Driving the Remote Unpaved Road to Nyadong La in Tibet
Nyadong La is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5,224m (17,139ft) above sea level in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, this remote pass offers some of the most dramatic and least-visited landscapes in the Xigazê Prefecture.
| Road facts: Nyadong La | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gyantse/Rinbung, Tibet (China) |
| Elevation | 5,224 m (17,139 ft) |
| Length | 47 km (29 miles) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Very Poor Condition |
| Vehicle Required | High-clearance 4x4 |
Where is Nyadong La located?
The pass sits on the boundary between Gyantse and Rinbung Counties, just north of the more famous Karo La. It is a vital but primitive link in the Xigazê Prefecture, cutting through a high-altitude wilderness where few travelers venture. The drive provides an unparalleled perspective of the 7,191m peak of Noijin Kangsang, the same mountain that dominates the classic views of Yamdrok Lake from Kamba La.
What are the driving conditions like?
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved and remains in very poor condition year-round. This is a technical and remote 47 km (29 miles) trek that runs north-south from Ramba to Ralung. Due to the extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and the rugged nature of the track, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is absolutely mandatory. Drivers must be prepared for steep gradients, loose rocks, and potentially muddy sections after snowmelt.
Is Nyadong La worth the challenge?
For those looking for the "Driving" spirit in its purest form, Nyadong La is a hidden gem. Unlike the paved tourist routes in Tibet, this track offers a raw experience of the Tibetan plateau. The descent provides sweeping views of the barren, high-altitude valleys and the towering glaciated peaks of the Zaskar Range. It is a journey that requires self-sufficiency and respect for the thin air at over 5,000 meters.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson