Is Dolon Pass Paved?
Kyrgyzstan, asia
114 km
3,030 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Dolon Pass in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Province! This baby climbs to a whopping 9,940 feet (3,030 m), so get ready for some serious altitude.
The A365 (aka E125), which is the main drag between Bishkek and Torugart, will take you there. It's mostly paved, but watch out for some gravel patches to keep things interesting.
Speaking of interesting, this pass is no joke! The climb is STEEP, and the descent is even steeper. Plus, you'll be sharing the road with massive 18-wheelers hauling goods from China. The road can be uneven and super slick after a snowfall, so keep your wits about you.
The whole stretch from Naryn to Kochkor is about 71 miles (114 km) of up-and-down driving.
But, oh man, is it worth it! You'll be smack-dab in the middle of Kyrgyzstan, with killer views of the valley and the Tien Shan mountains. We're talking glaciers, ice caps, the whole shebang! There's even a weather station chilling near the road at the top. Definitely a drive you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 114 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,030 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
moderateHow to drive the wild Mintaka Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mintaka Pass is calling your name—if you dare. Perched high in the Karakoram Mountains on the border of Pakistan and China, this bad boy clocks in at a whopping 4,450 meters (that's almost 14,600 feet!). Linking Kashgar Prefecture in China with Pakistan's Hunza District, Mintaka Pass is a properly remote beast. Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking pure, unadulterated, unpaved road that demands a 4x4. But here's the thing: this isn't your average scenic route. The whole area on the Chinese side has been a no-go zone for foreigners since way back, and the Pakistani side? Well, let's just say it's seen its fair share of trouble, with reports of terrorist activity, smuggling, and general unrest. So, stunning views? Absolutely. A walk in the park? Definitely not.
extremeIs the road to Zong Co Lake in Tibet unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Zong Co Lake in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a glacial lake shimmering at a staggering 16,325 feet! You'll find it nestled in Dinggyê County, part of Xigazê city. Forget smooth asphalt; this 11.5-mile stretch from Zhaxigang Village is all about embracing the ruggedness. Expect a completely unpaved road that will test your driving skills! Think narrow passages, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore—count 'em, eleven of them! Word to the wise: This route isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to altitude sickness). The air is thin up here, so acclimatize before you go. And definitely bring your trusty 4x4; you'll need it! Oh, and a heads up – Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is usually buried in snow from late October until sometime between late June and early July, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you're after a truly unforgettable experience with views that will blow your mind, Zong Co Lake is calling your name.
hardMedo La: a new military road on the Chinese-Indian border
🇮🇳 India
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Medo La! This border-crossing beauty sits way up high at a staggering 19,406 feet, straddling China and India. We're talking one of the planet's highest motorable roads, folks! The road itself? Well, it’s mostly paved, but don't get too comfy – it quickly turns to a rough unpaved track. Military access only, so leave the sedan at home and grab your 4x4. The ascent is brutal, a real lung-buster thanks to the crazy altitude. Seriously, the air is THIN. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? Finished in 2021, Medo La links Sikkim in India with Kamba County in Tibet. Getting permission to tackle this one is a mission in itself, even for locals, as it's in a super-sensitive area near the Indian border. Get ready for an isolated adventure unlike any other!
hardA hairpinned road to Ganden Monastery
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet, about 25 miles northeast of Lhasa, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Ganden Monastery, perched way up high on Wangbori Mountain at a whopping 14,196 feet! This place isn't just any monastery, it's one of the "Great Three" Gelug universities, founded way back in 1409. The road to get there? Oh, it's a total rollercoaster! Starting in the little mountain village of Jiangcuo, it's a twisty, turny climb of about 517 meters over just 7.6 kilometers. That's an average gradient of almost 7%, so buckle up! We're talking 18 hairpin turns, each one delivering even more breathtaking views of the Lhasa valley below. And don't worry, the whole thing's paved, so your ride will be smooth (ish!) as you make your way to this incredible mountaintop treasure. The scenery alone is worth the trip!