An Unforgettable Road to Götse La
Götse La (also known as Gray Head Pass or Gose La) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,628m (15,183ft) above sea level, located in Dêgê County, within the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, China. This remote track is famous for its extreme altitude and for being the primary access route to the historic Palpung Monastery.
Where is Götse La?
Located in the rugged landscapes of the traditional Kham region, the road connects the settlements of Sede and Xuexia. The pass is a gateway to one of the most significant monastic institutions of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
🏔️ Palpung Monastery Road Data
| Highest Elevation | 4,628m (15,183ft) |
| Hairpin Bends | 40 turns |
| Max Gradient | 11% |
| Distance | 23.7 km (Unpaved) |
One Route, Two Passes: Götse La and Domo La
The journey across this mountain range is a double-pass challenge. Travelers must navigate two high-altitude saddles in quick succession along the same ridge:
- Götse La (4,628m): The highest point of the journey, offering sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas.
- Domo La (4,434m): A secondary high pass located on the same 23.7 km stretch.
The Drive: 40 Hairpin Turns and Steep Gradients
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved and remains one of the most demanding tracks in northwestern Sichuan.
- The Ascent: The road is 23.7 km (14.72 miles) long, running east-west. It is a masterpiece of primitive engineering, featuring a staggering 40 hairpin turns that snake up the mountain face.
- Gradients: Drivers must tackle a maximum gradient of 11%. Combined with the loose gravel surface and the lack of oxygen at 4,600m, it is a true test for any 4x4 vehicle.
- Conditions: Snow is common even outside of winter. The track becomes dangerously slippery when wet. There are no modern facilities (electricity, medical aid, or running water) along the route, so total self-sufficiency is required.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson