Shertang La
Bhutan, asia
N/A
3,573 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Shertang La, also known as Ura La! This mountain pass sits way up in Bhutan's Bumthang District at a dizzying 3,573m (11,722ft), making it one of the country's highest roads.
The Bumthang - Ura Highway, built in the 90s, is mostly paved but don't expect a smooth ride! Think patchy asphalt (even some gravel thrown in!), steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. You'll see prayer flags fluttering at the top, but be warned: the air is thin up here. Altitude sickness is a real possibility.
The road itself? Super narrow. If you're prone to car sickness, this might not be your jam. But the views… oh, the views! Seriously, it's worth it. You're driving through the Black Mountains, after all. And if the weather's on your side, you might catch a glimpse of Gangkhar Puensum towering over the northern valley, plus the charming yellow-roofed lhakhang of Shingkhar village below.
Just a heads-up: the wind can be intense up here year-round, so bundle up. The pass can also be closed for a day or two in the winter due to snow. It's often misty on top. But when the clouds part, you're rewarded with incredible views over the wide valleys and forests of Bumthang. Don't miss it!
Where is it?
Shertang La is located in Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.4199, 90.2869
Road Details
- Country
- Bhutan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,573 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 27.4199, 90.2869
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow to drive the unpaved road to Patlian Pass in Kaghan Valley?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of Patlian Pass in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 4,261 meters (almost 14,000 feet!) in the upper Kaghan Valley. Think rugged alpine beauty: towering slopes and glacial rivers galore. Starting from Lawat, you'll trace the Chuntar Nar river up to the ridge separating Kaghan from the stunning Neelum Valley. Now, hold onto your hats because this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a totally unpaved, brutally rocky dirt track. Seriously, 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST, and you'll want some serious off-road experience under your belt. This "road" - built between 2019 and 2020 - is more like a glorified mule path, especially near the top. Expect loose shale, massive stones, and sections constantly washed out by the river. Low-range gearing is your new best friend. It's a cliff-edge drive, folks, with steep, unprotected drops that'll have your heart racing. You might even need some local driving wisdom for the trickiest bits! Plus, at that altitude, altitude sickness is a real concern. Clocking in at just 25 km (16 miles) from Lawat, don't be fooled - this isn't a quick jaunt. Give yourself 3-4 hours for the ascent, depending on the weather and how many washouts you encounter. And a word of warning: Patlian Pass is only open during the summer (late June to September-ish). The rest of the year, it's buried under a mountain of snow. Even in summer, be prepared for sudden blizzards or monsoon rains that can make the track impassable in minutes. One more thing! Patlian Pass is pretty close to the Line of Control (LoC). While the Kaghan side is generally stable, stick to marked trails, stay informed about current travel advisories, and maybe hire a local guide. Cell service is spotty, and you might encounter nomadic Gujjars moving their livestock, which can cause some serious traffic jams on this already narrow route!
hardHung La
🇨🇳 China
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Hung La in Tibet! This high-altitude pass tops out at a breathtaking 13,900 feet (4,237m). You'll find it along the G214, also known as the Tibet-Yunnan highway. Now, don't let the asphalt fool you; this isn't a Sunday drive. This road is a real trek, winding through remote mountain terrain. Be prepared for a long and challenging ride. The air gets thin up here, and the steep climbs will definitely test your engine – and your lungs! Plus, the area is known for thick fog, so visibility can be a real issue. Definitely avoid this route if the weather's looking dicey. But hey, if you're up for it, the views are totally worth it!
hardA wild road to Satsum La in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Satsum La, or Jieshan Daban as the locals call it, is a crazy high mountain pass soaring to a whopping 5,350 meters (17,552 feet)! You'll find it nestled in Tibet, north of the Himalayas, in China. We're talking about tackling the legendary 219 National Road, also known as the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway. This beast of a road, a.k.a. the "Sky Road," will have you above 5,000 meters for extended periods. Translation? Altitude sickness is a real threat. Pack your meds, stay bundled up, and listen to your body. Some folks even need oxygen! The landscape? Remote and rugged, so be prepared for anything. This isn’t a Sunday drive! Expect long stretches of nothingness, multiple passes above 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 meters, and a whole lot of wind. Respect the local customs and keep an eye on the news. Things can get tense in these parts. Oh, and winter? Forget about it. The temperatures plummet, the winds howl, and snowfall can shut things down. Thermal gear is a MUST! We're talking long distances with no services, freezing nights (down to -25°C!), and a glimpse into some of the most isolated parts of the planet. Bring your own food, water, and sleeping bag. Gas stations are rare, so fill up whenever you can. A tent could be a lifesaver. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rain and makes driving a nightmare. Also, remember the internet is censored, so some websites might be blocked. But if you're up for the challenge, Satsum La promises an adventure you'll never forget!
moderateThe Wild Road to Sheosar Lake in Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Sheosar Lake in Pakistan's Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province. This alpine gem sits way up high at 13,641 feet! Seriously, one of the world's highest lakes. Getting there is half the fun. The road, Deosai Park Road, winds for 52 miles between Skardu and Astore Valley Road. Heads up, it's mostly unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must. You'll be cruising through the Deosai Plains, the world's second-highest plateau, sandwiched between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. The lake itself is heart-shaped and pretty big - over a mile long and wide, and deep too! But plan your trip carefully because it's only open in summer. Winter? Forget about it! This area is usually snowed in. The lake's frozen from November to May. Get ready for some incredible scenery!