Naktse La, a scary and dangerous journey in Tibet

Naktse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.533m (18,152ft) above the sea level located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. There is a real risk of AMS (altitude-mountain-sickness). It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Naktse La

Located on southern Tibet, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called X716 (716 County Road). 4x4 vehicle required. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. On this road you're firmly on altitudes over 5.000m above the sea level. There is a real risk of AMS (altitude-mountain-sickness) and death due to Pulmonary Edema and Cerebral Edema. The entire area is little visited, partly due to its isolated location.
The road is pretty steep, with some parts up to 12% of maximum gradient. Starting from Yarexiang, the ascent is 36.4 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 711 meters.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson

 

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