When I went from Qumalai to Budongquan the road was not yet cleared or graded so I'm not sure if it still follows the same route. Either way, the only pass there was just after (North of) Qumalai and was about 4,700 if I recall. The entire route stays at high altitutde between 4,400 to 4,600m so 4,700 isnt that much of a relative difference and soem might not even call it a pass.

Glad to hear you took that route! Was there still lots of wildlife?

CC