Driving the unpaved road to Lungdri La on the Tibet-Sichuan border
Lungdri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,689m (15,383ft) above sea level, located in China.
| Road facts: Lungdri La | |
|---|---|
| Location | Baiyü County (Sichuan) / Tibet Border |
| Elevation | 4,689 m (15,383 ft) |
| Length | 17 km (10.5 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 9.9% |
| Max Gradient | 17% |
| Surface | Totally Unpaved / Loose Rocks |
Where is Lungdri La?
The pass is located on the border between Baiyü County (Sichuan Province) and the Tibet Autonomous Region, in the southern part of the country. It’s located in a completely isolated sector.
Is the road to Lungdri La unpaved?
The dirt track to the summit is totally unpaved carved into the vertical cliffs directly above the Jinsha River canyon. The worst sections hit a 17% maximum gradient on sharp switchbacks. A high-clearance 4x4 with a proper low-range gearbox is required.
How long is the road to Lungdri La?
Starting from the area near Jidong, the road to the summit is 17km (10.5 miles) long, with a steep 9.9% average gradient.
Is the road to Lungdri La open year-round?
During winter, heavy snow accumulation makes the track completely impassable, turning the mountain pass into an extreme hazard. The track is highly prone to rockfalls.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson