963ft) high peak perched right on the India-China border. We're talking seriously high altitude driving here! Find it east of Lungmar La, straddling Sikkim (India) and Tibet (China). The only way to reach the top is via the Indian side. Word is, you'll find a military installation up there. Heads up: stick to the road! This area might have some surprises hidden beneath the surface, so no wandering off! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Think rugged, unpaved, and seriously steep. We're talking super-narrow sections and a full 22 hairpin turns to test your skills. It's raw, rocky mountain terrain that gets progressively tougher. Only seasoned mountain drivers need apply for this one! Starting from the Gurudongmar road, you've got 11.6 km (7.20 miles) of pure adrenaline to the top. You’ll climb a whopping 941m, with an average gradient of 8.11%. Trust me, the views from the Tibetan plateau are something else – if you can handle the drive!
extremeDangerous Road in Malaysia: Traversing Pan Borneo Highway
🌍 Malaysia
The Pan Borneo Highway – it's not just a road, it's an epic adventure across the wild heart of Malaysian Borneo! This mega-project connects the states of Sabah and Sarawak, over a distance of more than 2,000 kilometers and thrusting you into the oldest rainforests in Malaysia. But hold on tight, thrill-seekers! This beauty comes with a bite. It’s known for being one of Malaysia's trickiest routes. The highway snakes through truly stunning scenery. Think endless emerald rainforests, towering mountains, and glimpses of the coastline that will take your breath away. Lush jungles meet rugged terrain, making for a seriously unforgettable drive, but also contributing to the challenging nature of the trip. So, how do you conquer this beast? * **Gear Up**: Before you even think about turning the key, give your ride a serious once-over. Brakes, tires (you'll want good treads for those slippery spots!), lights – the whole shebang. * **Pack Like a Pro**: Emergency kit is a MUST. Think tools, first-aid, flashlights, water, snacks – the works. Borneo's weather can be wild, so toss in some warm clothes. * **Map it Out**: Don't just wing it! Plot your course, noting hazardous zones. GPS is your friend, but a paper map is your backup BFF. Plan fuel and rest stops. * **Weather Watch**: Borneo weather is no joke! Keep an eye on the forecast and road conditions. Don't be a hero – if things get dicey, change your plans. * **Insure Yourself**: Make sure you are fully covered, accidents happen, and out here, they can be more serious. The Pan Borneo Highway might be a bit of a wild card, but with a little preparation (and the right insurance!), it's an experience you won't soon forget. Get ready to dive headfirst into the heart of Borneo!
hardBamtso La: Driving to the 5,465m military frontier of Sikkim and Tibet
🇮🇳 India
Straddling the India-China border, Bamtso La Pass is an insane mountain road soaring to 5,465m (17,929ft)! Tucked beneath the Kangchengyao range, this spot is one of the highest places *ever* you can drive. Think North Sikkim in India connected to Kamba County in Tibet. Seriously high, and seriously cool. But heads up, this isn’t just some scenic route; it’s a high-security military zone. Picture this: you, at these GPS coordinates (28.077870, 88.708760), surrounded by military outposts. The summit’s buzzing with activity, and the air is thick with isolation. Guarded 'cause it's north of the famous Gurudongmar Lake, the road’s mainly for army supply runs. The adventure starts from the tiny village of Bamzey. The road snakes for about 36 km (22 miles), all unpaved. The incline averages only about 5%, but the altitude climb is a whopping 1,683 meters. As you rise towards that insane summit, oxygen gets scarce. Even beefy 4x4s struggle in the thin air. The road itself is about as raw as it gets, a military track at the mercy of the Himalayas. Expect extreme temps, even freezing in summer! The wind’s relentless, whipping up dust storms or whiteouts in seconds. Don't expect any help: no medical aid, no electricity, nada. You absolutely need to be self-sufficient. Access is super restricted because of the whole India-China thing. Coming from India (North Sikkim), you'll need a special permit from the Indian Army and local police/government, which they basically hand out if you're extremely lucky. Seriously, unauthorized travel gets you detained by border patrols ASAP. If you manage to snag a permit, prep is everything. Bring oxygen tanks; altitude sickness is a real threat. Your ride needs heavy-duty tires, extra fuel, and winter gear. Bamtso La isn’t just a drive; it’s an expedition to a remote frontier where the road stops, and pure wilderness takes over.
extremeIs the road to Kegety Pass unpaved?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Kegety Pass in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn Region is calling your name! We're talking seriously high altitude here – 3,785m (12,417ft), making it one of the highest roads in the country. Forget pavement; this 56.7 km (35.23 mile) stretch from Kegeti to the Epkin-Suusamyr road is all about that raw, unadulterated dirt. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute must. Trust me, you'll need it to tackle the rugged terrain. The last 300 meters on the south side are particularly hairy, with some sections practically nonexistent! Beyond the intense drive, you're in for a treat, or maybe a trick, as mother nature can change her mind in a flash. Be prepared for extreme weather. Rockslides can shut things down at a moment’s notice, and winter makes it a no-go zone. High altitude and unpredictable conditions mean this drive is a real test, but the views? Totally worth it!