Take An Unforgettable Drive to Zhawa La
China, asia
73 km
5,021 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Zhawa La, also called Tsawa La, is a seriously high mountain pass sitting way up in Batang County, Sichuan Province, China. We're talking a lung-busting 5,021m (16,473ft) above sea level!
Now, the original road through the pass? Think unpaved, super twisty, and seriously narrow – a real test of your driving skills (and nerves!).
But here's the good news: a new, paved road was built a few years back, just north of the original pass. This baby stretches for 73km (45.36 miles), connecting Batang and Gemu with a westward to eastward trajectory. Don't get complacent though! This route still packs a punch with crazy steep sections, hairpin turns galore, and a summit elevation of 4,922m (16,148ft). Plus, keep an eye out for falling rocks – they’re a real hazard here.
But hey, all that effort is rewarded with absolutely jaw-dropping views of the Genyen range. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the white-knuckle drive!
Where is it?
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Zhawa La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.5179, 103.7970
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 73 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,021 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.5179, 103.7970
Related Roads in asia
moderateNiujiaoyan chain bridge, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Sinan County in northeastern Guizhou, China, and BAM! You stumble upon the Niujiaoyan chain bridge. Seriously, this thing is epic! Stretching 935 feet across the mighty Wujiang River, with a 781-foot clear span, it's not your average bridge. Word to the wise, though: weather can be a real buzzkill here, so check before you go, because it closes sometimes. You'll find it south of Tongkoucun, complete with guardrails (phew!). It's open to both cars (under 20 tons) and anyone on foot. So, get ready for some seriously stunning views and a total adrenaline rush! Aerial China's photos and videos don't lie - this place is incredible.
hardCan you drive through Karakol Gorge?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Region, you HAVE to check out Karakol Gorge. Carved by the Karakol River in the Ak-Suu District, this alpine canyon is seriously breathtaking. Now, getting through it? That's another story. The 13-mile (21.3 km) dirt road from Karakol is ROUGH. Think super steep climbs, primitive wooden bridges, and a surface that's seen better days. You'll definitely need a 4x4 beast (two driving axles are your friend here) and some serious driving skills to conquer this terrain. The road tops out at 8,618 feet (2.627m) above sea level, so be prepared for snow blocking the path well into summer. Flooding can also make it impassable at any time. But here's the kicker: because it's so remote, you might spot some incredible wildlife. We're talking mountain goats, deer, maybe even a lynx, wild boar, snow leopard, wolf, bear, or eagle! Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
hardWhy is Shaharah famous?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, adventure junkies, picture this: Yemen, Shaharah District. We're headed up Jabal Shaharah, a mountain peak soaring to 8,284 feet! At the very top, clinging to the summit, is Shaharah, a fortified medieval village, practically lost in time. Think ancient stone houses and a way of life untouched by the modern world. The road? Paved in 2014, a twisting ribbon stretching 18.26 miles from Haboor. But hold on – this isn't your Sunday drive! It's narrow, it's steep, and it climbs relentlessly to the top. And the views? Epic! Okay, now for the not-so-glamorous part. This region is in Northern Yemen, and has seen some serious conflict. Right now, travel isn't recommended. Sadly, this incredible destination is off-limits for most travelers due to ongoing instability and security concerns. It’s a war zone, which makes it dangerous, so hold off on this one for now, sadly. Let's hope that changes soon!
moderateDriving the military road to Mankogh La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: Mankogh La, a mountain pass way up in the Indian Ladakh region, practically breathing on China's border. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 17,050 feet! Nestled in the Karakoram Range, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Forget the pavement; it's all dirt and grit. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory! The whole trek is roughly 12 miles from Tsogstsalu, and if you're feeling extra ambitious, the road actually keeps climbing past the pass to an unnamed peak topping out at over 17,693 feet! Now, here's the catch: this area is seriously restricted. Think "government installations" and "tight security" vibes. Access for civilians, especially foreigners, is heavily controlled. So, while the views are undoubtedly epic, remember you're in a sensitive zone. Keep your eyes peeled for barracks and outposts as you near the top!