How to drive the unpaved road to Drakde La in Qinghai?
Drakde La (also known as Dragde La) is a high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 4,611m (15,127ft) above sea level, located in Maqên County, within the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai, China. Technically, this route traverses the Great Tibetan Plateau and serves as the old high-clearance alternative to the modern G0615 Huajiu Highway, which now bypasses the summit via the Xueshan No.1 Tunnel.
| Road facts: Drakde La (Dragde La) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Qinghai Province, China |
| Elevation | 4,611 m (15,127 ft) |
| Max Gradient | 9% |
| Surface | Unpaved (Gravel and Rock) |
What are the driving hazards of the Drakde La mountain road?
While the heavy transit now uses the Xueshan No.1 Tunnel, the surface road to the Drakde La summit remains a technical 4x4 track. The road is totally unpaved and subject to extreme alpine erosion. Technically, the ascent features several ramps with a maximum gradient of 9%. Driving at 4,611m requires a vehicle with a high-efficiency cooling system, as the low atmospheric pressure affects both engine oxygen intake and thermal dissipation. The presence of prayer flags and a stupa at the summit marks a sector where the roadbed is often narrow and exposed to high-velocity winds.
How does the proximity to the Amnye Machen glaciers affect logistics?
The road offers a direct view of the Mount Amnye Machen glaciers, which technically means the roadbed is under constant threat from permafrost degradation and glacial runoff. Logistically, the surface can transition from dry gravel to a high-risk slippery track within minutes during a snow event. Safety protocols mandate a 4x4 vehicle with all-terrain tires, as the rocks between the road and the glacier are often loose and can cause significant sidewall damage. Before initiating the climb, it is essential to verify the weather window, as adverse conditions at this altitude can lead to rapid vehicle immobilization.
What is the technical state of the road after the G0615 bypass?
Since the opening of the G0615 Huajiu Highway, maintenance on the old Drakde La summit road has become irregular. Technically, this increases the probability of encountering deep ruts or unmonitored washouts. For drivers, the technical challenge lies in managing the vehicle's torque on the 9% ramps without the assistance of modern road barriers. Situational awareness is critical when navigating near the prayer flag sectors, where the roadbed is frequently covered in fine debris that compromises tire friction. The descent requires a conservative use of engine braking to prevent brake fade on the long, unpaved downward stretches toward the Golog valleys.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&video: Journey Beyond the Horizon