Where is Old Kunyi Road?
China, asia
53 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because the Old Kunyi Road in China is an absolute wild ride! Picture this: a concrete ribbon unfurling across the landscape, snaking up Taibai Mountain with more twists than a pretzel. We're talking around 68 hairpin turns packed into just 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles)! Forget cruise control, you'll be sawing at the wheel every few meters.
This isn't your average scenic drive; it’s a white-knuckle adventure on one of the world's most hair-raising roads. From above, this road looks like a dragon slithering through the mountains. Forget long stretches of highway; the longest straight section here is a measly 3 kilometers (1.86 miles).
But hey, the views! Oh my, the views! Photographers, get your lenses ready because this place is a paradise. Head to the Yanquansi Mountain viewpoint for a stunning panoramic vista that will blow your mind. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road—those turns come fast!
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving the Hell Road to Kaksang La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Kaksang La in Ladakh, India, is a wild ride! Perched way up at 5,436m (that's 17,834ft!), this mountain pass is not for the faint of heart. Locals even call it 'hell' – which might be a *slight* exaggeration, but you get the idea. Picture this: hundreds of hairpin turns carving their way up the mountainside. The good news is it’s paved now (as of 2022)! This might just be the highest pass you can conquer as a foreign driver without needing a ton of special permits – just your standard Protected Area Pass will do. Located way up north near the Chinese border, Kaksang La throws down some serious weather challenges. Winter? Forget about it, completely impassable. Even in better seasons, be prepared for extreme conditions and wind that'll cut right through you. Don't expect a perfectly manicured highway. You're likely to encounter little landslides and rogue rocks along the way. This is a remote route, rarely used, hacked right into the rugged landscape. It's not as popular as some of the other passes because, well, it doesn't really *go* anywhere super touristy. Stretching for 67.2 km (41.75 miles) between Chushul and Mahe in the Changthang region, this north-south route offers breathtaking views of stunning lakes, imposing mountains, and sweeping valleys. Trust me, the scenery is worth the effort!
moderateSala La: A high-altitude paved pass in Sêrxü County
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Sala La Pass, sitting pretty at 4,459 meters (14,629 ft) in the wild heart of northwest Sichuan's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure on the S217, a key route across this stunning region. The views from the top are unreal! You're gazing out over the vast Tibetan Plateau, spotting nomad camps dotting the grasslands. On a clear day, the snow-capped Chola Mountains jut into the sky to the south, making for an epic backdrop. And don't forget the prayer flags whipping around, adding that vibrant Tibetan touch. Now, the road is paved and relatively wide, but Sala La keeps you on your toes. Expect crazy winds and sudden weather changes — storms can roll in fast, even in summer, bringing hail or snow. The descent into Sêrxü County is all about those long, sweeping curves, so keep your speed in check. Remember, you're out there, so be ready for solitude; services are scarce between towns. Pro tip: Fuel up and load up on water before you head out. That high altitude will have you gasping for air, so take it easy at the summit. If the mist rolls in, slow down and flick on those fog lights. And trust me, skip this pass during serious winter storms — black ice is not your friend!
extremeIs the road to Ma La paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Ma La in Tibet! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking remote, high-altitude driving in Nyalam County, China, connecting Gyirong with the unreal Paiku Co lake. Picture this: the vast Tibetan Plateau stretching out before you, but first, you gotta conquer this beast of a road. Forget smooth tarmac – it's all gravel, baby! And depending on the weather, that gravel can turn seriously treacherous. Oh, and did I mention we're scaling to a whopping 5,245m (17,208ft)? Yeah, altitude sickness is a real thing up here. Plus, winter brings heavy snow, so this road can be a no-go at any moment. Now, about those hairpin turns… Thirty-two of 'em! This ascent is a twisty, turny rollercoaster, demanding your full attention. Steep gradients and loose gravel mean even seasoned drivers will be put to the test. Starting from Zhongma, it’s a 17.5 km (10.8 miles) climb to the summit, gaining a massive 1,752 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10%! Your engine's gonna be screaming, and you'll be gasping for air, but the views… oh, the VIEWS! Totally worth it (maybe after you catch your breath). Just remember to respect the mountain, bring a capable vehicle, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
moderateChak La, a Most Tricky Scenic Road
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Chak La! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 15,925 feet in Tibet, China. You'll find it way up in Lhünzhub County, northeast of Lhasa. Forget pavement – this is pure, unadulterated dirt road (it's technically the S202, if you're into specifics). Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. And keep a hawk's eye on the weather forecast, because things can turn nasty real quick up here. This epic 68-mile stretch winds its way from Lhünzhub to Nyingzhong Township on China National Highway 219. But the real prize is the journey to Reting Monastery. This ancient Buddhist sanctuary, founded way back in 1056, is home to the Reting Rinpoche. Trust me, the views and the history are worth every bump in the road!