Karu La: this road is not for timid drivers

Karu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.063m (16,610ft) above the sea level, located in Comai County, a county of Shannan, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Karu La

Is the road to Karu La unpaved?

Set high in the south-east part of Tibet, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called G219. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. At this elevation oxygen levels drop and visitors need to take adequate precautions against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

How long is the road to Karu La?

The pass is 31.4 km (19.51 miles) long running west-east from Comai town, also called Tamzhol, to Piaojinle. When the snow falls - which it does in the winter – things get tough and slippery. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common.

Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson