
Get behind the wheels for 787 County Road, one of the planet’s highest roads
China, asia
139 km
5 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Tibet's Ngari Prefecture, you HAVE to check out County Road 787. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in China, pushing you way above 5,000m! Think panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau, but also think about the serious altitude. We're talking potential AMS, Pulmonary Edema, the works – so be prepared!
This unpaved beauty demands a 4x4, and forget about it during the winter months. The road is a real climb, with some sections hitting an 11% gradient. The air is thin, the mountains are high, and the views? Unbelievable.
The road connects X711 to China National Highway 219, stretching for 139 km (86 miles). The highest point is a staggering 5,518m (18,103ft). Keep your eyes peeled for Argog Lake – a vibrant emerald jewel nestled amongst the rugged peaks. Trust me; you'll want to stop and soak it all in!
Where is it?
Get behind the wheels for 787 County Road, one of the planet’s highest roads is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.0099, 102.9612
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 139 km
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 32.0099, 102.9612
Related Roads in asia
hardHow long is Kandovan Pass?
🇮🇷 Iran
Hey thrill-seekers! Get ready for an epic adventure on the Kandovan Pass, a sky-high route straddling the Alborz and Mazandaran provinces of Iran. This isn't just any road; we're talking about soaring to a breathtaking 2,989m (9,806ft)! Wind your way through the heart of the Central Alborz mountains on this 12.1 km (7.51 miles) stretch, also known as the Kandevān Pass. While it's mostly unpaved, most cars can handle it, so no need to leave your trusty ride behind. Prepare to be mesmerized by the views as you snake between the Karaj and Chālūs rivers. This road, nestled in northwestern Iran, is a real challenge, with gradients hitting up to 8% on some ramps. Expect tons of twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. Just a heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. For those looking for a smoother ride, the infamous Kandovan Tunnel bypasses this pass. The tunnel is a key part of the Chalus Road, one of Iran's busiest and most scenic routes, built way back in the late 1930s.
moderateWhere is Chanther Gali?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan, you HAVE to check out Chanther Gali, also known as Shounter Pass. This insane mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 4,558m (14,954ft) – seriously high! You'll find this beast of a road nestled in the Neelum Valley, a truly stunning area with views for days. Think towering hills, lush forests, and the sparkling Neelam River winding below. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you. Now, for the gritty details: This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about roughly 80km (50 miles) of completely unpaved road stretching between Gorikot and Shounter. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Low-clearance vehicles need not apply! The road is rough, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Word on the street is there's a tunnel in the works that would cut down travel time to the China border, which would be pretty epic! Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots here. Chanther Gali is only accessible for a few months out of the year. Heavy snows make winter travel impossible, so plan your trip accordingly!
hardMt. Saraswati: Driving to one of the World’s Highest Observatories
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Ladakh in northern India, you HAVE to check out Mt. Saraswati. This isn't just any mountain; it's a 4,532m (14,868ft) beast boasting an incredible astronomical observatory at the top! Think of it: you, driving *literally* amongst the clouds! You'll find this beauty tucked away in the Hanle Valley, in southeastern Ladakh. Imagine a stark, high-altitude cold desert landscape – seriously otherworldly. They picked this spot for the observatory because it's super isolated with crystal-clear air. The crazy part? The road all the way to the summit is paved! Yes, you read that right. A smooth ride at that altitude in the Himalayas is a rare treat. Up top, you'll find the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), a top-notch facility for peering into the cosmos. They chose this spot because Hanle gets almost year-round clear skies and unbelievably dry air, perfect for stargazing. Now, a word of warning: driving above 4,500 meters is no joke. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and be prepared for the altitude! But trust me, the views – and the chance to visit a world-class observatory – are SO worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure!
moderate72 bends to the summit of Ye La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ye La Pass in Tibet! This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 15,259 feet (4,651m) in Baxoi County, and trust me, the views from the top are worth the white knuckles. You'll be cruising (or maybe crawling!) along China National Highway 318, the legendary Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Just a heads up, this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. The entire journey is a long haul, snaking through remote landscapes and over multiple mountain passes, so pack your patience and plenty of snacks. Also known as Gama La or Yela Shan Pass, this road sits between the villages of Bangdazhen and Lagenxiang. The real kicker? The "Nujiang 72 turnings" – a dizzying, dusty descent that drops you from the summit down to just 8,850 feet (2,700m) alongside the Salween River. Seriously, this section is not for the faint of heart! And maybe skip it if you've got respiratory or heart issues. But if you're up for the challenge, Ye La Pass promises a ride you won't soon forget!