How dangerous is the road with 60 hairpins to Teganaqik Pass in Xinjiang?
Teganaqik Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,778 meters (12,395 ft) above sea level located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, in China. The unpaved mountain route connects Aiqi Kuoyuzi Agezi with the Poke Tao'aige Zi area over a 46.4-kilometer track featuring 60 sharp hairpin switchbacks.
| Road facts: Teganaqik Pass | |
|---|---|
| Location | Akto County, Xinjiang (China) |
| Elevation | 3,778 m (12,395 ft) |
| Length | 46.4 km (28.8 miles) |
| Hairpin Switchbacks | 60 turns |
| Surface | Unpaved gravel, dirt, and damaged concrete patches |
| Key Hazards | 60 tight hairpins, unshielded drops, loose gravel, brake overheating |
Where is Teganaqik Pass located?
The pass is situated in Akto County, near the western mountain ranges of Xinjiang. The 46.4-kilometer unpaved route runs north-south, connecting Aiqi Kuoyuzi Agezi in the south with Poke Tao'aige Zi in the north.
Is the road to Teganaqik Pass paved?
No. The surface is primarily unpaved gravel and loose dirt, with broken concrete sections damaged by freeze-thaw cycles. The single-lane track lacks guardrails and features deep ruts along steep cliff edges.
How long is the drive over Teganaqik Pass?
The route covers 46.4 kilometers (28.8 miles). Steering through 60 continuous hairpins over steep gravel climbs and high elevations requires over two hours of low-gear driving.
What hazards exist on Teganaqik Pass?
The main physical hazards are steep, unshielded drop-offs, severe atmospheric oxygen loss at 3,778 meters, loose gravel ramps that cause wheel spin, and rapid brake overheating along the 60 downhill switchbacks. Heavy snow and rain turn the unpaved surface into deep mud, blocking the pass during winter months.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Chen Huang