Driving one of the highest roads in the world to Lo La
China, asia
47 km
5,578 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Ngamring County in Tibet, you HAVE to check out Lo La Pass. We're talking seriously high altitude here – a whopping 18,300 feet (5,578m)! It’s up there with some of the highest roads in all of China!
Tucked away northwest of Sangsang in the breathtaking Gangdise Mountains, getting to the top is a ROUGH ride. We're talking a completely unpaved, rocky path – Y231 to be exact (or 231 Country Road, if you prefer). Leave your low riders at home; you absolutely need a 4x4 for this one.
The whole shebang is about 29 miles (47km) stretching north-south. You'll start near Cazê, a little township, and wind your way down to the tiny village of Xialacun, which hooks up with the S205 Provincial Road. Seriously, the views are out of this world!
Where is it?
Driving one of the highest roads in the world to Lo La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.8412, 107.5850
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,578 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 32.8412, 107.5850
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhy is it called BP Highway?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Cruising through eastern Nepal? You HAVE to experience the BP Highway! Named after Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, a former Nepali leader, this fully paved road stretches 158 km (98 mi) from Dhulikhel (just east of Kathmandu) all the way to Bardibas, where it connects to the East-West Highway. Built between 1996 and 2015, this route links Kathmandu Valley with the eastern Terai, taking you through rivers, hills, and valleys. Budget around 4 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, offering stunning perspectives of majestic mountains and picturesque bends. Just be warned: this beauty comes with a bit of a thrill. The road is narrow with plenty of curves and hairpin turns. At times, it's a squeeze for two vehicles to pass. Locals say it's risky, but it’s more about being aware. Keep your speed down, as accidents happen due to the temptation to drive fast on the smooth surface. Also, watch out for potential hazards like floods and landslides, and some older bridges that may be damaged. Despite the challenges, the BP Highway is an unforgettable road trip!
moderateSmell the Sea on the Road from Malabrigo to Laiya in Southwestern Philippines
🇵🇭 Philippines
Cruising the coastal road from Malabrigo to Laiya in Batangas, Philippines? Yes, please! This is one of those drives that sticks with you. Think salty air, ocean views, and a real taste of the Philippines. Okay, so the road isn't perfect. It's a mix of asphalt, concrete, and some dirt sections, but word on the street is they're giving it a major facelift. Stretching just under 24 kilometers (around 15 miles) from Laiya to Malabrigo, it's not a super long trip, but it's packed with amazing scenery. You can practically smell the ocean the whole time!
hardLalung La is an awe-inspiring road through extremely remote areas
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lalung La, also called Laochi La, is calling your name from way up in western Tibet, in China's Ngari Prefecture. We're talking serious altitude here, like 17,460 feet (5,322m)! Picture this: You peel off the smooth G219 highway and onto a rugged, unpaved track. For the next 16.8 km, it's a climb to the top. This ain’t for the faint of heart – it's steep! You'll need a 4x4, especially if it's been raining. Expect mud. The road is typically closed from September through June, so plan accordingly. Out here, it's just you, the wind, and the vast Tibetan landscape. Seriously remote. You’ll probably have the whole road to yourself. The views are probably insane! Just imagine gazing out at the majestic Kuqiong Gangri Glacier.
extremePereval Maydantal
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of straddling Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan atop the world? Then Pereval Maydantal is calling your name! This epic international mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 11,627 feet above sea level. Get ready for a wild ride! The road? Think gravel, dust, bumps – the whole shebang. It's a series of seriously tight zigzags clinging to the mountainside, with views that will blow your mind… and maybe induce a little vertigo if you're not a fan of heights. Seriously, these drops are INTENSE! The road is super steep, so take it slow and steady, especially on those hairpin turns. Open season is usually May to November, weather permitting. Trust me, this isn't just a drive; it's a mountain adventure you won't soon forget!