
The closed road to Bedel Pass, on Kyrgyzstan-China border
China, asia
N/A
4,093 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Kyrgyzstan and China, practically touching the sky at a whopping 13,428 feet! That's Pereval Bedel for ya, a seriously high mountain pass tucked away in the Tian Shan Mountains.
This place has history etched into its very gravel – once upon a time, it was a bustling part of the Silk Road, connecting cultures and trade between China and Central Asia. These days, it's a bit more…rustic. The road on the Chinese side is gravel only, so you'll need a trusty 4x4 to even think about tackling it, and even then, you're pretty much limited to summer adventures. While officially closed, it is still possible to cross with the proper permits. Incredible views come standard, but be prepared for a wild, remote, and unforgettable ride.
Where is it?
The closed road to Bedel Pass, on Kyrgyzstan-China border is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 39.0210, 101.9869
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,093 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.0210, 101.9869
Related Roads in asia
moderateTravel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains
🇨🇳 China
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Gongnaisi Daban, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 3,066m (10,059ft) on the border between Hejing and Xinyuan counties in Xinjiang, China! This beauty's nestled in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains and you'll get there via the G218 national road. It's paved, but fair warning, it can get a bit rough near the top thanks to weather, heavy trucks, and not much upkeep. Also known as Aiken Daban, this pass clocks in at 42.7 km (26.53 miles) of pure driving bliss running from Gongnaisixiang to Haersala. Prepare for hairpin turns galore, and scenery that'll knock your socks off – think fairy tale grasslands, lush forests, and an ovoo formation greeting you near the summit. Heads up, this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw curveballs from November to May with snowfall and heavy rain causing temporary closures. Also, expect traffic! Keep an eye on the safety signs and stick to that 30 km/h speed limit on the twisty bits.
hardA paved road to Everest Base Camp, the Roof of the World
🇨🇳 China
Okay adventurers, picture this: you're cruising through the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to the Nepal border, on Zhufeng Road. This isn't just any road; it's a paved masterpiece leading to Everest Base Camp (the north side!), nestled in the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve. The asphalt ends right at the Zhufeng Base Camp Parking Lot at a staggering 5,017m (16,459ft) above sea level. Only the last 5.4km are unpaved. This 98.7 km (61.32 miles) journey kicks off from the G318 and winds its way up to a breathtaking 5,205m (17,076ft) peak by Pang La. Budget about 2.5 to 4 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are insane! Think panoramic vistas of Shisha Pangma to Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. We're talking mixed forests, flower-filled meadows, glaciers, rivers, and enough hairpin turns to make your head spin. Keep an eye on the weather – you're in the Himalayas, after all. A permit from the Chinese government is required to visit the North Base Camp.
hardZholpel La, an awe-inspiring road through remote areas
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Zholpel La in eastern Tibet! This beast of a mountain pass hits an altitude of 4,615m (15,141ft) – that's seriously high! You'll find it in the Qamdo district, smack-dab in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." We're talking unpaved, rough-and-tumble terrain along the G317 (China National Highway 317, or Sichuan-Tibet highway Northern Route). It’s a 62 km (38 mile) stretch running from Bindaxiang to Eluozhen. Nestled in the Tannyaintangoin Mountains, Zholpel La – also called Zhu Jiao La or Trugu La – used to be a real nail-biter. Thankfully, the infamous Zhu Jiao La Tunnel now bypasses the most intense section. Get ready for some stunning scenery!
hardDriving the scenic Panshan Highway to Lishan Mountain
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! I just discovered this unreal mountain road in China called Panshan Highway, and you HAVE to add it to your bucket list. Picture this: you're in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, ready to tackle Mount Li (or Lishan Mountain, if you’re feeling formal). This isn't just any mountain; we're talking about a peak that hits 1,034 meters (3,392 feet)! The road? Epic. Nine and a half kilometers (5.9 miles) of pure, paved switchback bliss winding up from Lintong city into the Qinling Mountains. And when I say switchbacks, I mean serious hairpins! Some of these climbs get STEEP – we're talking a maximum gradient of almost 15%! But trust me, the views from Lishan National Forest Park are worth every white-knuckle moment. Every time the sun is out, expect bikers and tourists galore, all stopping at overlooks to snap the ultimate panorama. Trust me, you’ll want to, too. Get ready for some serious scenery!