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
hardHow long is the drive through Yingkuoshan Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Located in the Chindu County of Qinghai Province, the (also known as Jarong La) is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of above sea level. Situated on the vast Tibetan Plateau between the cities of Yushu and Xining, this pass is a legendary segment of the historic G214 National Highway For decades, Yingkuoshan was a major bottleneck for logistics between Qinghai and Tibet. Today, while most transit traffic uses the modern and its bypass tunnel, the old mountain pass remains fully operational. It serves as a spectacular free alternative for those who prefer unparalleled mountain views and fresh air over the darkness of a tunnel. However, driving at nearly 4,500 meters requires a well-maintained vehicle and a driver ready for the challenges of high-altitude weather. Road facts: Yingkuoshan Pass (Jarong La) Chindu County, Qinghai, China How long is the drive through Yingkuoshan Pass? The road through the pass spans , running in a south-north direction from Nilunlong to Zhenqinzhen . Unlike many other Tibetan passes, the G214 route here is , making it accessible to standard vehicles. However, do not underestimate the climb; the road is very steep in sections, hitting maximum gradients of 7% through several ramps. These inclines, combined with the lack of oxygen at 4,400 meters, will force most vehicles to drop gears to maintain a steady pace. The drive is famous for its "jaw-dropping views" of the Qinghai highlands. As you navigate the winding curves, you are likely to encounter herds of yaks and vast, open landscapes that the new toll highway completely bypasses. It is the ultimate road trip for those seeking freedom and a slower pace through one of China’s most beautiful provinces. Winter hazards and safety on the G214 While the pavement is in good condition, the is subject to extreme winter weather. Snowfall is common from late autumn to late spring, and because the road is no longer the primary transit route, snow clearance may not be as frequent as on the G0613. When the road is covered in snow or black ice, the 7% ramps become dangerously slippery, requiring snow chains or winter tires. For a safe journey, it is ideal to plan your crossing during daylight hours. Night driving at this altitude is discouraged due to the extreme drop in temperature and the risk of encountering livestock on the road. Ensure your braking system is in top shape for the long descent towards Zhenqinzhen, and always carry extra warm clothing and supplies in case of a sudden weather-related delay. The Yingkuoshan Pass is a reminder of the golden age of Himalayan road trips, offering a scenic reward to those who avoid the tunnel. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Pic: Too simple, Sometimes naive Xiagete Wall Road: A Nerve-Wracking Cliff Drive in Guizhou New Changlung La is a winding road only for experienced drivers Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeHow to drive the curvy paved road to Thrimshing La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Bhutan's Bumthang District, about to tackle Thrimshing La, a.k.a. Trumshing La – a seriously high mountain pass that tops out at 3,682m (12,080ft)! We’re talking one of the highest routes in the whole country, carved right into the Black Mountains, which split central and eastern Bhutan. This baby is part of the Primary National Highway 1 (PNH1), the Lateral Road, so it’s essential, but hold on tight! Think vertical cliffs, dense rhododendron forests, and crazy weather. The summit is usually swallowed by mist, turning the drive into a surreal, slightly scary experience where you can barely see past your hood. Prayer flags flutter at the peak, marking a spot that's both sacred and seriously imposing. We’re talking a massive 256 km (159 miles) stretch between Chamkhar and Trashigang. This road, built in the 90s, can be rough. The asphalt suffers from the climate and landslides. Prepare for endless curves and hairpin turns hugging the mountainside. Some spots are so tight, you'll have to reverse on a cliff edge to let another car pass! You'll need some serious driving skills here. Get ready for insane vertical drops of hundreds of meters with zero guardrails! Constant humidity makes things slippery, and that climb up to 3,682m will test your brakes and engine. This is known as one of the most technical drives in the Himalayas. Heads up: Thrimshing La often closes in winter due to heavy snowfall, cutting off eastern Bhutan. Even in spring, the weather's unpredictable, with sudden storms. The biggest danger? That thick fog blanketing the summit year-round. Make sure you've got killer fog lights and extra supplies because getting stuck out here means a long wait for help!
hardWhen Was the G7 Expressway Built?
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the ultimate desert drive on China's G7 Expressway! This epic route cuts through the north and northwest, clocking in at a staggering 2,540 kilometers (1,580 miles). Think of it as the world's longest shortcut through the desert, including the Gobi, one of the planet's largest. Starting in Beijing, the capital, you'll make your way all the way to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the far northwest. Be prepared for vast, seemingly endless landscapes, built in part to help get to regional mineral resources. Keep your eyes peeled for stunning vistas, but also be aware that conditions can be challenging and watch out for extreme weather!
moderateWhere is Namshang La?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: You're in Ladakh, India, ready for an adventure! We're heading to Namshang La, a mind-blowing mountain pass soaring to 16,273 feet. Prayer flags galore mark the top, a truly spiritual spot. This road? It's your ticket from the Indus Valley to the high plateau of Tsomoriri, a stunning lake practically kissing the Tibetan border. And guess what? It's paved now! But heads up: you're in the middle of nowhere. Think zero villages and no gas stations for miles. Fill 'er up before you go! The ride itself is about 28 miles through the Rupshu region, connecting Sumdo to Korzok, one of India's highest towns. You're cruising through the Changthang Plateau, so expect seriously cold temps outside of summer. Speaking of summer, even then, be prepared to ford some streams. Oh, and you'll conquer Taglang La (another killer pass at 15,941 feet) and skirt around Kyagar Tso, a tiny, salty lake at 15,436 feet. Epic views? Guaranteed.