Driving through the wild Galung La tunnel

Driving through the wild Galung La tunnel

China, asia

Length

3.3 km

Elevation

3,771 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Galongla Tunnel! You'll find this epic passageway nestled high in the Nyingchi Prefecture of southwestern Tibet, China. We're talking serious altitude here โ€“ 3,771 meters (12,372 feet) above sea level.

This 3.3 km tunnel is a key piece of the 117km Medog Highway, connecting Medog to Bome county. Before this marvel of engineering, Medog was the only county in China you couldn't reach by road. Now, thanks to Galongla, this once super-isolated spot is connected!

Construction wrapped up in 2013, and it's a game-changer. The old road was *rough*, but this tunnel bypasses the worst of it. Be warned, though: this area is prone to rain, earthquakes, landslides, and mudslides, and the road leading up to the tunnel is seriously twisty and turny. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery, if you can peel your eyes off the road!

Where is it?

Driving through the wild Galung La tunnel is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.0572, 104.5853

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
3.3 km
Max Elevation
3,771 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
36.0572, 104.5853

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