Ngoạn Mục Pass

Overview

Ngoạn Mục Pass is a category 2 climb that measures 7.9 km from base to summit. It begins at 217 m and tops out at 637 m, delivering a net elevation gain of 420 m over the ascent. The average gradient sits at a steady 5.29%, which places it firmly in the sustained-tempo range rather than the leg-snapping steepness of a shorter wall. With a total ascent of 397 m recorded along the way, this is a climb defined by rhythm: long enough to reward pacing, consistent enough that you can settle into a cadence and hold it.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Ngoạn Mục Pass is its evenness. A 5.29% average across 7.9 km means there is nowhere truly flat to soft-pedal and recover, but there is also nothing that forces you fully out of the saddle for long. The maximum gradient of 7.45% is the sharpest point you will meet, and it sits only about 2.16 percentage points above the average — a modest spread that tells you this climb rarely spikes. Expect the pitch to breathe gently between the mid-4% range and the 7.45% peak, with the steeper sections acting as brief tempo bumps rather than sustained ramps. Because the net gain of 420 m and the total ascent of 397 m are so close, there is little in the way of descending or flattening mid-climb: nearly every metre you gain, you keep.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this uniform, pacing is everything. Aim to ride just below your threshold and hold it — the lack of steep spikes means you can pin your effort to a target power and rarely deviate. A good benchmark is to sit around 90 to 95 percent of your FTP for the full 7.9 km, backing off only slightly if the 7.45% pitches nudge your cadence down. If you do not know your current threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the ascent, so your target is grounded in real data rather than feel. The trap here is starting too hard on the lower slopes where the gradient is gentlest — save the extra watts for the steeper bumps near the top, where they buy you the most time.

Gearing

For a 5.29% average topping out at 7.45%, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34×32 is plenty for holding tempo through the bulk of the climb and will let you spin the steeper 7.45% sections without grinding. If you carry extra fatigue, prefer a higher cadence, or simply want insurance for the peak pitches, a 34×34 gives you that additional margin to keep your legs turning smoothly. Either choice works — the climb never demands ultra-low gearing, so pick based on your cadence preference rather than fear of the gradient.

Summary

Ngoạn Mục Pass is a rewarding, well-mannered category 2 climb: long enough to test your pacing discipline, steady enough to let you find a rhythm and hold it from 217 m all the way to the 637 m summit.

Length: 7.9 km
Average gradient: 5.29%
Max gradient: 7.45%
Start: 217 m
Summit: 637 m
Net gain: 420 m
Total ascent: 397 m
Category: 2