Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds
China, asia
70.4 km
5,153 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Riong La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! Perched way up high at 5,153 meters (that's 16,906 feet!), this bad boy sits right on the edge of Lhari County (Nagqu) and Gongbo'gyamda County (Nyingchi City).
Forget pavement; this 70.4 km (43.74 miles) stretch from Codoi Township down to the Linla Highway is strictly off-road territory. We're talking 4x4 ONLY. Seriously. This area is REMOTE.
Expect a solid 3-4 hour drive if you're not stopping (but you'll WANT to stop for the views!). Be warned: it gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 11%! Oh, and pro tip? Don't even THINK about attempting this from late October through late June/early July. Snow makes it impassable. Always double-check conditions before you go. Trust me; this is a trek you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.7022, 108.5896
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 70.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,153 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.7022, 108.5896
Related Roads in asia
moderateGora La is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
🇮🇳 India
Gora La: straddling the India-China border, this pass is a beast! Picture this: You're in North Sikkim, India, gazing toward Yadong County, Tibet. Two separate roads climb to the summit, though neither actually crosses the border. On the Indian side, you'll be winding through the breathtaking Yumthang Valley. The road? Completely unpaved, so a 4x4 is essential. It climbs to a dizzying 5,118m (16,791ft) with some seriously steep sections hitting an 8% gradient. The adventure kicks off in Dambung and stretches for 39 km (24.23 miles), climbing 2418 meters. Just a heads up, this is a military road, so civilian access is off-limits. Now, over to the Chinese side: Another unpaved challenge that demands a 4x4. This one peaks at 4,945m (16,223ft) but don't let the lower altitude fool you – it's brutally steep, with sections reaching a wild 28% gradient. Starting in Naibai, the climb is a shorter 14.3 km (8.88 miles), but packs in 1226 meters of elevation gain. And like its Indian counterpart, this is a military road with no civilian access. Bummer!
moderateWhat’s Song Köl lake?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in northern Kyrgyzstan, nestled in the Naryn Province, lies Song Köl – a high-altitude alpine lake sitting pretty at a cool 10,000 feet. Fed by glaciers in the Tian Shan mountains, it's the second-largest lake in the country. Now, getting there? That's part of the adventure! Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking a 46-mile unpaved journey from Bashkaingdy. Think dirt trails, rocky sections, and a whole lotta rugged terrain. This is strictly 4x4 or motorbike territory, people! You'll climb to a whopping 11,102 feet, winding through gorges and taking in mind-blowing views of the surrounding summer pastures and mountains. Trust me, the scenery is incredible, but this route is not for the faint of heart. Speaking of heart – check the calendar! Snow can hang around for a good chunk of the year, and the lake itself freezes over in winter. You’re looking at a window of roughly June to September for safe access. Keep in mind there are no facilities here, so be prepared. But hey, local herders offer supplies and yurt rentals for a truly unique experience!
extremeHighest roads in Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Toli Peer in Pakistan is calling your name! This isn't just a road; it's a stairway to the sky, winding its way up, up, up to what feels like the edge of the world. Nestled high in the mountains near Lasdana, this road is an experience. We're talking serious elevation here, so expect your ears to pop and the air to get crisp. This beauty is worth it, though! Picture yourself cruising along, with views that stretch out forever, showcasing Pakistan's incredible mountain scenery. Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. This road can be a bit hairy with hairpin turns and steep grades. So, keep your eyes on the road and your wits about you. But trust me, the panoramic vistas and the sheer thrill of conquering this high-altitude route make it an unforgettable journey!
hardPereval Tyuz-Ashuu
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, buckle up adventure seekers, because Tyuz-Ashuu Pass in Kyrgyzstan is calling your name! This epic gravel track, perched at a whopping 11,181 feet, winds its way through the southern part of Jayyl District. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. Think rocky, bumpy, and potentially tippy conditions, especially when wet. You'll definitely want 4x4 for this one! The pass is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. But if you're an experienced off-roader with a head for heights, the killer views from the top are SO worth it. Just be prepared for some seriously steep sections and a muddy good time.