Yaha Pass

Yaha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.641m (15,226ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China. Its many twists, turns and narrows can pose a challenge to even the most experienced drivers. The road is not easy, though. Up, down, right, left all the time.

Yaha Pass
Yaha Pass

The road to the summit is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy. The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy snow fall. 4x4 recommended. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Due to the remoteness of the area, take special care to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. The road is rimmed with assorted alpine flowers, ranging from primulas to snow saussurea and rhododendron.

Perched in the west of Mount Gongga, the journey offers an exhilarating driving experience, with superb views of the mountains. This is definitely one road trip that you want to record with lots of photographs. There are lots of viewpoints, official and unofficial. Along the way, visitors can also marvel at the sprawling alpine grassland and meadows and exotic, local ethnic houses. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Adverse weather conditions can prompt closure of the road. Since the road might be blocked due to rain and snow in winter, tourists should get to know the road condition before setting out. Thunderstorm activity can quickly change unpaved roads to four-wheel-drive condition or make them impassable. Standing on Yaha Pass you will have the best view to see Mount Gongga- the “King of the Mountains in Sichuan Province”.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Ivan Provorov