The road with 64 switchbacks to Pang La
China, asia
48.9 km
5,205 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up because Pang La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! Officially known as Gawu La (or Geu La), this crazy-paved road tops out at a whopping 5,205 meters (17,076 feet). You'll find it nestled in Tingri County, part of Xigazê, right in the heart of the Himalayas.
Get ready for Zhufeng Road! This route, heading to Everest Base Camp, is a 48.9 km (30.38 miles) thrill ride connecting the G318 to Zhaxizongxiang.
And speaking of rides… hope you like switchbacks! There are a wild 64 hairpin turns on the south side and 41 on the north, towards the Friendship Highway. It's a steady climb of over 1000m, and while some sections get a little feisty with a 5.8% gradient, it's nothing your trusty steed can't handle.
The reward? Seriously breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Himalayan range. Plus, you're only about 90km from Rongbuk Monastery, practically Everest's front yard. Don't forget to snap a pic at the summit cairn, piled high with offerings and prayer flags flapping in the wind. Trust me, crossing this pass is the kind of epic experience you'll never forget!
Where is it?
The road with 64 switchbacks to Pang La is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.8899, 104.5949
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 48.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,205 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 33.8899, 104.5949
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is this triple pass route located?
🌍 Afghanistan
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the triple threat: a crazy ride through Afghanistan's Farah province! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 31-kilometer stretch of pure, unadulterated mountain road insanity. Picture this: You're snaking through the heart of the country, a remote area north-south from... well, that village is kind of off the map. The "Route of the Three Passes" is just relentless. First, you crest Darah-ye Chashmah-ye Malaki at 2,716 meters (8,910 ft). Catch your breath, because barely a stone's throw away is Isparman Pass (Kotal-e Isparman) at 2,706 meters (8,877 ft). And just for kicks, they throw in Farangi Pass (Kotal-e Farangi) right after, topping out at 2,700 meters (8,858 ft). But here's the kicker: this isn't a smooth, paved autobahn. Nope, this is a rough, unpaved track riddled with potholes, steep climbs that'll test your engine, and more hairpin turns than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drop-offs? You definitely don't want to take a wrong turn here. And the biggest heads-up: you are on your own out there. Forget about roadside assistance, gas stations, or even a decent cup of coffee. This is all about self-sufficiency. Pack everything you need, get local intel, and for the love of all that is holy, only attempt this during daylight. This road is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an epic, unforgettable adventure, this might just be your Everest.
hardDriving the new Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road in India
🇮🇳 India
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready to explore the brand-new Zanskar Highway, connecting Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh through the stunning Zanskar region. This 298-kilometer (185-mile) route links Nimmu in the Indus Valley to Padum, the heart of Zanskar, and then continues to Darcha. This fully paved road is a game-changer, offering a shorter and safer way to reach Leh. You'll only have to conquer one major pass, Shingo La, which sits at a cool 5,048m (16,561ft). And get this – they're building a tunnel under Shingo La, set to open in 2025, which will make this route accessible year-round! While the landscape is challenging and the weather can be extreme, the views are totally worth it. Plus, this road is a strategic asset, strengthening defense capabilities in the region. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road cuts down travel time significantly, clocking in at just 10-12 hours compared to the Leh-Manali highway's 14-16 hours (weather permitting, of course). Get ready for an epic road trip!
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!
extremeWhere is Nayzatash Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Pereval Nayzatash is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.134m (13,562ft) above sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. Where is Nayzatash Pass? Set high in the Pamir Mountains, within the Badakhshan National Park, the road to the summit, also known as Najzatos Pass, Nayzatash Pass, Nezatash Pass, Neza-Tash Pass or Aghbai Nayzatosh, is the historical , officially called M41. Most of the road is paved, except for the mountain passes. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. How long is Nayzatash Pass? Running through a lunar landscape, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the conditions of the road. The pass is 185km (114 miles) long, running from Dzhiland to Why is it called Nayzatash Pass? The pass is named after an international high mountain pass on the border of China and Tajikistan, at an elevation of 4.541m (14,898ft) above sea level in the Sarikol Range, at . The name of the path means "spear stone" in Kyrgyz as it is named after a rock near the location. The road to the old pass is 45.7 km (28.39 miles) long, starting from Tashkorgan, also known as Tashkurgan. The road to the summit is very steep, and the elevation gain is 1590 m. During the 19th century, Neztash Pass was frequently used by European explorers passing through the region. The road is extremely challenging, with many hairpin turns, steep parts, and narrow sections. Located in the middle of nowhere, if your ideal road trip involves getting way off the beaten track, then this is the drive for you. A journey on the legendary Pamir Highway to Kyzylart Pass Driving the challenging Pamir Highway to Koitezyak Pass 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.