Mila Mountain Explained

Mila Mountain
Map:Tibet
Map Relief:1
Elevation M:5200
Range:Goikarla Rigyu
Coordinates:29.8482°N 92.3626°W
Volcanic Arc:Gangdese batholith

Mila Mountain, or Mira Mountain, or Milha Mountain, is a mountain in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, roughly by road northeast of Lhasa. The road pass that runs by its peak is one of the highest on China National Highway 318.

Location

Mila Mountain lies on the border between the Lhasa Prefecture and the Nyingchi Prefecture, and has an elevation of 5200m (17,100feet) above sea level.The pass to the west of the mountain between Lhasa's Maizhokunggar County and Nyinchi's Gongbo'gyamda County is the highest point on the Nyingchi–Lhasa section of China National Highway 318.It has an average elevation of 5000m (16,000feet).In 2006 it was reported that local farmers could earn around 50 yuan, or US$6.25, daily from selling souvenirs at the Mila mountain pass.In January 2015 it was announced that there were plans to build a tunnel for this part of the road later in the year. The tunnel opened to traffic on April 29, 2019 and is the highest road tunnel in the world.[1]

Environment

The west of the mountain is dry and cool, while the east side is warmer and has more moisture, and therefore has richer vegetation.The foothills have natural pastures and farmland. Trees include Yunnan pine, birch and fir.Wildlife includes roe deer, antelope and bear.

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Nita, Chistain. World’s highest freeway tunnel: The Mila Mountain Tunnel. World Record Academy, May 4, 2019.