Driving the Inhumane Paved Road to Gu La with 31% Ramps in Tibet
China, asia
23.7 km
5,075 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a serious thrill in Tibet, you HAVE to check out Gu La Pass! We're talking about a sky-high climb up to 5,075 meters (that's a staggering 16,650 feet!) in Cona County. You'll find it chilling near the stunning Lake Nariyong Co in the Shannan Prefecture.
This 23.7 km (14.72 miles) paved beauty winds its way east to west from the S202 road up to Quzhuomuxiang. But don't let the "paved" part fool you, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a brutal 31%! Get ready for hairpin after hairpin as you climb, climb, climb. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The challenge? Totally worth it. Get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
Driving the Inhumane Paved Road to Gu La with 31% Ramps in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.5260, 100.5651
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 23.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,075 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.5260, 100.5651
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is Kumargh?
🌍 Tajikistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Tajikistan's Kuhistoni Mastchoh District awaits Kumargh peak, a seriously high point that'll test your mettle. We're talking about the southern part of the range here, in Tajikistan's northwest. Now, the road to Kumargh isn't paved, so hold onto your hats. It's a rough and tumble route mainly used to access the Kumarghi Bolo Gold Mine. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one! Get ready for switchbacks galore, super steep sections, and drop-offs that will make your heart pound. The unpaved section kicks off from a paved road and stretches for about 16.3 km (10.12 miles). Buckle up for a significant climb as you gain elevation with a pretty steep average gradient. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateHow long is China National Highway 318?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on China National Highway 318 (G318)! This epic route stretches a whopping 5,476 kilometers (3,403 miles) from the bustling metropolis of Shanghai all the way to Zhangmu, right on the edge of Nepal. They call it the Shanghai-Tibet Highway, and let me tell you, it's an adventure. Spanning eight provinces, this road throws everything at you. Locals swear you'll experience all four seasons in a single day – freezing, cool, warm, and hot! Be prepared for anything. And speaking of weather, keep your eyes peeled for ice and snow, especially at higher elevations. The scenery, though? Absolutely breathtaking. Just be warned, Tibet has some seriously harsh terrain, so don't expect smooth sailing the whole way. Oh, and did I mention the road peaks at a dizzying 5,220m (17,125ft)? High altitude alert! Plus, you'll cruise over the world's highest bridge (as of 2009), which is a must-see. From Lhasa to Zhangmu, they call it the Friendship Highway. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
moderateCan I drive to the summit of Mount Nebo?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Jordan, southwest of Amman, headed towards Mount Nebo. This isn't just any drive, it's a pilgrimage to Siyagha, the highest point in the ancient kingdom of Moab! The road, a sweet 9.4 km jaunt from Madaba, is totally paved and takes about 20 minutes. As you ascend to 680m (2,230ft), you're not just climbing a mountain; you're tracing steps through history. Mount Nebo is a major Christian holy site. Up top, there's a cute little museum, a gift shop to grab souvenirs, and the Memorial Church of Moses. The views? Unreal! You're perched on the Abarim mountain range, peering out towards the Dead Sea and the Holy Land. On a clear day, you can even spot Jericho and Jerusalem! It's the same spot where Moses gazed upon the Promised Land, and you can feel the history in the air. Pope John Paul II even planted an olive tree here. Plus, legend says this is where Moses kicked the bucket at 120 years old. Whether you're religious or not, the views alone make this drive totally worth it.
extremeTienpo La: Driving the abandoned S303 mountain pass in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Deep in the heart of Tibet, in Lhorong County, lies Tienpo La—a mountain pass reaching a dizzying 4,324m (14,186ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a forgotten stretch of the old S303 Provincial Road, now mostly bypassed in favor of smoother routes. Find it northeast of Malizhen (coordinates 30.88972, 96.28916), clinging to the edge of the Nujiang River valley. Think of it as a monument to Himalayan road-building madness. Today, this isn't a highway, but a ghost road for serious off-road adventurers. Forget pavement. This track is pure, unadulterated challenge. We're talking loose shale, deep ruts, and mud pits that laugh in the face of rain. Anything less than a high-clearance 4x4 is asking for trouble. Want the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tibetan experience? This is it. Remember, you'll need permits and a guide (mandatory in Tibet), and even then, many guides might balk at this section of the old S303 unless you specifically request it and they deem it safe. Picture this: 23.5 km (14.6 miles) of unadulterated engineering insanity, connecting Xiayicun to Baili. A relentless climb featuring 28 hairpin turns that'll have you questioning your sanity. Some sections hit a staggering 30% gradient, pushing your low-range gears and engine cooling to their absolute limits. Snow is a real possibility, making things incredibly treacherous. Forget guardrails – the drops into the Nujiang valley are sheer and unforgiving. Info on current conditions is scarce, so scouting ahead is crucial. This is a truly "forgotten" road, where a breakdown could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.