
Don’t glance down at your phone on the Tasha ancient road
China, asia
291 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in China's Xinjiang region, nestled in the Pamir Plateau, lies the legendary Tasha ancient road. This beast stretches for 291 kilometers (180 miles) from Taskurgan to Shache/Yarkand, starting as the X613 county road and then morphing into unnamed local tracks.
Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking mostly unpaved (260km) cliffside driving, clinging to the Tashiku’er and Yarkand rivers, sometimes diving deep into gorges. Think stunning scenery... if you dare to take your eyes off the road! Rockslides, landslides, and avalanches are frequent, so keep your wits about you.
This isn't just a road; it's a slice of the Silk Road, a thousand-year-old path that's remained largely untouched by the modern world. Be warned: "desolate and lonely" doesn't even begin to describe it. Parts of the road are incredibly narrow, and you'll feel utterly remote. But, oh, the stories you'll have! If you're after a true off-the-beaten-path experience, the Tasha ancient road is calling your name. Just…check the conditions beforehand, okay?
Where is it?
Don’t glance down at your phone on the Tasha ancient road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 40.9607, 104.9166
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 291 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.9607, 104.9166
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