A Once in a Lifetime Drive through Daoda Top

Daoda Top, also called Qitai or Khitai Daban, sits way up high in the Himalayas, in Tibet, China, at a staggering 5,175m (16,978ft)! The road to the top, officially part of the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway (AKA the "Sky Road"), is a real adventure. Construction started way back in 1951, finished in 1957, and got fully paved in 2013.

Be warned, you're above 5,000m for a lot of this journey, and the air is thin. For those not used to it, altitude sickness is a serious risk. The scenery is out of this world, but it's also some of the most unforgiving terrain you'll ever see. Think long stretches without water or food, multiple passes above 3, 4 and 5,000m, and potentially no shower for days. Night temperatures can plummet to -25 degrees C (that’s seriously cold!).

Despite the harshness, the G219 winds through some historically and religiously important areas. This area is known to be windy, where you can feel two directions from the same time.

Before you go, keep a close eye on the weather. Winter in Tibet is brutal, with extreme cold and relentless winds, so avoid it if you can. Snow can close roads for months. Even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Truck stops are spaced about a day apart, so pack food and a good sleeping bag. A tent could be a lifesaver. Monsoon season (July-August) brings heavy rain, making driving tricky. Also, remember that internet access in China can be restricted, especially anything related to Tibet.