How to drive the remote road to Karkang La in Tibet

Karkang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,785m (15,698ft) above sea level, located in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.

Karkang La

Where is Karkang La?

The pass, also known as Jiwu La, is located on the boundary between Qusum and Lhünzê counties, in Shannan Prefecture, in the southern part of the country.

Is Karkang La unpaved?

The road to the summit is completely unpaved. Attempting it in anything but a High-Clearance, preferably 4-wheel drive vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Though not particularly intimidating, the route is both remote and elevated. The difficulty comes not from extreme gradients but from the cumulative effect of rough, unmaintained track at severe altitude, making vehicle failure and AMS the primary hazards.

How long is Karkang La?

Running parallel to the untamed Shobo La, the road through the pass is 37.6 km (23.36 miles) long, running south-north from Nieding to Duobuzha (on the paved S202 Road).

Is Karkang La open in winter?

This road is typically impassable from late October until late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. Nonetheless, travelers who venture on this journey are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the magnificent Yarlha Shampo range.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson

 

 

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