Lawu Pass: a paved steep road to the top
China, asia
47.3 km
4,371 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Lawu La! This epic mountain pass punches a hole through the sky at a staggering 14,340 feet in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. You'll find it in Markham County, snaking along the Langcang River.
This section of the legendary 318 National Road (G318), also known as the Tibet-Sichuan highway, is no Sunday drive. Think 47.3 kilometers of paved road twisting and turning from Rumeizhen to Markam. Hold on tight, because this stretch is steep, with hairpin turns galore! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for some serious high-altitude thrills and scenery that'll blow your mind.
Where is it?
Lawu Pass: a paved steep road to the top is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 39.1644, 102.3840
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 47.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,371 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1644, 102.3840
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow challenging is the Wuersisan-Radome Road to Chipchap Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Chipchap Pass! This beast of a road sits way up in the Hotan Prefecture of China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region, clocking in at a staggering 5,301m (17,391ft). We're talking serious altitude here. Known as the Wuersisan-Radome Road, this isn't your average Sunday drive. It's a lengthy 132.3 km (82.2 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved dirt track. Think self-sufficient 4x4 expedition or bust! Seriously, there's nothing out here – no facilities, no help, nada. Your mechanical skills and high-altitude experience are your best friends. The road itself isn't crazy steep (max gradient around 7%), but the elevation is the real challenge. You'll be cruising above 4,500 meters for most of the way, putting major strain on your ride. Plus, that raw dirt and gravel can get slick as ice with a little snow or rain. Speaking of weather, prepare for anything. Winter temps can plummet below freezing. Even in summer, the weather is a total wildcard. Icy winds and whiteout conditions can appear out of nowhere. Pack for sub-zero temps and enough supplies to last if you get stuck, because this road sometimes closes due to snow. Oh, and a heads up: this area is close to international borders and military zones, so access can be restricted. There are no services along the entire drive. This is a high-stakes game where thin air and isolation mean mistakes can be costly. But if you're prepared for an unforgettable, remote adventure, Chipchap Pass is calling your name.
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.
extremeHow long is the road to Piramza Pass?
🌍 Armenia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Syunik Province of southern Armenia, way up in the Armenian Highlands, lies the Piramza Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a gravel track topping out at 2,795m (that's 9,169ft!) and stretching for 14.9 km (9.25 miles). It's a shortcut of sorts, linking two towns in a north-south dash. But trust me, what you gain in distance, you lose in sheer grit and concentration. Picture this: remote, rugged terrain, and a road that's more like a collection of loose rocks and dirt. The weather? Totally unpredictable. Sunshine can turn into a mud-slinging thunderstorm faster than you can say "stuck!" This is strictly 4x4 territory, and you'll want some serious clearance. Oh, and maybe a sense of adventure (and a good mechanic's number on speed dial). Now, about those hairpin turns...brace yourself for 26 of 'em! The northern section is the real kicker. It's crazy steep, with 18 hairpins packed tightly together. The road narrows, the drops get serious, and there are NO safety barriers. Seriously, zero margin for error. Night driving? Forget about it. Poor visibility? Nope. This route demands your full attention. Keep in mind, this pass is usually snowed in from October to June. So, plan your trip accordingly for the ultimate adrenaline-pumping experience!
moderateIs the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway in Tibet, China! This isn't just any road trip; it's the longest high-quality highway in the region, a smooth, paved path stretching from Lhasa's Liuwu New District all the way to Bayi Town in Nyingchi. Think two lanes going each way, making for a pretty relaxed drive (for the area). It roughly follows China National Highway 318, so you know the views are gonna be epic. Speaking of high points, you'll be cruising through the Mi La Mountain Tunnel, which peaks at a staggering 16,076 feet above sea level! Get ready for some serious mountain air. This highway is pretty new to help reduce the travel time. And while I haven't heard any specific hazards, let's be real: driving at high altitude in Tibet demands respect and attention. But with views like these, it's a journey you won't forget.