The Route Beyond Lhasa: Traversing Penpogo La
China, asia
54.8 km
5,086 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Phenpogo La!
Picture this: you're just north of Lhasa, China, straddling the line between Chengguan and Lhünzhub districts in Tibet. You’re about to tackle a pass that tops out at a whopping 5,086 meters (that’s 16,686 feet!).
The road? Let's just say it's an experience. Mostly unpaved, it throws steep climbs, narrow passages, and more twists and turns than you can count your prayer beads at.
This epic 54.8 km (34.05 mile) stretch heads straight from Lhasa towards Lhünzhub. And hey, bonus points, you’re practically next door to the incredible Sera Gompa monastery. Talk about a scenic detour for the soul!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 54.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,086 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
extremeIs the road to Zong Co Lake in Tibet unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Zong Co Lake in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a glacial lake shimmering at a staggering 16,325 feet! You'll find it nestled in Dinggyê County, part of Xigazê city. Forget smooth asphalt; this 11.5-mile stretch from Zhaxigang Village is all about embracing the ruggedness. Expect a completely unpaved road that will test your driving skills! Think narrow passages, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore—count 'em, eleven of them! Word to the wise: This route isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to altitude sickness). The air is thin up here, so acclimatize before you go. And definitely bring your trusty 4x4; you'll need it! Oh, and a heads up – Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is usually buried in snow from late October until sometime between late June and early July, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you're after a truly unforgettable experience with views that will blow your mind, Zong Co Lake is calling your name.
extremeWhere is Dawagenzha Peak?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I’ve got a real gem for you: Dawagenzha Peak in Sichuan Province, China. We're talking serious heights here, topping out at 3,862 meters (that’s 12,670 feet!). Picture this: you're deep in the west-central part of Sichuan, cruising along the upper Qingyi River. This peak sits pretty in the Qionglai Mountain Range, a seriously remote spot near the Giant Panda Sanctuaries. Hello, views and amazing wildlife! Now, about the road… buckle up! It's 16.9 km (10.5 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective!). Starting from Liujiazhai, you'll climb a whopping 1,626 meters (5,335 feet). Do the math – that's an average gradient of nearly 10%! We're talking big rocks, loose gravel, and a nail-biting shelf road experience. This is 4x4 territory, folks. Oh, and did I mention the 30+ hairpin turns crammed into that relatively short distance? Keep your eyes peeled, your focus sharp, and your gears low! Important note: Winter is a no-go. This peak gets hammered with snow, so plan your trip for summer or early autumn. Trust me, the views are worth the wait, but being prepared is everything!
hardZhanailakashan Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Zhanailakashan Pass! This beast of a road tops out at a staggering 4,760m (15,616ft) in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of southern Qinghai, China. The good news? It’s paved! You’ll be cruising on the S309 Provincial Road. The not-so-good news? Mother Nature calls the shots here. It’s generally open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down in a heartbeat. Seriously, if you're sensitive to high altitude or have heart issues, maybe skip this one. The air is THIN, and the weather can turn on a dime any time of year. But if you're prepared for the challenge, the views are totally worth it!
moderateDare to drive the dangerous Kotal-e Lashkar Rah
🌍 Afghanistan
Kotal-e Lashkar Rah is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.934m (9,625ft) above the sea level, located in Ghor Province, in central Afghanistan. The winding mountain road to the summit is unpaved. It’s called Asian Highway 77 (AH77), a main road running from Jabal Saraj, Afghanistan to Mary, Turkmenistan. 4x4 vehicle recommended after rains. The area is very remote. Open to traffic throughout the year, the road may be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. The pass is 115 km (71.45 miles) long running west-east from Chaghcharān, also called Firozkoh, on the southern side of the Hari River, to Lal wa Sarjangal, also called La'l Wa Sar Jangal or simply Lal. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. Travel guide to the top of Pereval Torbulak Navigating Shah Mansoor Pass, Afghanistan's Majestic Heights 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.