
Kheriya ancient road is a drive you'll never forget
China, asia
335 km
5,170 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Kheriya ancient road – a wild 4x4 ride deep in the Kunlun Mountains of Tibet, China!
This high-altitude stunner, also called the Keriya/Keliya trail, carves its way from Xinjiang to Tibet and has recently opened up. Be warned: it's a mixed bag of pavement and gravel, so leave your sedan at home. This is strictly 4x4 territory! You'll start near Pulu village and eventually hit the Kongka La Highway/S519, not far from Shouxing Lake. Seriously, this route is legendary, throwing all sorts of challenges your way.
We're talking serious elevation here in the Tibetan and Xinjiang Kunluns. You'll crest Liuhuang Daban (5,170m), Tuopolagate Daban (5,020m), At To Pass (5,500m) and Kheliya Pass (5,440m). Remember, thin air is the name of the game, and the weather can turn on a dime. Historically, this route has been called "unfeasible" in winter and summer, so plan accordingly. Expect epic scenery – canyons, cliffs, sky-high passes, volcanoes, and those incredible plateau lakes that make Tibet so special.
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 335 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,170 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
extremeIs the road to Shakhar La paved?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Shakhar La, a high-altitude gem tucked away in the Ladakh region of northern India, specifically the Aryan Valley north of Chiktan. This one sits at a cool 3,602m (11,817ft), connecting some really remote mountain villages. So, is the road paved? Nope, not a chance! We're talking a full-on, unpaved dirt and gravel track. Seriously, you NEED a 4x4 for this one. Think hairpin turns galore, super narrow sections with some serious drop-offs, and absolutely no guardrails. Concentration is your best friend here. The road itself is only 9.8 km (6.08 miles) from Hagnis to Shakar, but trust me, it feels like a lifetime with all those twists and turns. It's a slow and steady climb through some seriously rugged mountain scenery. Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots here. Shakhar La can be completely snowed in during winter, and even in warmer months, rock slides are a real possibility. Always check local conditions before heading out, and definitely avoid it during or after heavy rain or snowfall.
moderateKaro La: enjoy a paved road among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Karo La, a staggering 16,500 feet high in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. This pass connects Shannan and Shigatse prefectures, and let me tell you, the views are insane! We're talking about the Karola Glacier, practically hugging the road – a mere 300 meters away! It's the closest glacier you'll find to a highway in Tibet, making for some seriously epic photo ops. You'll cruise along the 307 Provincial Road, part of the Southern Friendship Highway, also known as Koro La. Good news: the road is paved, so no crazy off-roading required. It's a long, steady climb over 17 miles (27.5 km) from Relong to Mujiabu, but trust me, the scenery is worth every minute. Tourist buses love this route, and you will too!
moderateA paved road to the Riyue Mountain Pass
🇨🇳 China
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for the Riyue Mountain Pass! This beauty sits pretty high up in Northeastern Qinghai Province, Western China, right on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, clocking in at a cool 3,529m (11,578ft) above sea level. You’ll be cruising along the Ri Yue Line, a well-paved road stretching for about 9.1 km, kicking off and finishing on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (also known as China National Highway 109). The climb? Super mellow – no crazy steep inclines here. Plus, it’s famous! The Tour of Qinghai Lake (Riyue Pass) cycling race tears it up every year. Once you conquer it, the summit is waiting with pagodas galore and a huge parking lot to chill and soak in the views. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardHow Long is the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway is a wild ride! This massive highway, part of China National Highway 105, stretches for a whopping 2,717 km (1,688 miles), connecting the bustling capital, Beijing, to the coastal city of Zhuhai. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about some serious congestion. Imagine up to FIFTY lanes of traffic! Post-holiday season? Forget about it – patience is your best friend here. One section in northern Guangdong has earned the nickname "Vehicle Killer" (yikes!), so watch out for overloaded trucks, steep mountain roads, and harsh winter weather. It was designed for 20,000 vehicles a day, but now it handles over 40,000! So expect gridlock, especially around Chinese New Year. Seriously, the aerial photos of these jams are mind-blowing! But hey, if you're looking for an adventure, this is definitely it!