Where is Kulma Pass?
China, asia
113 km
4,362 m
moderate
Year-round
Ready for an adventure? Kulma Pass, straddling the China-Tajikistan border, hits a staggering 4,362 meters (14,311 feet) – talk about breathtaking views (and maybe a little breathlessness!). Also known as Qolma Pass or Karasu Pass, this route connects Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region with China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
The road, part of Asian Highway AH66, stretches for 113 kilometers (70 miles) between Kalasu Port in China and... well, Tajikistan. It’s mostly paved, making it a smoother ride than you might expect for such a remote locale.
Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round jaunt. Kulma Pass is typically open only from the 16th to the 30th of each month, between May and November. Nestled in the Pamir Mountains, expect seriously cold temperatures. But hey, since 2017, travelers report smooth crossings!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 113 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,362 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
extremeDon’t glance down at your phone on Manang Road
🇳🇵 Nepal
Nestled high in the Nepalese Himalayas, on the edge of the Annapurna range, lies Manang, a charming mountain town at a dizzying 3,776m. Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road from Besishahar (a mere 710m) is a 99km rollercoaster ride. It's mostly unpaved, a narrow ledge carved into the mountainside. Forget smooth tarmac – this is rocky, rugged terrain demanding respect from both driver and machine. Think 4x4s are tough? Try pushing one up steep inclines in thin air! The elevation gain is a whopping 3,066m, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient! But the views? Absolutely worth it. The road hugs the Marsyangdí river, offering breathtaking panoramas at every turn. Imagine cascading waterfalls plunging onto the road, the river raging below, and you clinging to a narrow path etched into the side of a vertical cliff face. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking drops of 500 meters! Be warned, this "road" can be treacherous, especially after rain. Landslides, loose rocks, and vertigo-inducing heights are all part of the experience. Definitely avoid during the monsoon season. Known as part of the Annapurna Circuit, this route isn't for the faint of heart. It demands skill, concentration, and a healthy dose of bravery. One wrong move, and you'll be taking a shortcut to the river below. But if you're seeking an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled journey through some of the most spectacular scenery on earth, the road to Manang is calling your name!
hardKungzhag La is one of the highest roads on Earth
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Kungzhag La is calling – a staggering 5,780m (18,963ft) high peak perched right on the India-China border. We're talking seriously high altitude driving here! Find it east of Lungmar La, straddling Sikkim (India) and Tibet (China). The only way to reach the top is via the Indian side. Word is, you'll find a military installation up there. Heads up: stick to the road! This area might have some surprises hidden beneath the surface, so no wandering off! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Think rugged, unpaved, and seriously steep. We're talking super-narrow sections and a full 22 hairpin turns to test your skills. It's raw, rocky mountain terrain that gets progressively tougher. Only seasoned mountain drivers need apply for this one! Starting from the Gurudongmar road, you've got 11.6 km (7.20 miles) of pure adrenaline to the top. You’ll climb a whopping 941m, with an average gradient of 8.11%. Trust me, the views from the Tibetan plateau are something else – if you can handle the drive!
extremeA Once in a Lifetime Drive through Daoda Top
🇨🇳 China
Daoda Top, also called Qitai or Khitai Daban, sits way up high in the Himalayas, in Tibet, China, at a staggering 5,175m (16,978ft)! The road to the top, officially part of the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway (AKA the "Sky Road"), is a real adventure. Construction started way back in 1951, finished in 1957, and got fully paved in 2013. Be warned, you're above 5,000m for a lot of this journey, and the air is thin. For those not used to it, altitude sickness is a serious risk. The scenery is out of this world, but it's also some of the most unforgiving terrain you'll ever see. Think long stretches without water or food, multiple passes above 3, 4 and 5,000m, and potentially no shower for days. Night temperatures can plummet to -25 degrees C (that’s seriously cold!). Despite the harshness, the G219 winds through some historically and religiously important areas. This area is known to be windy, where you can feel two directions from the same time. Before you go, keep a close eye on the weather. Winter in Tibet is brutal, with extreme cold and relentless winds, so avoid it if you can. Snow can close roads for months. Even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Truck stops are spaced about a day apart, so pack food and a good sleeping bag. A tent could be a lifesaver. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rain, making driving tricky. Also, remember that internet access in China can be restricted, especially anything related to Tibet.
moderateAn epic drive to Ulan Daba
🌍 Mongolia
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Ulan Daba, a crazy-cool mountain pass straddling the Khovd and Bayan-Ölgii Provinces in western Mongolia. We're talking Altai Mountains scenery here, folks! This baby tops out at a lung-busting 3,197 meters (10,488 feet). Now, hold on to your hats because this road is *completely* unpaved. Yep, all 107 kilometers (66 miles) of it, stretching from Bosgo (Khovd Province) to Jargalant, a.k.a. Bulgan (Bayan-Ölgii Province). You're gonna need a serious 4x4 for this one. Pro tip: Plan your trip for summer – that's when it's usually accessible. Get ready for a wild ride!