Muri La: Driving the steep Zogqen Pass in Sichuan
China, asia
N/A
4,569 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Muri La, also known as Zogqen Pass! This high-altitude beast sits way up in the northwestern Sichuan Province of China, clocking in at a staggering 4,569m (that's nearly 15,000ft!). You'll find it smack-dab on the S217 road, the main artery connecting Derge and Yushu across the vast Tibetan Plateau.
Get ready for some serious climbing! Muri La throws relentless hairpin turns and steep grades your way. While the road is paved, expect your car to work overtime. The thin air at this altitude will rob your engine of power, so drop it into low gear and take it slow and steady. On the way down, engine braking is your best friend to avoid frying your brakes.
The scenery? Epic! Think wide-open alpine plains dotted with Tibetan nomads, yaks, and horses. Keep your eyes peeled because those furry friends love to wander across the road, especially when the ever-present mist rolls in and visibility drops to near zero. The best time to tackle Muri La is late May through September. Winter brings blizzards and icy conditions that can shut it down for days. Even in summer, expect freezing temps at night. Pro tip: make sure your ride is in tip-top shape and pack some oxygen. Altitude sickness is no joke up here. Enjoy the adventure!
Where is it?
Muri La: Driving the steep Zogqen Pass in Sichuan is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.3835, 101.7844
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,569 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.3835, 101.7844
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