Is the military road to Uzbel Pass on the China-Tajikistan border paved?
Uzbel Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,685m (15,370ft) above sea level, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of western China. Situated almost directly on the border with Tajikistan, this remote pass serves strategic military purposes.
The pass is one of the most isolated locations in the Pamir Mountains. Due to its proximity to the international border, the area is strictly controlled and heavily militarized. The summit is not just a geographical marker but a high-altitude outpost featuring military constructions and facilities. It is a desolate, high-alpine environment where the silence is only broken by military convoys and the harsh mountain winds.
| Road facts: Uzbel Pass | |
|---|---|
| Location | Xinjiang (China) - Tajikistan Border |
| Coordinates | 38.653861, 73.802417 |
| Elevation | 4,685m (15,370ft) |
| Length | 72 km (44.7 miles) |
| Max Gradient | 15% |
| Surface | Unpaved / Rocky |
How difficult is the drive to Uzbel Pass?
The journey to the summit is a massive undertaking, covering 72 km (44.7 miles) starting from Chongrang. The road is entirely unpaved and rocky, requiring a heavy-duty 4x4 vehicle. During the ascent, drivers face a total elevation gain of 1,215 meters. While much of the track is a long, steady climb, the final section is particularly brutal, with the road becoming very steep and hitting a 15% gradient just before reaching the summit facilities. At over 4,600 meters, the notorios lack of oxygen and extreme weather conditions make this one of the most challenging drives in the region.
What is the current status of the Uzbel Pass road?
Given its role as a border facility, the road is primarily used by the Chinese military. The track is well-maintained for heavy vehicles but remains a raw, gravel route that is subject to the whims of high-altitude weather. Snow and ice can make the 15% ramps impassable for much of the year. For travelers and overlanders, it is important to note that access to this specific area of Xinjiang near the Tajikistan frontier is often restricted, and special permits are likely required to even approach the starting point at Chongrang.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson