Kulun Shanku
China, asia
N/A
4,785 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventurers, buckle up because we're heading to Kulun Shanku, a mind-blowing mountain pass perched way up in Qinghai province, China! We're talking a staggering 4,785m (15,698ft) above sea level!
This beast is nestled in the Kunlun Mountains, and the road – part of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Highway (China National Highway 109) – is paved, surprisingly enough. But don't let that fool you, the weather here is WILD. Think sunshine one minute, blizzard the next. Seriously unpredictable!
This pass connects Golmud and Lhasa, slicing through scenery that's as breathtaking as it is harsh. Kunlun Pass, as it's also known, isn't for the faint of heart. The air is thin (expect altitude sickness to kick in way before you reach the top), and the climb is seriously steep. It's a true test of both you and your vehicle. Get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
Kulun Shanku is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 39.3485, 105.9527
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,785 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.3485, 105.9527
Related Roads in asia
hardJiangxia Wall Hung Road is recommended for drivers with strong nerves only
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! You HAVE to check out the Jiangxia Wall Hung Road in Hui County, Gansu Province, China. Seriously, it's one of those mind-blowing tunnel roads you won't soon forget. Imagine this: you're driving along a super-narrow, paved road, carved right into the cliff face high above the Yongning River. It's like the road is clinging to the side of the mountain, suspended over the rushing water below. The whole thing is like a series of windows into the most incredible scenery! Speaking of narrow, let's just say you wouldn't want to meet another car head-on in there. It's a tight squeeze! But the payoff is unreal. The windows carved along the way offer breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Can you imagine the photos? The coolest part? This incredible road was hand-carved by local villagers back in the 70s using simple tools. Just think about that while you're cruising along. It's truly a testament to human ingenuity. This road, part of local route X605, is not just a drive; it's an experience among the clouds!
hardEboling Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers, because Eboling Pass is calling your name! This insane stretch of paved road sits way up high in the Qilian Mountains on the border between Qinghai and Gansu provinces, China. We're talking 3,700 meters (that's 12,139 feet!) above sea level. Officially known as G227 (the Ningzhang Highway), and sometimes called Biandukou Pass or Oboling Pass, this 45km (28-mile) beauty runs from Ebuzhen to Nanfengxiang and it's not for the faint of heart. Imagine endless curves, switchbacks galore, and sections that climb at a crazy 22% gradient. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Keep in mind, Eboling Pass is typically snowed in from late October until late June/early July – so plan your adventure accordingly. But if you time it right, the views are absolutely worth it!
hardBamboret Valley Road
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Chitral District of Khayber Pakhtunkhwa in northern Pakistan, and you're itching for a real off-road experience, then the Bamboret Valley Road is calling your name. This isn't your average scenic route – it's a wild 7.9km rocky, gravel track carved into the mountains, ending near Batrik at a lofty 2,082m (6,830ft). Think narrow paths clinging to the side of the Hindu Kush range, with the Bamboret river gurgling below. The views are epic, but keep your eyes on the road! Word to the wise: a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. The steep inclines and ever-changing conditions can be brutal. One day you might find a relatively smooth ride, the next you could be battling washboards and potential drop-offs. Built in the 70s, this road also faces flash flood blockages, so plan your trip accordingly. Buckle up for an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping 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.