An unforgettable drive to Gola La
Gola La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.247m (17,214ft) above the sea level, located in Lhari County, within the prefecture-level city of Nagqu in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called 651 County Road (Y651) and It follows the Yi’ong Zangbo valley north towards the Song Chu valley. The road is 54.4 km (33.80 miles) long, running from 305 Provincial Road (S305) to Lhari, the seat of Lhari County. When the snow falls - which it does in the winter – things get tough and slippery. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. 4x4 vehicle recommended. Facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. The road to the summit is steep, hitting a 12% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Yunfeng Tian