A hairpinned road to Chiragsaldi Pass

Picture this: you're cruising at nearly 16,400 feet above sea level, smack-dab in the Kunlun Mountains of China's Xinjiang region. This is Chiragsaldi Pass, a beast of a road on the G219 National Road, also known as the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway.

They started building this "Sky Road" back in the '50s, but it wasn't fully paved until 2013. Even with the fresh asphalt, this drive is no joke. We're talking serious altitude that can mess with you if you're not acclimated.

The scenery? Unreal. Think desolate valleys and snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. But, fair warning, you’ll be crossing some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet. Pack plenty of supplies, because you might go hundreds of miles without seeing a thing – water, food, nothing! Nighttime temps can plummet below -13°F, so be prepared for a deep freeze.

This route plunges deep into remote China, but keeps you in the neighborhood of historical and religious sites. Expect strong winds, sometimes from multiple directions at once.

Seriously, check the weather before you go. Tibetan winters are brutal, with constant, howling winds. Snow can shut down roads for days, making travel impossible.

You'll find truck stops about a day's drive apart, but play it safe and bring extra food, water and a sleeping bag. A tent could save your life.

One last thing: internet access is tricky in China, especially when it comes to anything Tibet-related. Some sites might be blocked.