Karo La Mountain Pass in Nagarze County, Shannan
Karo La Mountain Pass (卡若拉山垭口) is one of the most iconic and high-altitude passes in Tibet, located on the border between Lhoka (山南市) and Shigatse (日喀则市). This mountain pass is renowned for its proximity to the Karo La Glacier (卡若拉冰川) and for being the highest road pass in Tibet, with an elevation of 5,560 meters (18,210 feet), surpassing other famous passes like Tangula Pass (唐古拉山口) and Mila Pass (米拉山口). The Karo La Pass lies along National Highway G349 (G349国道), which connects the regions of Tibet.
Geographic Features and Core Attractions
Karo La Glacier
The Karo La Glacier is one of the three major continental glaciers in Tibet. The upper part of the glacier forms a gentle ice cap, while the lower part consists of two hanging glaciers that give way to striking ice tongues. The ice towers (冰塔林) at the glacier’s edge are particularly mesmerizing, as the icy structures appear to rise like natural sculptures. Due to the sunlight, the ice towers form beautiful cloud-like folds and patterns, resembling intricate designs crafted by skilled artisans. For those who venture closer to the glacier, they will experience its serene beauty, frozen in time amidst the rugged terrain.
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Proximity to Road: The glacier is located just 300 meters from the road, making it one of the closest continental glaciers to any highway in Tibet.
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Film Location: The glacier gained widespread attention as a filming location for movies like Red River Valley (红河谷) and Clouds and Water (云水谣), where its dramatic ice towers and stunning scenery became iconic on screen.
Mountain Pass and Surrounding Landscape
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Elevation: The Karo La Pass stands at 5,560 meters, making it the highest known road pass in Tibet.
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Nearby Peaks: To the north of the pass lies Ningjing Gangsan Peak (宁金岗桑峰), which reaches an elevation of 7,206 meters and is considered one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed to be the home of Norbu Khangwa Sanbu, one of the four great mountain gods of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Spectacular Views: From the pass, you can overlook the majestic Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措) and Karo La Glacier, with the red-brown mountain ranges contrasting beautifully against the snow-capped peaks.
Viewing Platform
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The viewing platform at the pass is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,400 meters. Visitors will need to walk for about 30 minutes along a wooden path to reach it. Due to the high-altitude environment, it is important to take caution and assess one’s physical ability before embarking on the walk.
Travel Recommendations and Access
Route
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From Lhasa (拉萨), travelers can head towards Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措) and continue on the road to Karo La Pass. The journey covers 200 kilometers and typically takes around 4 hours.
Travel Tips
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Altitude Sickness: Given the high altitude of the pass, travelers are advised to carry oxygen bottles and take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
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Weather Conditions: During the winter months, snow accumulation can make roads slippery, so travelers should carry snow chains for their vehicles. In the summer months, travelers should be cautious of falling rocks in the area.
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Tickets: Entrance fees for visiting the Karo La Glacier are required, and prices are subject to change (please check on-site for details).
Controversy and Clarification
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Altitude Discrepancy: Some sources have mistakenly listed Tangula Pass (海拔5231米) or Mount Everest Base Camp (珠峰大本营, 5200 meters) as the highest pass in Tibet, but in reality, Karo La Pass, at 5,560 meters, holds that title.
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Name Confusion: It is important to distinguish Karo La Pass (卡若拉垭口) from Jia La Pass (加若拉山口), which is located at an elevation of 4,700 meters in Gongga County (贡嘎县), Shannan (山南) District.
Nearby Attractions
Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措)
Located about 40 kilometers from Karo La Pass, Yamdrok Lake is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. The lake’s turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks make it an awe-inspiring sight.
Jiangzi Zongshan Ancient Fortress (江孜宗山古堡)
This historical fortress is a significant site in the Tibetan resistance against the British. It is located around 71 kilometers from Karo La Pass and offers a glimpse into Tibet’s history of defense and warfare.
Karo La Glacier and the Highest Pass
As you travel from Yamdrok Lake to Shigatse, crossing Smi La Pass (斯米拉山口) at 4,330 meters, you will arrive at the foot of Karo La Glacier. The glacier’s towering presence creates a surreal experience, where the mountains seem to burn with reddish-brown hues, and the ice-capped peaks shimmer in the sunlight. Karo La Glacier is famously known for being the closest glacier to the road, situated just 300 meters away from it. It is one of the most iconic sights in Tibet, and visiting this glacier is a must for those exploring the Lhasa to Shigatse route.
A Personal Encounter with Karo La Glacier
In the 1990s, I visited Karo La Glacier for the first time with friends. During our visit, we encountered a Tibetan woman who was peacefully spinning wool in front of the glacier. Her presence amidst the stark whiteness of the glacier created a harmonious, moving scene. After taking her photo, we promised to return the following year with prints of the photograph, but since the area had no postal service back then, we had to wait a year before we could meet her again. Upon our return, we found her, and she was delighted to receive the photos, which she passed around proudly to her family.
Blue Ice Tongues and Stunning Views
Standing beneath the glacier, the massive ice tongues seem to hang above us, glistening in the sunlight. The glacier stretches 16 kilometers long, making it the largest and most beautiful glacier in the region. The striking contrast between the blue sky and the white ice peaks provides a breathtaking spectacle. The Ningjing Gangsan Peak (乃金岗桑峰), located to the north, serves as a stunning backdrop, with its sharp ridges and snow-covered slopes. This peak is believed to be the dwelling of one of Tibet’s four major mountain gods.
