Dadongshu Pass Is Miles Of White-Knuckle Driving
China, asia
82.1 km
4,120 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, wanderlusters, buckle up for Dadongshu Pass in China's Qinghai Province! This isn't just any mountain pass; it's a paved paradise soaring to 4,120m (13,517ft) in the Qilian Mountains.
You'll find yourself cruising along the S204 Erga Highway (aka "large winter tree pass") on a well-maintained road. Get ready for a serious climb—some sections boast a wild 21% gradient! But trust me, the scenic views and endless curves are worth it.
This epic route stretches 82.1 km (51.01 miles) from Molezhen to Babaozhen in Qilian County. A word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather forecast. Things can change quickly up here!
Where is it?
Dadongshu Pass Is Miles Of White-Knuckle Driving is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.8179, 104.0986
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 82.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,120 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.8179, 104.0986
Related Roads in asia
hardHow Long is the Road to Jang Rang La?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Jang Rang La, nestled way up high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, specifically Zanda County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about one of the planet's highest roads, clocking in at a hefty 47.7 km (29.63 miles). Think gravel mule track more than smooth asphalt. You'll be gasping for air, literally. The oxygen here is seriously thin; imagine less than half of what you're used to at sea level! Headaches, breathlessness, maybe even a touch of nausea are par for the course. The locals have it sorted and often carry oxygen. This beast is often closed during winter, and let's be honest, even when it’s open, access for non-Chinese nationals can be a real headache. But if you can swing it, you'll be traversing some truly breathtaking scenery high on the northern side of the Himalayas. Make sure your ride is ready for some serious climbing, or it just won't make it.
extremePereval Akkyl
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're talking about Akkyl Pass in western Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad Region. This bad boy climbs to a lofty 9,599 feet! Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Forget the pavement – you'll be kicking up dust the whole way. Expect hairpin turns that'll test your skills and some seriously steep sections that'll make your engine work. Rock slides? Yeah, they're a real threat, so this pass can be a no-go zone at any time. Definitely bring a 4x4 with high clearance; it's practically mandatory. Some crazy folks tackle it on ATVs. Just a word of caution: never attempt this road solo. But, if you are well-prepared, the views are supposed to be incredible!
moderateTravel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains
🇨🇳 China
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Gongnaisi Daban, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 3,066m (10,059ft) on the border between Hejing and Xinyuan counties in Xinjiang, China! This beauty's nestled in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains and you'll get there via the G218 national road. It's paved, but fair warning, it can get a bit rough near the top thanks to weather, heavy trucks, and not much upkeep. Also known as Aiken Daban, this pass clocks in at 42.7 km (26.53 miles) of pure driving bliss running from Gongnaisixiang to Haersala. Prepare for hairpin turns galore, and scenery that'll knock your socks off – think fairy tale grasslands, lush forests, and an ovoo formation greeting you near the summit. Heads up, this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw curveballs from November to May with snowfall and heavy rain causing temporary closures. Also, expect traffic! Keep an eye on the safety signs and stick to that 30 km/h speed limit on the twisty bits.
extremeKotal-e Qonaq: a dangerous curvy road to the summit
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kotal-e Qonaq, a seriously high mountain pass straddling Daykundi and Bamyan provinces in the heart of Afghanistan! We're talking 3,407 meters (that's 11,177 feet!) up in the Hindu Kush, so be prepared for some thin air. This isn't your Sunday drive. The 15 km (9.32 mile) stretch from Ghunagh to Khushkdara is a winding, unpaved truck road with hairpin turns galore. Things get extra dicey in winter when the snow hits – slick doesn't even begin to cover it. On top of that, it's super important to stay updated on current conditions due to security risks in the area. But hey, if you're up for a challenge and are rewarded with epic views of Afghanistan's central highlands, this is the route for you. Word on the street is they're even building a tunnel to bypass some of the trickiest spots, so maybe it'll get a *little* easier in the future!