Where is Imis La?
India, asia
17 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so Imis La is this crazy-high mountain pass perched right on the border of Jammu and Kashmir in India and the western Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We're talking serious altitude here! From the top, the views are absolutely epic, a total feast for the eyes. Getting there is part of the adventure though – you'll need to traverse the Shansha Bridge. The road leading to the summit stretches for about 17 kilometers (around 10.5 miles), but keep in mind, due to the extreme conditions, the road to the top is entirely inaccessible to foreigners. Definitely a trek for the well-prepared and those in the know!
Related Roads in asia
hardHow long is the road to Kigunaru Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Kigunaru Pass (also known as Yeban Xian) is an extreme high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 5,407m (17,739ft) above sea level, located in Rutog County, within the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Reaching such an altitude puts this track among the highest motorable routes in the world, crossing a desolate and oxygen-thin landscape in western China. The drive is a serious expedition that requires full self-sufficiency. At over 5,400 meters, atmospheric pressure is roughly half of what it is at sea level. This leads to a severe loss of engine power—often exceeding 40-50% for naturally aspirated engines—and puts immense strain on the vehicle’s cooling and fuel systems. Travelers must be prepared for extreme isolation, as there is no medical aid, electricity, or mechanical support for hundreds of kilometers. Road facts: Kigunaru Pass (Yeban Xian) 25.1 km (15.59 miles) Unpaved / Primitive Track How long is the road to Kigunaru Pass? and spans 25.1 km (15.59 miles) to reach the summit. While the average gradient is 4.21% , the profile is highly irregular. Drivers will face sudden, brutal ramps where the maximum gradient hits 11% . On unpaved surfaces at this altitude, maintaining traction on 11% slopes is extremely difficult; low-range gears and high-torque 4x4 vehicles are essential to avoid stalling or losing momentum in the loose Himalayan scree. Is the road to Kigunaru Pass open year-round? Due to its extreme elevation, the road to is impassable for the majority of the year. Heavy snow and permafrost conditions typically close the track from late October through late June or early July. Even during the short summer window, the "Yeban Xian" road remains unpredictable. Rapid weather changes can bring blizzards or freezing rain in minutes. The unpaved surface can turn into a muddy trap or be blocked by rockfalls, making it mandatory to check for up-to-date local information before attempting the climb. What are the driving risks at 5,407 meters? Driving at 5,407m involves risks that go beyond the road surface. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real threat to drivers, and the mechanical reliability of the vehicle is pushed to the limit. The 1,059-meter elevation gain over the 25.1 km stretch requires a cooling system in perfect condition, as engines run hotter in thin air. There is no infrastructure in Rutog County for travelers—no western toilets, no running water, and no fuel stations. Total preparation, including carrying extra oxygen, satellite communication, and enough fuel for the return journey, is the only way to safely navigate this remote Tibetan frontier. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Dare to drive the dangerous Debo La 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.
moderateHpa-An to Dawei is a road through Myanmar's southern corridor
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Cruising from Hpa-An to Dawei in Myanmar is way more than just another drive—it’s your backstage pass to the country's incredible diversity, linking the heart of Kayin State with the coastal vibes of Tanintharyi Region. Snaking down south for 368km (229 miles), this route kicks off in Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State, and throws you straight into a world of dramatic limestone karsts and mysterious caves. Fast forward, and you roll into Dawei, the coastal capital of Tanintharyi Region, serving up a dose of Myanmar's seafaring past. With big plans bubbling for the Dawei Special Economic Zone and a deep-sea port, this road is only going to get more important. Think potential game-changer for trade in the whole Mekong area! But let's be real, the scenery is where it's at. Picture this: endless paddy fields stretching as far as you can see, broken up by epic mountains and classic villages that give you a peek into the real Myanmar. Hpa-An and Dawei bring their own A-game too. In Hpa-An, you’ve got to check out mind-blowing spots like Saddan Cave and the majestic Mount Zwegabin. Then Dawei chills you out with gems like Maungmagan Beach. Oh, and heads up: this fully paved road has killer views, but it can get dicey when it rains, especially during monsoon season. So definitely peek at a weather report before you head out.
hardKheriya ancient road is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Kheriya ancient road – a wild 4x4 ride deep in the Kunlun Mountains of Tibet, China! This high-altitude stunner, also called the Keriya/Keliya trail, carves its way from Xinjiang to Tibet and has recently opened up. Be warned: it's a mixed bag of pavement and gravel, so leave your sedan at home. This is strictly 4x4 territory! You'll start near Pulu village and eventually hit the Kongka La Highway/S519, not far from Shouxing Lake. Seriously, this route is legendary, throwing all sorts of challenges your way. We're talking serious elevation here in the Tibetan and Xinjiang Kunluns. You'll crest Liuhuang Daban (5,170m), Tuopolagate Daban (5,020m), At To Pass (5,500m) and Kheliya Pass (5,440m). Remember, thin air is the name of the game, and the weather can turn on a dime. Historically, this route has been called "unfeasible" in winter and summer, so plan accordingly. Expect epic scenery – canyons, cliffs, sky-high passes, volcanoes, and those incredible plateau lakes that make Tibet so special.
moderate210 Provincial Road: not even the most beautiful photos can do the road justice
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for an epic road trip through the Jiajin Mountains in western Sichuan, China! 210 Provincial Road is calling your name, and trust me, you want to answer. This incredible stretch of pavement clocks in at 193 km, winding its way from Feixianguanzhen (a cozy 1,018m above sea level) up to Daweixiang (at a cool 2,917m). Brace yourself for hairpin turns galore – they’re endless! But it’s all worth it because the views are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Jinjiashan Scenic Area and the snaking Donghe River below. The road peaks at an incredible 4,102m (that's 13,458ft!), offering panoramic views you won't forget. Keep in mind that at such an altitude, snow can close the road anytime. Plus, heavy mist is common, so be extra cautious if visibility drops.