Driving the remote road to Trel La
China, asia
18.3 km
5,441 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Trel La, aka Tsay La, a crazy high mountain pass that tops out at 5,441m (17,851ft)! You'll find this beast straddling Nagarzê and Lhozhag counties in southeastern Tibet, China. Picture this: you're smack-dab in the Himalayas, staring out at insane views of jagged peaks and the stunning Lake Langbu.
Heads up: This isn't a Sunday drive. The entire road is unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's a MUST. Prepare for anything – seriously wild weather, super thin air that'll leave you and your engine gasping. It's remote, the gravel's loose, and you need 100% focus the whole time.
Get ready for a seriously winding climb! We're talking nineteen hairpin turns twisting and turning up the mountainside. They're essential for gaining all that altitude, but add to the challenge with the sketchy road surface and unpredictable weather.
Starting near Zhemo, in Lhozhag County, the road to the top stretches for 18.3 km (11.3 miles). In that relatively short distance, you'll climb a whopping 1,365 meters! It's a constant, intense uphill grind through the high-altitude beauty of Shannan, leading you to one of the highest points you can possibly drive to in the region.
Where is it?
Driving the remote road to Trel La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.5151, 104.4763
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 18.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,441 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.5151, 104.4763
Related Roads in asia
hardWhat’s Dizin Ski Resort?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: You're in Iran's Alborz Province, heading up, up, UP towards the Dizin Ski Resort, the country's biggest! This place has been around forever, serving up ski fun with hotels, restaurants, and a lift that'll take you way up – we're talking one of the world's highest! The road in, known as the Dizin Road, is all paved and starts from Shemshak, another cool Iranian ski spot. From there, it's roughly 35 km to Dizin. You'll be cruising at serious altitude, with sections hitting over 3,200m above sea level! Trust me, the views are incredible, with charming towns to break up the journey and chances to chow down on some tasty kababs. Now, heads up: this isn't just a scenic drive. It's steep, and some parts are seriously twisty! And here's the kicker: because of heavy snow in winter, avalanches are common. They don't blast to control them, so snow can close the road anytime. So keep an eye on the weather before you make the trip!
moderateKotal-e Faramoz
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Let's talk about Pereval Faramoz, a mountain pass that hits a dizzying 10,311 feet (3,143m) in the remote Yakawlang District of Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. Think of it as an off-road rollercoaster! The window to drive this pass is small, typically only July to September, as snow makes it impassable the rest of the year. This one’s definitely for experienced off-roaders with a reliable 4x4. Stunning scenery? Absolutely! But remember, safety first. The security situation can be unpredictable, so get the latest intel before you go. Seriously, check in with your embassy in Kabul for the most up-to-date information. This drive is an epic challenge, but be smart and stay safe out there!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Chyupa La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Chyupa La! This high-altitude pass sits way up in the Ladakh region of India, clocking in at a whopping 14,514 feet. You'll find it tucked away in the Leh district, just waiting to test your mettle. Forget smooth asphalt – this route is all about that rugged, unpaved life. Expect a seriously winding climb with switchbacks galore. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one, because the road gets steep and rocky, with potholes that'll swallow your tires. Your journey starts in the tiny mountain village of Yulchung, and from there, it's a straight shot into the heart of the Zanskar range. This climb is only for the summer months, but the views more than make up for the challenge. Get ready for incredible sights, like hanging icefalls clinging to the cliffs! Chyupa La is a true mountain experience.
moderatePar La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Par La, also known as Yu La, is calling your name! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, clocking in at a staggering 18,300 feet above sea level. Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Zhonglong Highway is completely unpaved and stretches for about 58 miles from the G219 toward Buduoxiang. We're talking serious off-road vibes! Keep your eyes on the road (if you dare!), because this climb is a real oxygen-sucking, mountainous adventure. Fair warning: you'll probably only be able to tackle this beast in the summer. And don't expect any fancy amenities up there – electricity, medical help, and western toilets are about as common as unicorns. But hey, who needs those when you've got views that'll blow your mind?