Is the road to Kori La paved?
Bhutan, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1) to Kori La is a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a (mostly) paved journey, built back in the 90s, that stretches from Chamkhar to Trashigang.
Now, I said paved...but "paved" is a generous term. Be prepared for some seriously rough patches, maybe even some gravel surprises! But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
This road hugs the landscape for , winding its way through some seriously stunning scenery. Think deep, lush forests, bursting with rhododendron trees – nature's eye candy at its finest!
Heads up: Kori La sits high up, so expect it to be shrouded in mist a lot of the time. And because we're talking a significant elevation, snow can definitely cause closures, especially in winter. It's strange that in April and May there is no snow at this height. So, keep an eye on the forecast before you go.
But when it's clear, and the road is open, the views are absolutely worth the white-knuckle driving. Just take it slow, be mindful of the narrow sections, and soak it all in!
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is Yepuchen La Pass located?
🇨🇳 China
Yepuchen La, or Yipuqin La as the locals sometimes call it, is a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in the wilds of Tibet. We're talking serious altitude here – a lung-busting 5,113 meters (16,774 ft)! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a true test of your mettle (and your car's capabilities). You'll find this pass marking the border of Banbar County (Chamdo), nestled in the eastern Nyenchen Tanglha mountains. It's west of the stunning blue alpine lake, Tsogugye Lake, and offers knockout views of Kangri Garpo, a seriously impressive peak. Head southeast from the pass and you'll cruise down the gorgeous Nok Chu valley. The road itself stretches for about 33 kilometers (20 miles) between Tsapuka and Yaibug, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. Prepare for seriously steep gradients (topping out at 13%!), plus it’s super curvy. Nearing the top, you'll face a gauntlet of 12 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. This terrain is rugged, the climbs are steep, and those hairpin turns are no joke. Keep in mind, you're way off the beaten path here. Think extreme remoteness. Facilities are basically nonexistent, so you'll need to be completely self-sufficient. Electricity? Hot water? Western toilets? Forget about it! With the altitude and isolation, proper preparation and the latest intel are crucial.
extremeThe breathtaking road to Jie La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for Jie La, a seriously high mountain pass in Tibet, China! We're talking Himalayan heights here, with the summit hitting a staggering 4,936m (16,194ft). You'll be cruising along Provincial Road 349 (G349), but fair warning, you're basically living above 5,000m for a while. Altitude sickness is a real threat if you're not acclimatized. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a cakewalk. The scenery is mind-blowing, but it's also some of the most unforgiving terrain on the planet. Think long stretches with zero water or food for hundreds of kilometers, a ton of high passes, potentially no showers for weeks, and nighttime temperatures plummeting to -25 degrees C (that's COLD!). This journey is long and tough, and you'll cross multiple passes ranging from 3,000m to over 5,000m. This road cuts through seriously remote areas, so you absolutely need to be prepared. Despite being mostly uninhabited, you'll find some important historical and religious sites along the way. Heads up, it's a windy spot. You might even feel winds coming at you from multiple directions at once! Definitely check the weather before you go. Winter is brutal in Tibet, with extreme cold and constant, strong winds. Best to avoid it completely. Heavy snowfall closes a lot of roads, and the air becomes super dry. Even in summer, expect possible snowy days. There are truck stops along the route, roughly a day's travel apart, but pack your own food and a sleeping bag. A tent could be a lifesaver. Monsoon season hits in July and August, bringing heavy rain that can make driving tough. Oh, and remember, internet access can be limited in China, especially when Tibet is involved.
extremeHow challenging is the road to Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass reaching an elevation of above sea level, located in , within the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, China. This remote pass sits in the heart of the Pamir Mountains, a desolate and high-altitude wilderness. The location of the pass is extremely sensitive, situated in the westernmost part of China, very close to the border with the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province of Tajikistan . This is a highly militarized and restricted area where travelers often face strict checkpoints. The scenery is dominated by barren, snow-capped peaks and vast, high-altitude plateaus where the weather can turn violent without warning. Road facts: Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass Xinjiang (China) near Tajikistan border How challenging is the road to Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass? The road to the summit is a grueling journey starting from the remote settlement of . Over this distance, you face a steady elevation gain of 750 meters. The track is entirely unpaved, consisting of loose gravel, sharp rocks, and fine glacial dust that can become impassable when wet. The final ramps near the summit are particularly demanding, with at an altitude where the air is significantly thinner, putting immense strain on both the driver and the vehicle's engine. The drive is characterized by narrow ledges and steep sections that offer no room for error. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is mandatory to navigate the ruts and the rough terrain. Due to its proximity to the border, the "road" is often more of a military patrol track than a public highway. Travelers should expect zero services, no reliable mobile signal, and the necessity of being completely self-sufficient with food, fuel, and emergency supplies. When is the best time to attempt this pass? At nearly 4,500 meters, Qiewulida Yiding Biele Pass is subject to extreme alpine weather. The road is impassable for much of the year due to heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures that can freeze diesel fuel. Even in mid-summer, sudden blizzards are possible. The best window for a trip is between July and early September , though permits and military authorization are often required to access this specific sector of Akto County. It is a raw, high-altitude expedition for those looking to reach one of the most secluded corners of the Pamir range. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Is the military road to Uzbel Pass on the China-Tajikistan border paved? How to drive the military road to Kasa Irunun Beli Pass? 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.
hardWhere is Ma'ale HaAtzmaut?
🌍 Israel
Okay, picture this: you're cruising south of Beersheba, about 85 km deep into Israel's stunning southern region, and Highway 40 is your trusty paved companion. But get ready, because things are about to get twisty! You're approaching the legendary Ma'ale HaAtzmaut – think four seriously long hairpin switchbacks that plunge you down into the Ramon Crater. You'll rumble across the crater floor, then crank your way back up to Mitzpe Ramon, a cool desert town perched dramatically on a cliff edge. We're talking 860 meters (2,800 feet) above sea level here! The views of the Ramon Crater are absolutely epic, a true desert vista. Just keep your eyes on the road while you're soaking it all in. This climb isn't for the faint of heart, but the panoramas are totally worth it!