Norchung La: A scenic and steep high-altitude pass on the S206
Norchung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,090m (16,699ft) above sea level. Located in Coqên County, in the southeast of the Ngari Prefecture, this pass is one of the major geographical hurdles on the S206 Provincial Road in the west of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
| Road facts: Norchung La | |
|---|---|
| Location | Coqên County, Ngari, Tibet |
| Elevation | 5,090 m (16,699 ft) |
| Length | 62.7 km (38.95 miles) |
| Max Gradient | 17% |
How long is the road to Norchung La?
The road over the pass is 62.7 km (38.95 miles) long, running north-south from Dawaxung to Coqên Town. The route was fully paved in late 2015 as part of the regional infrastructure upgrade. Despite the high-quality surface, the drive is demanding because it involves climbing a high mountain with a notorious absence of oxygen. The elevation remains above 5,000 meters for much of the transit, requiring drivers to stay alert for symptoms of altitude sickness.
Is the road to Norchung La steep?
Yes, the climb to the summit is very steep, hitting a maximum gradient of 17% on some ramps. This is significantly steeper than many other passes on the plateau. Combined with the thin air, this gradient forces engines to work much harder, and gear management is essential to avoid overheating. Because of the altitude, temperatures here remain very low even in summer, and drivers should be careful of black ice in shaded areas or during early morning crossings.
What are the views from Norchung La?
The journey over Norchung La offers some of the best scenery on the S206. As you climb, you get stunning views of Dawa Co lake and the imposing Shahkang Shan mountain range. The combination of turquoise water and snow-capped peaks makes this one of the most photogenic sections of the Ngari Prefecture. However, do not let the scenery distract you from the extreme weather factors; sudden snowfalls or heavy mist can occur anytime, making visibility difficult.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Pic: By V.Steuer (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons