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
moderateJradzor
🌍 Armenia
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because Jradzor Pass in Armenia's Syunik province is calling your name! We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at a breathtaking 2,909 meters (that's 9,543 feet!). Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and let's just say it's got character – rocky, bumpy, and definitely tippy in places. You're gonna need a proper 4x4 for this one! Heads up, you'll likely find this pass is closed from October through June, depending on the snow. Also, keep an eye on the weather, those mountain thunderstorms can turn a manageable track into a 4WD-only nightmare in minutes. But for those who dare, Jradzor is your ticket to a seriously wild ride leading to Ulaghbyur. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and jolt!
extremeWhere is Umling La?
🇮🇳 India
Umling La: Buckle up for an insane ride in Jammu and Kashmir, India! This pass punches you in the lungs at a staggering 19,087 feet! Seriously, altitude sickness is a REAL risk here, so be prepared for the possibility of pulmonary or cerebral edema (yikes!). You'll find this marvel of engineering out in the eastern Ladakh region, chilling near the Line of Actual Control with China. We're talking 230 km from Leh, perched on a ridge between Koyul Lungpa and the Indus River. The 32-mile stretch from Chisumle to Demchok is now totally paved, and *technically* passable by all vehicles (though I'd think twice about bringing your low-rider). This road was built in 2017 by the Indian Army to provide fast access to the Demchok zone, so yeah, it's strategically important given current tensions. Keep in mind, this is a restricted area, so getting permits through the Leh DC office can be tricky. Don't even THINK about trying to visit from late October to late June/early July — it's impassable due to snow. The views are, well, stark. Think endless, barren terrain as far as the eye can see. This is seriously one of the most inhospitable landscapes imaginable, but in a strangely beautiful way. It can get super windy up there, like winds coming from every direction! And hey, there's even a little cafe-bar at the summit to grab a celebratory drink (or oxygen, if you need it). Seriously though, breathing is tough up here. If you have respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. Pack extra oxygen, acclimatize properly, and remember, while it's "officially" 19,087 feet, some measurements suggest it's even higher! This place is not playing around!
hardS217 Road: Driving the remote 315km route through Sichuan and Qinghai
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for an epic adventure across the roof of the world on the S217 Provincial Road! This incredible route slices through the rugged borderlands between Sichuan and Qinghai in Western China. For 315 km (195 miles), you'll journey from Xiewuzhen to Manigangezhen, plunging deep into the timeless pastoral landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. The S217 winds its way from northwest to southeast, connecting the Yushu region with the bustling trade routes of northern Sichuan. You'll be driving straight through the heart of Khampa Tibetan territory, cresting massive ridges that divide the plateau's river valleys. While the road's paved, don't underestimate this drive. It's a long haul, and your vehicle will be put to the test! The S217 tackles three major passes towering above 4,400 meters: Ngamba La (4,583m), Muri La (4,569m), and Sala La (4,459m). Prepare for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting a lung-busting 16%! The thin air will strain engines and brakes, so keep that in mind. This is true nomad country. Expect to be surrounded by vast, high-altitude plains dotted with yaks and horses. Keep an eye out for the black yak-hair tents of the local Tibetan nomads, who still follow the seasons with their herds. To the south, you'll be treated to incredible views of the jagged, glaciated peaks of the Chola Mountains. The weather is the wild card here. Be prepared for sudden heavy mist and fog that can drop visibility to near zero. High-altitude storms can dump snow or create treacherous black ice, even in summer. Since you'll be miles from civilization, make sure to stock up on extra fuel, pack cold-weather gear, and be aware of the symptoms of Altitude Sickness (AMS).
hardA Road Through History to Haji Pir Pass
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Haji Pir Pass! This insane mountain pass tops out at a breathtaking 2,640m (8,661ft) in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. You'll find it snuggled right near the Indian border in the northeast. History buffs, take note: this pass has seen some action, playing a role in the 1965 war. Perched high in the western Pir Panjal Range, deep within the Himalayas, the road is a wild ride! Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking pure, unadulterated, unpaved track. Get ready for a rollercoaster of never-ending curves and hairpin turns that will test your driving skills (and maybe your stomach!). Heads up: winter usually shuts this beast down. This route connects Poonch (in Indian-administered Kashmir) with Uri, another town in the same region. The scenery? Absolutely epic, if you dare to take your eyes off the road!