How to drive to Nakole in the Tibet Autonomous Region?

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Nakole Pass! This beast of a road climbs to a staggering 5,510m (that's 18,077ft!) in Coqên County, China. Nestled in the wild, remote Tibetan Plateau, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in the country.

Picture this: you're in the southeast of Ngari Prefecture, way out west in Tibet, surrounded by the Gangdise and Kunlun ranges. It's a desolate landscape, dotted with shimmering salt lakes and the occasional nomadic settlement.

Forget smooth asphalt – this is a 90km (55 miles) unpaved adventure of gravel and rocks, kicking off from the S206. Some sections are barely marked, demanding serious navigation skills and a high-clearance 4x4. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? That notorious lack of oxygen will hit both your engine and your lungs hard!

As you grind your way across the Changtang Plateau, keep an eye out for Jiesa Lake (Gyesar Tso), a massive, shimmering lake sitting pretty at almost 5,000m.

Heads up: this pass is really only accessible during the summer months, think July to September. The rest of the year, it's a snowy, icy wasteland, impassable for most vehicles. Also, there are absolutely no facilities – no gas, no help – along that entire 90km stretch, so come prepared!