Driving the 208 Bends of the Panlong Ancient Road
China, asia
36 km
4,269 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the Panlong Ancient Road in China's Xinjiang region is a wild ride! We're talking serious Pamir Plateau vibes, high in the Kunlun Mountains. They call it the Pamir Plateau Sky Road, and it lives up to the name.
This snaking beauty clocks in at just 36km (22 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. This road is a twisty masterpiece built to help the local mountain farmers. Foreigners, you'll need a special pass to get to Tashkurgan in Kashgar, so plan ahead!
Picture this: you're leaving Habu Sikalai (a tiny spot on the X614) heading west toward Taxkorghan (right on the G314). Now, get ready for over 208 hairpin turns! Seriously, take it slow, especially if the weather's dicey or you spot any signs of mudslides.
The summit? A whopping 4,269m (14,005ft) high at Wuguliyate Daban, with some seriously steep sections (up to 11.8%!). It's a fully paved road, making it a driving enthusiast's dream. Word to the wise: this road is usually closed from late October to late March, just like the other famous Xinjiang routes.
Where is it?
Driving the 208 Bends of the Panlong Ancient Road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.2666, 104.0518
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 36 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,269 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.2666, 104.0518
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