Yongphu La: Driving the steep mountain pass of eastern Bhutan
Located in the heart of the Trashigang District in eastern Bhutan, Yongphu La is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of 2,610m (8,562ft) above sea level. This pass is a critical point on the journey through the rugged eastern Himalayas, offering drivers some of the most dramatic views and technical challenges in the Kingdom.
The road over the pass is part of the legendary Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar Highway. At the coordinates 27°14'30.3"N 91°31'42.4"E, travelers will find themselves on a track that seems to defy gravity. As seen in recent aerial and ground surveys, the road is carved directly into the steep mountainside, with hundreds of curves and a relentless series of hairpin turns that test both the vehicle's braking system and the driver's focus.
| Road facts: Yongphu La | |
|---|---|
| Location | Trashigang District, Bhutan |
| Elevation | 2,610 m (8,562 ft) |
| Length | 30.5 km (18.9 miles) |
| Route | Kanglung to Khaling |
| Hazard Level | High (Narrow with sheer drops) |
How dangerous is the road from Kanglung to Khaling?
The road through the pass is 30.5 km long, running north-south and connecting the towns of Kanglung and Khaling. The surface is largely unpaved or poorly maintained, becoming extremely steep in several sections. The most striking feature of the Yongphu La drive is how narrow the road becomes; in many stretches, it is impossible for two vehicles to pass each other, requiring one to reverse back to a wider shoulder—often with a sheer drop of hundreds of meters on one side and no safety barriers.
The journey is characterized by "hundreds of curves" that follow the natural contours of the Himalayan ridges. High winds are a constant companion all year long, and due to the exposed nature of the pass, the cold can be biting even in summer. Driving here requires a well-prepared vehicle and a driver who is comfortable with high-altitude, low-traction environments.
Weather hazards and survival tips
Preparation is key for anyone attempting the Yongphu La. The pass is frequently closed during winter for days at a time following heavy snowfalls. Even when open, the temperature at 2,610 meters remains very low, making warm clothing, gloves, and a reliable heating system in the vehicle mandatory. Beyond the cold, the monsoon season brings its own set of risks, with heavy rains often causing landslides that can block the narrow highway for hours or even days.
Despite the dangers, the journey offers superb views of the Bhutanese peaks and deep valleys. It is a route that demands absolute respect for the terrain. Self-sufficiency is crucial, as mechanical help is rare and the nearest facilities are far away in Trashigang. For those who seek the raw beauty of Bhutan, Yongphu La is an essential, albeit nerve-wracking, experience.