Tsang Chok La: Driving the 5,461m international pass between India and China
Sitting on the high-altitude frontier between India and China, Tsang Chok La is a formidable mountain pass at an elevation of 5,461m (17,916ft) above sea level. This pass connects the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand, India, with the Zanda County of Tibet. It is a legendary route for its hundreds of turns and its sheer verticality, making it one of the most technical unpaved crossings in the Himalayas.
| Road facts: Tsang Chok La | |
|---|---|
| Location | Uttarakhand (India) - Tibet (China) Border |
| Elevation | 5,461 m (17,916 ft) |
| Indian Side Length | 18.9 km (Average gradient 5%) |
| Chinese Side Length | 12.5 km (Average gradient 5.84%) |
| Vehicle Required | Strictly 4x4 Only |
How to get to Tsang Chok La from India?
The approach from the Indian side begins at Pulam Sumda, a small and remote hilly village in the Uttarkashi District. The climb to the summit from Pulam Sumda is 18.9 km long, overcoming an elevation gain of 945 meters with an average gradient of 5%. The road is a relentless series of switchbacks carved into the steep slopes of the Himalayan range. This area is highly restricted and requires special permits, as it serves as a sensitive border corridor.
How to get to Tsang Chok La from China?
On the Chinese side (Tibet), the road starts from the Yeban Xian Road. This ascent is shorter but steeper, covering 12.5 km with an elevation gain of 731 meters and an average gradient of 5.84%. Like the Indian side, the track is totally unpaved and consists of hundreds of turns, including numerous sharp hairpins. The road is extremely narrow in parts, with very steep sections that test the low-range gearing of any 4x4 vehicle.
What are the hazards of the Tsang Chok La road?
The combination of extreme altitude, hundreds of hairpins, and a loose surface makes Tsang Chok La one of the most dangerous roads in the region. The lack of oxygen at 5,461m significantly reduces engine performance and human physical capability. The road is prone to landslides and can be blocked by snow for most of the year. Due to the high degree of steepness and the technical nature of the turns, this is strictly a 4x4-only route. There are no services, no fuel, and no shelters; travelers must be prepared for extreme cold and high-altitude weather changes that can occur in a heartbeat.