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 in China.
| 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% |
Is the road to Norchung La paved?
The road through the pass was fully paved in late 2015 as part of the regional infrastructure upgrade. It is called S206 Provincial Road 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.
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 drive 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.
Is the road to Norchung La steep?
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.
Is the road to Norchung La open year-round?
At this elevation, the road can be impassable anytime due to heavy snowfalls. 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. 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