Dare to drive the dangerous Chhatang La
Chhatang La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,674 m (18,615 ft) above sea level, located on the Nepal-China border. It's one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Chhatang La?
The pass links the Mustang District in the Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal and Saga County of the prefecture-level city of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It lies in the heart of the Himalayas, where the terrain is extremely barren and oxygen levels are nearly 50% lower than at sea level.
Why is there a road to Chhatang La?
The route was constructed by the Chinese military for strategic and border surveillance purposes. Unlike other Himalayan passes, this is a "dead-end" for civilians: while the road reaches the summit from the Chinese side, there is no corresponding road on the Nepali side. This makes Chhatang La an impenetrable wall for those attempting to cross from Mustang.
Can I drive to Chhatang La?
No. The road is a restricted military zone. Beyond the physical difficulty of the terrain—which is completely blocked by snow from October to May—the Chinese authorities do not permit civilian or tourist traffic. It remains a "phantom road" for most travelers, known only through satellite imagery and military reports.
How long is the road to Chhatang La?
- Surface: The road is entirely unpaved, consisting of loose gravel, rocks, and scree.
- Requirements: Access is strictly limited to heavy-duty military 4x4 vehicles. Standard engines suffer massive power loss due to the thin air.
- The Ascent: Starting from Changguoxiang, the 48.6 km (30.1 miles) climb features multiple hairpins and steep sections with no guardrails, overlooking massive drops into the Tibetan plateau.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez