Travel guide to the top of Upyang Pass

Travel guide to the top of Upyang Pass

China, asia

Length

13.53 km

Elevation

4,927 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Upyang Pass in Western Xinjiang, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at a breathtaking 4,927 meters (that's 16,164 feet for you imperial system folks!). You'll find it way out west near the border with Pakistan.

Forget pavement; this is an unpaved, raw, and rugged experience. The air gets thin up there, so listen to your body and maybe pack some oxygen if you're prone to altitude sickness. Seriously, though, if you're craving an off-the-grid escape, this is it.

The climb to the summit (also called Wufulang Daban) kicks off from the G314 near Red Qilafu. It's a 13.5 km (8.41 miles) grind with a serious elevation gain of 787 meters. The average incline is almost 6%, so get ready for a steep and winding adventure! Expect killer views, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
13.53 km
Max Elevation
4,927 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in asia

Mount Gargashhard

Mount Gargash

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Mount Gargash! This insane road in central Iran's Isfahan province climbs to a whopping 3,578m (11,738ft), making it one of the country's highest drives. The prize at the top? The Iranian National Observatory! The road itself is a wild 9.9km stretch of asphalt starting from Road 587. It's pretty steep with plenty of hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Word of warning: this ain't your Sunday cruise. You're high up there, so expect strong winds and sudden weather changes. Seriously, prepare for cold and wind – it's a year-round thing. The landscape is rugged, dramatic, and full of twists and turns. If your passengers get carsick easily, maybe skip this one! The road, built between 2012 and 2016, was designed to be safe and convenient for everyone heading up to the observatory.

Sky Road is a drive with harrowing zig-zagsextreme

Sky Road is a drive with harrowing zig-zags

🇨🇳 China

Get ready for the Sky Road, a total OMG experience in western Hubei, China! Seriously, this road is a testament to human grit. Back in the '90s, villagers carved this insane zig-zagging route into the mountainside, and now it hugs the cliffs all the way down into the valley. Locals call it the "sky road" because, from a distance, it literally looks like it's suspended in the air. This wild ride is just under 3 miles long (4.34 km) and overlooks some seriously steep drops. Picture this: springtime fog swirling around the switchbacks, or even worse, winter when snow and frost turn those already daunting hairpin turns into a real white-knuckle experience. The road surface is paved, though, with concrete and asphalt sections, and despite the crazy steepness, people totally drive it! Also known as Heaven Road, it looks like a jade belt winding through the mountains. Just a heads up, maybe skip that big lunch before you go, that high altitude and those circuitous routes might not agree with your stomach. With seven massive "Z's" in the road, this route can be deadly because of its position and shape. Thankfully, there are guard rails in some spots now.

Where is Shemshak?moderate

Where is Shemshak?

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, picture this: You're headed to Shemshak, Iran's second-biggest ski paradise nestled way up in the Alborz Mountains. The road there? Totally paved, so no need for monster truck tires! We're talking a good stretch of road, winding from somewhere near Nesa all the way to Lavasan. But get this—it's not just a boring highway slog. Think cool pit stops along the way, perfect for snapping some pics or grabbing a bite. Elevation-wise, you're climbing high, so be prepared for some breathtaking views (and maybe a little lightheadedness!). But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Just keep your eyes peeled as you navigate this route! Oh and did I mention that beyond Shemshak, this road takes you to other awesome destinations? Road trip, anyone?

Penma La: a rough and bumpy roadmoderate

Penma La: a rough and bumpy road

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Penma La is calling your name! This wild and untamed pass in Tibet tops out at a staggering 5,321 meters (that's 17,457 feet!). You'll find it tucked away in Ngamring County, part of Xigazê, and trust me, it's remote! Forget pavement – this is a purely off-road experience, so you absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer it. Penma La connects the Dotra and Nagma valleys, slicing through a desolate, almost lunar landscape. Be warned, this isn't a year-round trip; you'll mostly only have access during the summer months. Don't expect any frills out here – electricity, reliable medical help, or even the luxury of western toilets are rare finds. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Get ready for a truly unforgettable, off-the-grid experience!