How to drive the steep road to Sang Da La?

Sang Da La is an extreme high-mountain pass at an elevation of 5,310 meters (17,421 ft) above sea level, located in the Mustang District of Nepal. It’s one of the highest roads in Nepal.

Sang Da La
Road facts: Sang Da La
Location Mustang District (Nepal)
Elevation 5,310 m (17,421 ft)
Length 15.4 km (9.5 miles) from Sangda
Elevation Gain 2,070 m
Average Gradient 13.44%
Max Gradient 25%
Surface Unpaved (Loose scree, rocks, and dirt)

Is the road to Sang Da La unpaved?

Located near the international border line, the road to the summit is totally unpaved, with loose mountain scree, sharp rocks, and deep gullies carved by water runoff.

How challenging is the road to Sang Da La?

The single-lane track features multiple steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 25%. It completely lacks side safety guardrails or shoulders along the exposed cliff sides.

How long is the road to Sang Da La?

Starting from the remote village of Sangda, the road to the summit is 15.4 kilometers (9.5 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 2070m and the average gradient is 13.44%.

Is the Sang Da La pass open year-round?

Due to its extreme altitude in northern Nepal, the pass is completely blocked by heavy snow drifts and thick ice fields from December until April. It receives no winter clearing or maintenance services. During the driveable windows—from late April to June, and from September to November—sudden alpine blizzards can occur instantly, and monsoon rains frequently trigger major landslides that wash away entire sections of the road.
Pic: Sergey Pashko 

 

 

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