Tarim Desert Highway is China's longest desert road
China, asia
562 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Tarim Desert Road in Xinjiang, China! This paved road cuts right through the Taklamakan, China's biggest desert - they call it the "sea of death," which sounds intense!
Also known as the Tarim Desert Highway, it's made with sand stabilized with geotextiles instead of cement. Seriously cool engineering! This 562 km (349 miles) stretch runs north-south, connecting Luntai and Minfeng. We're talking a solid 5-hour drive across crazy desert scenery.
Be warned: 80% of this road is in the heart of the Taklamakan, where massive, shifting sand dunes (up to 20 meters!) love to swallow the highway. Keep your speed under 60 km/h to avoid any sandy surprises. You'll find a gas station and some grub halfway through, but otherwise, it's just you, the sand, and the occasional hardy pump house worker. No settlements exist for the entire length of the highway.
Despite the hazards, the views are insane. Think exotic desert landscapes and ancient Populus trees. It's the ultimate self-drive for anyone craving that total desert immersion! Just plan for a 10-12 hour journey if you’re doing it non-stop. This is one unforgettable road trip!
Where is it?
Tarim Desert Highway is China's longest desert road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.0616, 102.6339
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 562 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.0616, 102.6339
Related Roads in asia
extremeThe rugged road to Dza La: a high mountain drive in Qinghai province
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Dza La, a wild mountain pass chilling at a whopping 4,690 meters (that's 15,384 feet!) in Qinghai Province, China. You'll find it tucked away in Yushu City County. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This 11.7 km (7.27 mile) stretch, also called Chumarleb or Qumalai, is a totally unpaved beast! Think narrow, steep, and edges that drop off into oblivion. Seriously, this road demands respect. Heads up: because this route is so remote and, let's face it, a bit hairy, they built a tunnel as part of the G215. So, if you're just trying to get from Yushu to Longbaozhen, take the paved road. But for the true thrill-seekers? Dza La awaits.
hardWhere is Mana La Pass?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're dreaming of conquering insane altitudes, Mana Pass is calling your name. This bad boy straddles the India-China border in the Himalayas, clocking in at a staggering 18,458 feet! You'll find it nestled within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand, India, connecting to Tibet through the Zanskar range. Think epic mountain vistas and bragging rights for days. Now, let's get real. This isn't your Sunday drive. Landslides are a serious concern, and the air is THIN. Seriously, if you have any respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. The Indian side is a mix of gravel, dirt, and some paved sections, built by the Border Roads Organization. Word on the street is they're widening it to two lanes by 2026-2027. The Chinese side? A bit of a mystery, with newly built roads and unknown conditions. Important note: this pass is generally closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And here's the kicker: civilians aren't typically allowed. You'll need permits from basically everyone (local police, army, district court), and even then, the army can shut it down. Mana Pass is mainly for the Army and ITBP, hauling supplies to the border. So, while permits are super rare for tourists, keep dreaming, keep planning, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get a shot at this legendary pass!
moderateIs Dalani Pass in Iran paved?
🇮🇷 Iran
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Dalani Pass, aka Tateh Pass, in Kurdistan, Iran, practically spitting distance from Iraq! This baby climbs to a lofty 2,601m (8,533ft) and stretches for 68.2 km (42.37 miles) of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little terror). Road 15 is your path, and yes, it’s paved. But don't get complacent! We're talking narrow sections, seriously steep inclines, and more hairpin turns than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and did I mention the stomach-churning drop-offs? Newbie drivers, maybe sit this one out. But for those brave enough, the views are INSANE. Think dramatic valleys and charming Kurdish villages dotting the landscape. Just a heads-up: this area can be a bit shaky – literally, due to earthquakes, and figuratively, due to potential rebel activity. And plan your trip carefully, as this pass is snowed in and closed for about half the year. But if you time it right, you’re in for an unforgettable ride!
hardKheriya ancient road is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
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.