The road to Murgum La is not for the faint of heart
India, asia
90 km
4,397 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Murgum La, sitting pretty high up in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, is calling your name. We're talking a lofty 4,397m (14,425ft) above sea level!
This hidden gem in the Zanskar range, also called Margum La, Marugam La, Murugan La, Nietukse La, is a completely unpaved rollercoaster. Built recently, it's still a bit rough around the edges. Word to the wise: scope out the weather before you head out – things can get dicey real quick. Expect a wild ride with tons of hairpin turns and splashy water crossings!
This 90km (55.92 miles) stretch, winding through the Zanskar valley from Sumda Dho to Lingshed, is a visual feast. And get this – they're planning to extend it another 52km towards Dipling! But hey, before you commit, get the latest intel on road conditions. Oh, and pro tip? 4x4 is a MUST.
Where is it?
The road to Murgum La is not for the faint of heart is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 24.7008, 80.3921
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 90 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,397 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 24.7008, 80.3921
Related Roads in asia
extremeHow long is the cliff road from Jyotirmath to Malari?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: You're in Uttarakhand, India, smack-dab in Nanda Devi National Park, ready to tackle the NH 107B! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 40-mile (64.6 km) roller coaster from Jyotirmath (aka Joshimath) up to Malari, a cool little village practically waving at Tibet. We're talking serious elevation gain here, folks – starting at around 6,345 feet and climbing to almost 10,000 feet! The views are killer, following the Dhauliganga River with hairpin turns galore. Now, a heads-up: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Besides the twisty bits, you're sharing the space with the possibility of snow leopards, bears, and a road that occasionally gets a little *too* friendly with winter snow and ice or flooded river waters. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. It’s a wild ride!
extremeChipchap Pass: Driving the remote Wuersisan-Radome Road in Xinjiang
🇨🇳 China
Guys, you will NOT believe this road! Deep in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang, China, lies the Chipchap Pass, clocking in at a whopping 5,301m (17,391ft) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive – it's a full-blown 4x4 expedition! The Wuersisan-Radome Road – that's the name of this beast – is a 132.3 km (82.2 miles) unpaved gauntlet starting from Provincial Road 219. Don't expect a leisurely climb; although the gradient tops out at 7%, most of the drive is above 4,500 meters, which will test both you and your vehicle to the absolute limit. Think raw dirt and gravel under your tires, slippery as anything when it rains or snows. Speaking of weather, hold on tight! Winter temps can nosedive to a bone-chilling -55°C (-67°F). Even in summer, expect sudden and brutal changes. Icy winds are a constant companion, and whiteouts can happen in the blink of an eye. Pack for sub-zero conditions and enough supplies to survive a significant delay. Oh, and did I mention there are *no* facilities out there? None. Zero. Zilch. We’re talking no electricity, no water, no nothing for the entire drive. Also keep in mind that because it's near sensitive borders, travel restrictions can pop up. This is a serious, high-altitude route where oxygen is thin, and mistakes can be fatal due to the complete lack of assistance. But the views… oh, the VIEWS! Just remember: you're completely on your own out there.
extremeTravel guide to the top of Khau Pha Pass
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Khau Phạ Pass in Yên Bái Province, Vietnam, is calling your name! This legendary pass sits way up high at 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) – that's seriously elevated! They say it’s one of the longest passes in the whole country, snaking its way between Văn Chấn and Mù Căng Chải Districts in the northeast. You’ll be cruising along National Highway 32, so the road's paved, but don’t let that fool you! This beauty is a beast! Think hairpin turns galore and, oh yeah, the weather can throw curveballs like thick fog and even snowfall in winter. Keep your eyes peeled, because barriers and warning signs are a bit scarce, and landslides are known to happen. Plus, the road's a little rough around the edges thanks to erosion and falling rocks. This 125km (78-mile) ride, from Nghĩa Lộ to Ban La, is not a quick jaunt, but trust me, the views are SO worth it. Plan your trip for autumn (September to November) for the best weather and mind-blowing scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardAn Explorer's Guide to the Qinghai-Tibet Highway
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway in China! This epic route, part of China National Highway 109, stretches an incredible 1,937 km (1,203 miles) from Xining to Lhasa, taking you across some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. We're talking endless prairies, shimmering salt lakes, towering mountains, and stark deserts – a landscape photographer's dream! And don't worry, the whole thing is paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. Clocking in with an average elevation above 4,000 meters, this is one of the highest highways, and about 980 km of it is more than 4,500 meters above sea level. You'll definitely feel the altitude! The road itself isn't too steep, but remember you're in the mountains, so take it easy. The highest point is Tanggu La Pass at a staggering 5,231m (17,162ft). Keep in mind that this route is remote and desolate. Be extra cautious behind the wheel. The best time to go is between May and September. The road is usually open year-round, but always check conditions before you set out. And of course, remember the altitude! Oxygen is thin up there, so give yourself time to acclimatize. Extreme weather can also play a factor.