
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Road A371
China, asia
72.7 km
3,545 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Kyrgyzstan on the A371, a seriously epic mountain road that takes you right to the Chinese border at Irkeshtam Pass. This fully paved beauty stretches for about 73 km (45 miles) from Sary-Tash, winding its way through the remote villages of Nura and Erkeshtam (or Erkech-Tam, depending on who you ask). Once you hit the border, China's S309 provincial road picks up the thread and whisks you away towards Kashgar.
The road itself is in pretty decent shape, having been paved back in the late 2000s. The real draw, though, is the scenery – think rugged, untamed landscapes as far as the eye can see, with hardly another soul around. And get this, you'll climb to a breathtaking 3,545m (11,630ft) above sea level, offering views that will absolutely blow your mind! Just be prepared for a desolate, wild ride – it's all part of the adventure!
Where is it?
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Road A371 is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.3308, 107.4119
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 72.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,545 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.3308, 107.4119
Related Roads in asia
moderateEla Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Ela Shankou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.502m (14,770ft) above the sea levele, located in Xinghai County, in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the east-central part of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China. Set high in the Tibetan plateau, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called G214 Highway. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Expect strong winds. The pass has been bypassed by the scenic G0613 (Gongyu Expy Toll Road). The pass is 110 km (68 miles) long, running from Wenquan Town to Hekazhen. It features steep sections, hitting a 10% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. There are hot springs just below the pass. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Travel guide to the top of Peacock Mountain Pass Driving the wild Tingri-Penjixiang road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardIs the road to Rathi La fully paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Rathi La – or Rato La, as some call it – a seriously epic mountain pass nestled way up in China's Sichuan province, specifically in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Think Batang County, rugged mountains, and views that'll knock your socks off. This road is your access pass to the remote highlands near the Genyen Massif. Don't let the "mostly paved" fool you, though. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 48.5 km of winding asphalt, connecting Bomixiang to Zhangna, packed with hundreds of tight turns and some seriously steep climbs. Seriously, some sections are crazy steep! So, what's the catch? Well, for starters, we're talking about a lung-busting altitude of nearly 4,700 meters. The air is thin, and that'll affect both you and your engine. Weather's another big one – snow and freezing temps can roll in even in summer. And pro tip: fill up the tank before you start, because there are no services on this 48 km stretch of road. But the views? Oh man, the views! Rathi La gives you a front-row seat to the Genyen Massif, one of the most sacred and remote ranges in Tibet. It’s a gateway to exploring those deep valleys between Batang and Litang. Just remember: this is a high-altitude, high-stakes drive, so keep your eyes on the road. You are gonna want to savor those vistas, but you can do it once you are safely at the top.
hardHow to get to the summit of Natha Top in Jammu and Kashmir?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure awaits in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, India! Natha Top hits a whopping 2,677m (8,782ft) above sea level. Nestled in northern India, this trek to the top, known as Natha Top Road, is mostly a rugged, unpaved climb, and things get a little tight in places. If you're planning the final ascent, you’ll definitely want a 4x4. The adventure kicks off from Sanasar Road, stretching 5.6km (3.47 miles) to the top. You'll gain 193 meters in elevation along the way, averaging out to a 3.44% gradient. Heads up, snow blankets this area from December to February! But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Picture yourself surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. Once you summit, you’ll also find some communication facilities up there.
hardAn Explorer's Guide to the Karatagh La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to hear about Karatagh Pass in Tibet. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 5,473 meters (that's 17,956 feet!) above sea level. Heads up: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The road is unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must. Plus, it's completely off-limits to foreigners. And forget about visiting in winter – it's totally impassable. The good news? The gradient isn't too crazy, topping out around 5%. So while it's not a super steep climb, the location is stunning and epic.