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
moderateJinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for a seriously epic drive across the Jinshajiang Bridge in northwest Yunnan, China! Seriously, this thing is HUGE. They say it's the world's largest span suspension bridge, and after driving it, I believe it. This steel giant hangs way up high over the Jinsha River – construction wrapped up in 2020 after starting in 2016. Building it was no joke, given the earthquake risk and crazy altitude. Speaking of height, you're looking at a 461-meter (1,512 feet) drop from the top! It’s the highest bridge over Asia’s biggest river. And at 1,386 meters (4,547 feet) between towers, it's one of the longest suspension bridges on the planet. Connecting Panzhihua to Lijiang as part of the G4216 Chengdu–Lijiang Expressway, this bridge shaves the journey from a grueling 6 hours to a breezy 2. Peering over the edge? Get ready for a 335-meter (think 110-story building!) view when the Jin'an Dam is full, plunging down 461 meters to the original river surface below. If you're after stunning views and a little bit of an adrenaline rush, this drive is a must!
moderateIs difficult to cross the Torugart Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Torugart Pass! This epic crossing sits way up in the Tian Shan mountains, straddling the border between Kyrgyzstan and China at a whopping 3,752 meters (12,310 feet). Let's be real, crossing this pass is no walk in the park. It's notorious for being one of the most logistically complex border crossings in the world. Get ready for a mountain of paperwork, permits, and checkpoints galore. Seriously, you'll need to have your ducks in a row, and even then, things can get dicey. Border closures, bureaucratic snags – it's all part of the Torugart experience. The pass operates with restricted hours, typically opening from 9 am to 1 pm from Kyrgyzstan to China, and 2 pm to 6 pm in the opposite direction. Plus, weekends and holidays are a no-go. Winter? Forget about it sometimes. The road itself? Mostly paved, but expect some unpaved stretches at the highest elevations. While technically open year-round, winter driving can be icy and treacherous. The sweet spot is usually late May through September when the snow clears. Keep in mind unexpected closures can happen anytime. The scenery? Prepare for a stark contrast! The Chinese side can feel like a desolate, high-altitude desert. But just around the bend into Kyrgyzstan, BAM! Lush green meadows and stunning mountain vistas unfold before your eyes. It's a total soul-lifter. Be prepared to see a lot of trucks hauling everything from scrap metal and animal hides to porcelain and beer. Also, you'll most likely have to switch vehicles at the border. This route is steeped in history, once a vital part of the Silk Road and even used by Genghis Khan's armies. The first modern road was built in 1905. Get ready for multiple checkpoints, document inspections, and maybe even some luggage X-rays. It's all part of the adventure on this remote, beautiful, and challenging road!
extremeDriving the remote road to Trel La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Trel La, aka Tsay La, a crazy high mountain pass that tops out at 5,441m (17,851ft)! You'll find this beast straddling Nagarzê and Lhozhag counties in southeastern Tibet, China. Picture this: you're smack-dab in the Himalayas, staring out at insane views of jagged peaks and the stunning Lake Langbu. Heads up: This isn't a Sunday drive. The entire road is unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's a MUST. Prepare for anything – seriously wild weather, super thin air that'll leave you and your engine gasping. It's remote, the gravel's loose, and you need 100% focus the whole time. Get ready for a seriously winding climb! We're talking nineteen hairpin turns twisting and turning up the mountainside. They're essential for gaining all that altitude, but add to the challenge with the sketchy road surface and unpredictable weather. Starting near Zhemo, in Lhozhag County, the road to the top stretches for 18.3 km (11.3 miles). In that relatively short distance, you'll climb a whopping 1,365 meters! It's a constant, intense uphill grind through the high-altitude beauty of Shannan, leading you to one of the highest points you can possibly drive to in the region.
extremeHow long is the road to Mount Espi Kouhak?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Mount Espi Kouhak in northern Iran's Mazandaran Province! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on challenge. We're talking about one of the highest drivable roads in the Alborz Mountains, clocking in at a whopping 3,315 meters (10,875 feet) above sea level. The goal? Reaching some seriously important communication towers at the summit. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a 12.1 km (7.51 miles) grind starting from a small mountain village, and every inch is unpaved. Don't let the short distance fool you, this road throws down an intense average gradient of 8.49%! Think loose dirt, shale, and rocks that shift as you crawl along, clinging to the mountain. This baby climbs 1,028 meters in no time! Get ready for 15 hairpin turns that will test your nerves and your vehicle's turning radius. You'll need a solid 4x4 and off-road tires to navigate the ruts and rocks—trust me. Oh, and did I mention the views? They're absolutely breathtaking…if you can handle the exposure. There are practically no guardrails, so this isn't for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. Watch out for sudden weather changes at this altitude! Wind and storms can roll in fast. Engine braking is your friend on the way down—those steep slopes demand it! And pack smart! Yush is the last stop for supplies, so bring extra fuel, a spare tire, and plenty of water. This high-altitude Iranian adventure is one you won't soon forget!