Kungzhag La is one of the highest roads on Earth
China, asia
11.6 km
5,780 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Kungzhag La is calling – a staggering 5,780m (18,963ft) high peak perched right on the India-China border. We're talking seriously high altitude driving here!
Find it east of Lungmar La, straddling Sikkim (India) and Tibet (China). The only way to reach the top is via the Indian side. Word is, you'll find a military installation up there. Heads up: stick to the road! This area might have some surprises hidden beneath the surface, so no wandering off!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Think rugged, unpaved, and seriously steep. We're talking super-narrow sections and a full 22 hairpin turns to test your skills. It's raw, rocky mountain terrain that gets progressively tougher. Only seasoned mountain drivers need apply for this one!
Starting from the Gurudongmar road, you've got 11.6 km (7.20 miles) of pure adrenaline to the top. You’ll climb a whopping 941m, with an average gradient of 8.11%. Trust me, the views from the Tibetan plateau are something else – if you can handle the drive!
Where is it?
Kungzhag La is one of the highest roads on Earth is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.9830, 103.3677
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 11.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,780 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.9830, 103.3677
Related Roads in asia
extremeDriving the challenging road to Se La Pass in the Himalayas
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up for the epic Sela Pass! This beauty sits way up high at 13,772 feet, marking the spot where Tawang meets West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Seriously, it’s *the* place to be for tourists around here. Legend says it's named after a local hero, Sela, who helped out a soldier back in the day. So yeah, history *and* killer views! You'll be cruising on National Highway 13, the lifeline to Tawang. Expect mostly smooth pavement, but Mother Nature sometimes throws in a bit of gravel to keep things interesting, especially after wild weather. The road's all twists and turns, but those Himalayan vistas? Totally worth it. Just keep your eyes peeled on those tricky sections! It's a 62-mile stretch from Jang to Dirang. The whole drive's a snowy mountain panorama. Be warned: the air's thin up here, so pace yourself. Normally, Sela Pass is open, but heavy snow or landslides can shut things down temporarily during winter. Factor in 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but trust me, you'll want to stop. Hit up Sela Lake (aka Paradise Lake) – it's right near the top and super sacred to the Tibetan Buddhists. Heads up! They're building a new tunnel that'll make getting here even easier year-round. Word is, it'll be done soon, connecting Guwahati to Tawang with tunnels and better roads.
extremeWhere is Bagak Pass?
🌍 Afghanistan
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kotal-e Bagak! This insane mountain pass climbs to a whopping 3,516m (11,535ft) in the heart of Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. You'll find it tucked away in the northwest, inside the Bande Pitaw Wildlife Refuge. Get ready for some killer views of the Darah-ye Nayak valley on the east side! The pass itself stretches for about 25km (15.5 miles), winding its way from Sarjangal to the A77 south of Zarin. And let's be clear: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking full-on unpaved mayhem. Think potholes the size of small cars, super steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and those heart-stopping drop-offs that make you question all your life choices. Seriously though, this drive is not for the faint of heart. Daylight travel is a must. Afghanistan is a beautiful country, but it's dealing with some serious security issues. There's a real risk of conflict, terrorism, and even kidnapping, especially in remote areas. Plus, roadside bombs are a thing, and you might find yourself miles from any help if things go south. Basically, come prepared, be smart, and maybe say a little prayer before you hit the gas! But hey, the scenery is incredible if you dare to take it on!
moderateG217 is a Chinese remote paved road
🇨🇳 China
Hey adventurers! Get ready for the ride of your life on China National Highway 217 (G217) in southwest Xinjiang! This epic, recently paved road stretches for 1,753 km (1,089 mi) through some seriously stunning (and challenging) terrain. Starting in Altay, Xinjiang, it plunges you straight into the heart of the Taklamakan Desert – think massive sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, framed by the majestic Kunlun, Pamir, and Tian Shan mountains. The Dushanzi-to-Kuqa section, also known as Duku Highway, is an absolute beast, carving its way through the Tian Shan range. Finally, you'll roll into Hotan, a vibrant city in southwestern Xinjiang. Heads up: you'll be hitting an elevation of 3,538m (11,607ft) at Haxilegen Pass! Due to snow and ice, this highway's only open from May to October. Also, larger vehicles (more than 7 seats) aren't allowed, and watch out for potential mudslides. But trust me, the views are worth it! Prepare to be amazed!
extremeHow to drive the curvy paved road to Thrimshing La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Bhutan's Bumthang District, about to tackle Thrimshing La, a.k.a. Trumshing La – a seriously high mountain pass that tops out at 3,682m (12,080ft)! We’re talking one of the highest routes in the whole country, carved right into the Black Mountains, which split central and eastern Bhutan. This baby is part of the Primary National Highway 1 (PNH1), the Lateral Road, so it’s essential, but hold on tight! Think vertical cliffs, dense rhododendron forests, and crazy weather. The summit is usually swallowed by mist, turning the drive into a surreal, slightly scary experience where you can barely see past your hood. Prayer flags flutter at the peak, marking a spot that's both sacred and seriously imposing. We’re talking a massive 256 km (159 miles) stretch between Chamkhar and Trashigang. This road, built in the 90s, can be rough. The asphalt suffers from the climate and landslides. Prepare for endless curves and hairpin turns hugging the mountainside. Some spots are so tight, you'll have to reverse on a cliff edge to let another car pass! You'll need some serious driving skills here. Get ready for insane vertical drops of hundreds of meters with zero guardrails! Constant humidity makes things slippery, and that climb up to 3,682m will test your brakes and engine. This is known as one of the most technical drives in the Himalayas. Heads up: Thrimshing La often closes in winter due to heavy snowfall, cutting off eastern Bhutan. Even in spring, the weather's unpredictable, with sudden storms. The biggest danger? That thick fog blanketing the summit year-round. Make sure you've got killer fog lights and extra supplies because getting stuck out here means a long wait for help!