Lhamonyin Shan, the road to the holiest lake in Tibet
China, asia
12.6 km
5,226 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Tibet's Gyaca County, Shannan Prefecture (Lhoka), ready to climb to a staggering 5,226m (17,145ft) above sea level. You're headed to Lhamonyin Ri, a peak that feels like you can touch the sky.
The road, paved back in 2010, is a wild ride with about 20 hairpin turns that wind up, up, up. Heads up – this route is mainly for pilgrims and Chinese travelers. And that altitude? It’s no joke! Acclimatize and prep for possible altitude sickness. Winter brings heavy snow, so plan accordingly. The weather's super unpredictable – pack for cold, wind, and rain, just in case!
Starting from Cuijiuxiang, this 12.6km (7.82 mile) stretch is seriously steep, gaining 641 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 14%! Your reward? Reaching the gateway to the unbelievably blue Lhamo La-tso, known as the 'auspicious heavenly mother lake' in Tibetan Buddhism. This sacred lake is often frozen for around 7 months, so aim to visit between June and August for the best views. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.
Where is it?
Lhamonyin Shan, the road to the holiest lake in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 30.2548, 107.1852
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 12.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,226 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 30.2548, 107.1852
Related Roads in asia
extremeDriving the wild paved road to Shan Da Ban
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Shan Da Ban, a beast of a mountain pass clinging to the Himalayas in Tibet, China. We're talking serious altitude here – 5,257m (that's 17,247ft!). Also called Songxi Daban, the road to the top is part of the G219, or Tibet - Xinjiang Highway (nicknamed "Sky Road"). Built in the 50s and fully paved in 2013, don't let that fresh tarmac fool you. You're above 5,000m almost the whole time, so if you're not used to thin air, this could be a problem! The scenery is out of this world, but it's also seriously unforgiving. Imagine long stretches with zero supplies, brutal high passes, weeks without a shower, and nighttime temps plummeting to -25°C! This route is long and tough, hitting several high altitude passes. You'll need to be prepared for remoteness. Surprisingly, this road passes by some important historical and religious sites. A word to the wise: check the weather forecast before you go! Winter here is harsh, with extreme cold and constant, strong winds. Best to avoid it then, as roads get shut down by heavy snow. Even in summer, expect snow. Truck stops are dotted along the way, but bring your own food, a sleeping bag, and maybe even a tent for emergencies. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rains that make driving tricky. One more thing: internet access can be limited due to censorship, especially when talking about Tibet.
easyIs Hon Giao Pass the most beautiful pass in Vietnam?
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Vietnam on the Hon Giao Pass, also known as Khanh Le, Long Lanh, or Omega Pass - locals call it all sorts of things! This beauty straddles the Khánh Hòa and Lâm Đồng provinces, right in that sweet spot of the South Central Coast. We're talking a fully paved road that twists and turns like a coiled serpent, so buckle up if you get carsick easily! It's a 132 km (82 miles) rollercoaster connecting Nha Trang, that vibrant beach city, to the mountain charm of Đà Lạt. Clocking in at 1,645m (5,396ft) above sea level, prepare for epic views as you snake through mountains, dense forests, and past cascading waterfalls. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you later! Just keep your eyes on the road; it's all about enjoying the ride, one curve at a time.
extremeThe Braldu Valley Road is said to be the scary of scaries
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Braldu Valley Road! This isn't just a drive; it's an expedition into the heart of the Skardu District of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Picture this: a wildly twisting, turning track that challenges even the most seasoned off-roaders. Spanning roughly 50.5 km (31 miles), this unpaved ribbon of adrenaline starts near Dishupagon and climbs to the remote village of Askole, a whopping 3,048m (10,000ft) above sea level. You'll cruise past Korphe, another tiny village, before reaching Askole — the last stop before adventurers tackle K2, the world's second-highest peak, and Broad Peak (K3)! The road carves its way along the Braldu Gorge, sticking close to the Braldu River. It's the gateway for mountaineers heading to K2, but be warned: the views are as stunning as the road is treacherous. Think hairpin turns, steep inclines, and a seriously narrow path hugging cliff edges. We're talking landslides, falling rocks, and shaky wooden bridges swaying over the Braldu River. A 4WD isn't just recommended; it's essential. And bring your A-game, drivers. The last few miles near Askole? They're notoriously rough. Pro tip: Don't even think about it if the weather's dodgy. Landslides become a real threat after rain. Load up on water, snacks, and a solid first-aid kit. A local driver who knows the road like the back of their hand? Worth every penny. Slow and steady wins this race. This road demands your full attention. That narrow gravel track often slopes way too close to the Braldu River, and rockfalls are a constant hazard. Cell service? Forget about it. Only drivers with serious off-road experience should attempt this. Remember, you're venturing into the wild. There are zero services along the way. Pack everything you need: food, water, fuel, and spare parts for your rig. And keep an eye on the weather; it can change in a heartbeat.
hardWhere is Burzil Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a pass for you that's seriously going to blow your mind. We're talking about Burzil Pass, chilling way up in the Himalayas in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan territory. We're talking 4,210m (13,812ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious altitude. You'll find it north of the Line of Control, about 30km, near Gilgit. The road is paved, but don’t think it’s a cakewalk! This historic caravan route linking Srinagar and Gilgit will put your driving skills to the test with some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 11%! The adventure kicks off near the exciting , and from there it’s a 115km (71-mile) ride to the top. But here's the catch: this road is ONLY open from July to September, thanks to the crazy amounts of snow it gets. But trust me, it's worth the wait! You'll be rewarded with incredible views of grassy slopes absolutely bursting with wildflowers. Seriously, a feast for the eyes!