Par La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
China, asia
92.8 km
5,578 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Par La, also known as Yu La, is calling your name! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, clocking in at a staggering 18,300 feet above sea level. Seriously, you'll feel like you're on top of the world!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Zhonglong Highway is completely unpaved and stretches for about 58 miles from the G219 toward Buduoxiang. We're talking serious off-road vibes! Keep your eyes on the road (if you dare!), because this climb is a real oxygen-sucking, mountainous adventure.
Fair warning: you'll probably only be able to tackle this beast in the summer. And don't expect any fancy amenities up there – electricity, medical help, and western toilets are about as common as unicorns. But hey, who needs those when you've got views that'll blow your mind?
Where is it?
Par La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.7623, 101.5791
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 92.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,578 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.7623, 101.5791
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhy is Wadi Mibam Famous?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Ready for an Oman adventure? Wadi Mibam is calling! Tucked away in the Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate, this spot is a total gem, boasting vibrant greenery, unbelievable turquoise pools, and a waterfall that'll knock your socks off. You'll find this wadi nestled in the Dakhiliyah region, right in the heart of the Tiwi mountains. The drive from Tiwi is only about 9.1 km (5.65 miles), but buckle up, it's an experience! The road is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. Think quirky villages, rugged mountains, and cliffs that'll make your palms sweat. This isn't a Sunday drive! Expect countless twists and turns, and sections that are, shall we say, intimately narrow. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and take it slow. Oh, and about those drop-offs? They're pretty epic, and guardrails are a no-show. A 4x4 is highly recommended – the road gets seriously steep, and some surfaces can be slippery. Leave the mega-truck at home, though, you'll need something nimble. Give yourself around 30 minutes for the drive. As for the best time to visit, anytime is good, but avoid it after heavy rain. You'll have to ford a stream, and things get super slick. Get ready for views that will make your jaw drop!
extremeThe road to the disputed Lhari Peak
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lhari Peak, clocking in at a whopping 15,948 feet, sits right in that contested zone between China and India, nestled in the Himalayas. This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rough, unpaved road with sixteen hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Word to the wise: winters? Forget about it. This road's a no-go zone when the snow hits. You're gonna need a high-clearance 4x4 to even attempt this climb. Lhari translates to "holy mountain" in Tibetan, and you'll definitely feel like you're on sacred ground tackling this beast. The views are incredible, but remember you're battling altitude sickness and unpredictable weather. Oxygen is thin up here, folks, so take it slow. This route isn't for the faint of heart. This slice of paradise is currently under Indian administration as part of the Leh district, but China claims it as part of Tibet. Just keep that in mind as you soak in the incredible vistas!
extremeHow challenging is driving the China National Highway 317 today?
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G317), a 2,030 km (1,261 miles) trek from Chengdu to Nagqu that'll redefine your definition of "road trip"! Forget your average scenic drive – this is a high-altitude adventure through the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. Once a muddy mess of a track, the G317 is now mostly paved, a modern marvel slicing through some seriously stunning landscapes. But don't let the smooth surface fool you; this road is no walk in the park. We're talking thin air, crazy weather, and mountain passes soaring above 5,000 meters! Picture yourself cruising through pristine nomadic lands, past ancient monasteries, with snow-capped peaks as your constant companions. So, what's the challenge today? Altitude, altitude, altitude! You'll be gasping for air above 4,000 meters, and your car might be too. Expect sudden rockfalls in those narrow gorges, and winter hangs on for dear life, bringing snow and ice for most of the year. Is it all paved? Mostly! The Chola Mountain Tunnel is a game-changer, but you'll still hit construction zones and stretches of gravel. Plus, watch out for herds of wandering animals and slow-moving trucks that can cause some serious traffic jams. Weather is the real boss here. Blizzards can roll in out of nowhere, even in summer! And hold on tight for those hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. Oxygen tanks and warm layers are essential. This isn't just a drive, it's an expedition through some of China's most incredible, yet isolated, nomadic cultures. When's the best time to go? Aim for May, June, or September. July and August bring monsoon rains and potential landslides. Winter? Only for the truly hardcore, with temps plummeting below -30°C on the high passes. Get ready for an epic adventure!
moderateThe paved road to Surtok La with stunning views of Pangong Lake
🇮🇳 India
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Surtok La! Perched way up high in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, this beauty sits at a cool 14,291 feet (4,356m). The road, also known as Pangong Lake Road, is paved and generally in decent shape, making it accessible for most vehicles. But don't get too comfy! It's a twisty, turny ride with some seriously steep climbs and narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at around 20 miles (33km), the route snakes its way from Tangtse to the stunning Pangong Lake. Trust me, the views are incredible! Picture this: breathtaking panoramas of the lake unfolding before you as you conquer those curves. It's a photographer's dream and an unforgettable driving experience!