Karkang La: this road is not for timid drivers

Karkang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.785m (15,698ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Qusum and Lhünzê counties, in Shannan Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Karkang La

Located in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the road to the summit, known as Jiwu La, is situated at a high altitude and remains completely unpaved. Attempting it in anything but a High-Clearance, preferably 4-wheel drive vehicle is a recipe for disaster.Though not particularly intimidating, the route is both remote and elevated. Due to the reduced oxygen levels at this height, visitors must take adequate precautions to safeguard against Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Running parallel to the untamed Shobo La, the pass spans 37.6 km (23.36 miles) from Nieding to Duobuzha (on the paved S202 Road) in a south-north direction. This road is typically impassable from late October until late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. Nonetheless, travelers who venture on this journey are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the magnificent Yarlha Shampo range.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson

 

 

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