Is the Tarim Desert Highway paved?
China, asia
562 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Ready for an epic road trip? Then set your GPS for the Tarim Desert Road in northwest China's Xinjiang region! This incredible paved highway cuts right through the heart of the Taklamakan, China's largest desert (aka the "sea of death").
Originally built to haul oil, this 562 km (349 mile) stretch is the longest road *in the world* built across a shifting-sand desert. Seriously! Imagine cruising from Luntai to Minfeng, the northern and southern edges of the Tarim Basin, with nothing but towering dunes and endless horizons.
Now, heads up: about 80% of this route is through totally uninhabited areas, and those sand dunes – some reaching 20 meters high! – love to bury the road. Keep your speed around 60 km/h to avoid any sandy surprises. It usually takes about 5 hours to cross the desert.
But don't let that scare you off! The scenery is out-of-this-world: think classic desert landscapes and ancient Populus trees. Plus, there's a gas station and a few restaurants at the halfway point. Just remember, besides the folks keeping the pumps running, you're pretty much on your own out there. So, pack your supplies, fill up the tank, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the 'lonely road'! If you drive without stopping it will take most people between 10 and 12 hours.
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 562 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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