The wild road to Tipta La
Tipta La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,118m (16,791ft) above sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal. It’s an important trade route. It's one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Tipta La?
The pass links the prefecture-level city of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and the Taplejung District in Koshi Province of north-eastern Nepal. The pass is marked by prayer flags.
Is Tipta La unpaved?
The dirt track to the summit is totally unpaved. 4WD vehicle required. On the Chinese side, the climb is via 40 hairpin turns. In 2017, the dirt track from Olangchungola, the nearest market from the border point, to Tiptala Bhanjyang was upgraded into a road stretch with the workforce and equipment provided by the Chinese government.
How long is Tipta La?
The road through the pass is 41km (25.47 miles) long, running north-south from Riwu (in China) to Olangchung Gola (in Nepal). The views into Tibet and Nepal are great.
Is Tipta La open in winter?
Set high in the Himalaya mountain range, the road is impassable in winters.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-1/2019/10/23/china-to-upgrade-dirt-track-that-connects-tiptala-bhanjyang-and-olangchungola