Tsogugye La: courage is required to drive to the summit

Tsogugye La: courage is required to drive to the summit

China, asia

Length

47.7 km

Elevation

4,999 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Tsogugye La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high at nearly 16,400 feet (4,999m), straddling the border between Qusum and Gyaca counties in southern Tibet.

Forget smooth asphalt, this road is all raw, unpaved earth, and it's a twisty, turny monster that'll have your head spinning! Picture dozens of hairpin bends, so tight you'll feel dizzy just looking at them. And when winter hits, forget about it – snow and ice turn this into a seriously slippery challenge.

We're talking serious remoteness here. Starting near Lasuixiang on the S306, you've got almost 30 miles (47.7 km) of uphill battling, gaining over 5,600 feet (1,716 meters) in elevation with some ramps hitting a steep 11% gradient. The average isn't too bad at just under 4%, but remember, you're climbing a HUGE mountain. Oxygen is thin, the weather can be brutal, so be prepared! This is Tibet, baby - breathtaking views, but not for the faint of heart!

Where is it?

Tsogugye La: courage is required to drive to the summit is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.9890, 104.0136

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
47.7 km
Max Elevation
4,999 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
36.9890, 104.0136

Related Roads in asia

Ultimate 4wd destination: Maranjab Caravansarymoderate

Ultimate 4wd destination: Maranjab Caravansary

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, so you're up for an adventure in Iran? Check out the road to the Maranjab Caravansary in the northern part of Isfahan Province! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 46.3 km stretch of gravel and sand that'll test your mettle (and your suspension). You'll be out in the middle of nowhere, so come prepared for anything. Seriously, leave the Prius at home—you'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one! But if you're brave enough to tackle this dusty, bumpy ride, you'll be rewarded with a glimpse into history. The Maranjab Caravansary was built way back in 1644 to protect trade caravans on the edge of the Namak salt lake. Just make sure you've got someone behind the wheel who knows the road—trust me on that one!

Is the road to Kyapsang La unpaved?hard

Is the road to Kyapsang La unpaved?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Kyapsang La in China's Xinjiang region is seriously off the beaten path! We're talking a lung-busting 5,886 meters (19,311 feet) high – that's practically scraping the sky! Locally known as ‘Sky Line road’ or ‘Skyway’ this wild stretch of road, nicknamed Tiankong Way, is totally unpaved, so you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it. Built back in 2016 by the army to connect their remote border outposts, this route snakes its way from Wenquan (Hot Springs) up and over along a relentless series of hairpin turns. Word to the wise, though: this road is super exclusive. Perched way up in the Himalayas near the Indian border and the contested Aksai Chin region, it's currently off-limits to regular folks and international travelers. Plus, you'll only have a shot at getting up here during the summer months. But hey, a road tripper can dream, right?

The journey is the destination along the Yunguichuan Cliff sky roadmoderate

The journey is the destination along the Yunguichuan Cliff sky road

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Wuxi County, China, clinging to the Daba Mountains, is the legendary Yunguichuan Cliff sky road. This insane stretch of road, almost 8 miles long, connects Changhongcun to Lanyingcun, and get this – it was carved by hand! Picture this: you're cruising along a concrete ribbon, courtesy of some seriously dedicated villagers, with a drop of over 3,000 feet right beside you. Yeah, it’s not for the faint of heart – newbies, maybe sit this one out. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking! Make sure to hit this road during the day, you're going to want to see it.

Haitar Pass is a drive worth takinghard

Haitar Pass is a drive worth taking

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventurers, buckle up for the ride of your life on the incredible Haitar Pass! Found in the Gangca County of Qinghai, China, right on the northern edge of the stunning Qinghai Lake, this beauty clocks in at a whopping 3,882m (12,736ft) above sea level. Tucked away in the breathtaking Qilian Mountains, the S204 Erga Highway is your ticket to the top. The pavement is smooth, and you won't be fighting off crowds, so get ready to cruise! But don't get too comfy – this climb is no joke, with some seriously steep sections topping out at a 7% gradient. Spanning 88.7km (55.11 miles) from Molezhen to the G315 (Huangiia Highway), this north-south route is a proper mountain expedition. Just a heads up: the air gets thin up here, so take it easy and remember that the altitude and unpredictable weather can be real game-changers. Get ready for some truly unforgettable scenery!