Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains

Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains

China, asia

Length

42.7 km

Elevation

3,066 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

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.

Where is it?

Travel Guide to Gongnaisi Daban in the Tian Shan Mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.2917, 103.8421

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
42.7 km
Max Elevation
3,066 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.2917, 103.8421

Related Roads in asia

Traversing the Tunnel Beneath Kumbhe Waterfall: Maharashtra's Majestic Intersectionhard

Traversing the Tunnel Beneath Kumbhe Waterfall: Maharashtra's Majestic Intersection

🇮🇳 India

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, and BAM! You stumble upon the Kumbhe Waterfall – seriously stunning. Tucked away in the Sahyadri mountains, this natural beauty sends water cascading down about 175 feet. Think lush greenery and the sound of water hitting a clear, tranquil pool. While it’s pretty year-round, monsoon season (June to September) is when it REALLY puts on a show. But wait, there's more! At the base of the mountains, you'll find a crazy cool handmade tunnel, like something Indiana Jones would explore. It's about 820 feet long, and the locals built it! Heads up, though: it's dark, rugged, and totally raw. No fancy lights or smooth concrete here! There are some holes in the ground, too, so watch your step. And during the monsoon? That waterfall gets intense, so be extra careful. Safety first, folks! But if you're up for a little adventure, this place is unforgettable.

45 Hairpin Turns on China’s Heaven's Roadhard

45 Hairpin Turns on China’s Heaven's Road

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits in southwestern China! Heaven's Road is a wild ride – a 3.5-mile stretch of pure adrenaline carved into the side of a mountain. We're talking a dizzying climb from 2,050 feet to 3,855 feet, folks. And get this: a mind-blowing 45 hairpin turns await! Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out. Starting in the charming mountain village of Chuanhegai (home to about 1,000 families!), you'll wind your way up, up, up to Pingma, the nearest town. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think lush greenery clinging to the mountainside. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… those turns come fast and furious! This fully paved road is a test of skill, but the payoff is unforgettable scenery and a serious story to tell.

Driving the Hell road from Baljurashi to Mekhwahard

Driving the Hell road from Baljurashi to Mekhwa

🌍 Arabian Peninsula

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Route 3707, the Baljurashi-Mekhwa road in Saudi Arabia's Al Bahah Region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think winding asphalt clinging to the side of seriously steep mountains – it's a road that'll test your driving skills, and maybe your nerves! If you're not a fan of heights or the thought of a landslide gives you the shivers, this might not be for you. This 32.5km stretch of road climbs up, and up, and up to Baljurashi, a city perched way up at 2,049m. Locals call it "Hell road" – need I say more? Take it slow and steady; this isn't a race track. Starting near Mekhwa at 383m, you'll gain a whopping 1,666 meters in elevation. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 10%. The views are incredible, but keep your eyes on the road! Seriously, though – no streetlights mean this is a daytime-only adventure. Pro tip: When heading downhill, shift to low gears to save your brakes. And if you're planning a visit, aim for mid-August to the end of September. Oh, and give your brakes and tires a good check before you go!

An epic and enthralling road to Kharbu Lahard

An epic and enthralling road to Kharbu La

🇮🇳 India

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Kharbu La in Ladakh, India is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a sky-high pass at a whopping 3,509m (11,512ft)! East of the famed Shashi La, the road—more like a rugged track—climbs steeply (think 10% gradients!) along Shashila Road. Forget your sedan; you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this one, with some narrow spots thrown in for good measure. Clocking in at 34.9 km (21.68 miles) between Shakardo and Chulichan, this east-west route isn't just about the thrill of the drive. Prepare for mind-blowing panoramas! Gaze out over the Pakistan border, the majestic Nun Kun range to the southwest, the mighty Karakoram ranges to the north, and the stunning Kashmir ranges to the west. Trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles!