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 on the border between Baiyü County (Sichuan Province) and the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The route is an unpaved mountain track carved into the vertical cliffs directly above the Jinsha River canyon.
| 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 |
How difficult is the ascent to Lungdri La?
Starting from the area near Jidong, the climb is a 17km (10.5 miles) dirt track with a steep 9.9% average gradient. The worst sections hit a 17% maximum gradient on sharp switchbacks where the tires spin constantly on loose shale. A high-clearance 4x4 with a proper low-range gearbox is required; standard SUVs will burn their clutches or smash their oil pans against the rocks.
Is the road to Lungdri La open year-round?
During winter, heavy snow accumulation combined with the 17% ramps makes the track completely impassable, turning the unguided mountain pass into an extreme hazard.
What are the risks of traveling to Lungdri La?
The pass runs through a completely isolated sector of the Kham region with zero infrastructure. There is no access to fuel, electricity, or medical aid along the entire drive. At this elevation, severe lack of oxygen drops engine power by almost a third and poses a direct risk of altitude sickness. The track is highly prone to rockfalls.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson