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
Related Roads in asia
easyIs National Highway 15 in Pakistan paved?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Get ready for an epic road trip on National Highway 15 (N-15), snaking along the border of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan! This mainly paved highway is perfect for all vehicles, offering stunning mountain views with hills on one side and deep valleys on the other - classic Pakistani scenery! Clocking in at 226 km (140 miles), it runs from Mansehra to Chilas and is a popular shortcut around the N-35. You'll be sharing the road with loads of tourists heading to the seriously gorgeous Naran, a magnet for trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers. Budget about 7-8 hours for the drive if you're not stopping (but you'll want to!). Heads up: this route hits a lofty 4,179m (13,710ft) above sea level, so it's usually closed in winter due to heavy snow. Plan your adventure accordingly!
extremeA drive to the top of Wenquan Daban
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up because we're heading to Wenquan Daban (Hot Springs Daban) in Xinjiang, China! This isn't your average Sunday drive — we're talking about one of the highest roads *on Earth*, topping out at a breathtaking 5,808m (19,055ft). Nestled high in the Chang-Chemno Range, this road is a rugged, unpaved beast. Forget your sedan; you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this terrain. Fair warning: this route isn't open to just anyone (civilians and foreigners, take note). It connects Wenquan (Hot Springs) and Hongshantou Co. Beyond the incredible views, prepare for a serious challenge. The air is thin up here; altitude sickness is a real possibility, and even your engine will struggle with the low oxygen. This road, also known as Cayley's Pass and Changlung Yokma La, gets seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10% in places. Built back in 1962, it's a true test of both vehicle and driver!
hardThe road to Umba La is for drivers with strong nerves only
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on Umba La, aka Umbala Top, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling at 14,750ft in Jammu and Kashmir, India. This beauty sits pretty in the Suru Valley, right near the Line of Control – so, yeah, it's remote! Back in the day, this was strictly a trekker's paradise, used by shepherds and thrill-seekers alike. But after the Kargil War, they carved a road through it as a shortcut between Dras and Sankoo. Now, instead of a long trek, you can tackle it in about 65 kilometers – way faster! The road itself is about 60km of mostly unpaved glory. You're not just getting one pass; you're getting two! First, you'll hit Manman Top (if you're coming from Dras), then the big kahuna: Umba La. Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from June to October because of the crazy altitude. Expect narrow stretches, insane drop-offs, hairpin turns that'll make you dizzy, and some seriously steep climbs. Heads up: you're in the middle of nowhere out here. Don't expect any rest stops or amenities. You'll mostly see bikers and trekking groups, so it's perfect if you want a secluded adventure.
hardThe brutally steep (36%) road to Pang La in Zogong County
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Pang La Pass in Zogong County, Tibet, is calling your name! We're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at 4,221m (13,848ft). The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think unpaved, hairpin turns that’ll make your head spin, and gradients that'll have your engine screaming. Oh, and did I mention the stomach-dropping cliffs? A 4x4 is basically mandatory for this beast. Heights aren't your friend? Maybe just stare at the road ahead! From Purongcun, you're in for a 4.3 km (2.67 miles) climb, but prepare yourself: some sections max out at an insane 36% gradient! In total, you'll gain 692 meters in elevation. The views are spectacular, but this climb is not for the inexperienced.