Where is Zizhu Temple?

Where is Zizhu Temple?

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, fellow adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride to Zizhu Temple! Perched way up high in the Chamdo Prefecture of Tibet, this ain't your average Sunday drive.

We're talking serious elevation here! Zizhu Temple clings to the mountainside way up in eastern Tibet. This isn't just some pretty viewpoint; it's one of Tibet's highest and most historically significant Bon monasteries, standing strong for over three centuries. Dedicated to the Buddhist practices, it's like stepping back in time. Word to the wise, though: cameras are a no-go inside the temple itself, but feel free to soak in the atmosphere everywhere else.

Now, about that road...mostly unpaved, and expect a proper climb. Starting from 535 Country Road, the ascent is 9.7km. You'll be wrestling a steep, winding trail with an elevation gain of 875m and an average gradient of 9%.

You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek, and forget about it in winter – it's usually snowed in. But trust me, the raw, untamed beauty of the Tibetan landscape and the unique cultural experience at the top are worth every bump and grind!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in asia

Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacierhard

Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Damxung, Tibet, you HAVE to check out the new gravel road leading to the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier. Seriously epic! This totally untamed, unpaved road opened in April 2021, and it's already a legend. Reaching a staggering 5,606 meters (18,392 feet) above sea level, it’s one of the highest roads you'll find. Definitely need a 4x4 for this beast! Word of caution: this road is usually a no-go from late October to late June/early July due to snow. Keep an eye on the weather. And be prepared to rough it – facilities are seriously limited. But the views? Totally worth it! You'll wind your way up 11km (6.83 miles) from the S304 road, gaining 680 meters in elevation along the way. That’s an average gradient of 6.18%, with some sections hitting a steep 11%. Hold on tight – there are 17 hairpin turns! Not recommended for anyone who gets carsick easily. And be careful, the road can be icy year-round. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – this area is pristine. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on one of the world's three largest land glaciers. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and be prepared for anything!

The nuclear National Route 6 from Namie to Tomiokamoderate

The nuclear National Route 6 from Namie to Tomioka

πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan

Hey fellow road trippers! Ever crave a drive that's a little... different? Then buckle up for a trip down Japan National Route 6 in Fukushima Prefecture. This isn't your average scenic cruise. We're talking about a 17.5km (10.87 miles) stretch cutting through the heart of the Fukushima Nuclear Exclusion Zone, near the Daiichi nuclear power plant. Yep, you read that right. This section, between Namie and Tomioka, once had seriously high radiation levels. Thankfully, it's been decontaminated since 2014, so you can drive through without special permits. Just a heads-up: bikes, motorcycles, and pedestrians are a no-go here. Though bigger motorcycles are allowed. This road runs straight as an arrow, hugging the coastline with some seriously haunting scenery. Think abandoned buildings and barricades keeping you on the straight and narrow, ensuring no accidental detours into restricted areas. Keep those windows rolled up and cruise on through! Despite its history, Route 6 is a vital, paved artery, offering some unique, if somber, coastal views. It's a drive you won't soon forget.

Where is Satpara Lake?easy

Where is Satpara Lake?

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° Pakistan

Okay, picture this: Satpara Lake, a shimmering jewel tucked way up in the mountains at a whopping elevation. We're talking about the heart of the disputed Kashmir region, way up in northeastern Pakistan, inside Baltistan. Is it worth the drive? Seriously, yes! Locals even call Satpara one of the "hidden pearls of Baltistan." The lake's like a giant mirror, reflecting all the majestic peaks around it, so you know it's picture-perfect. If you're all about the 'gram, your followers will thank you! Now, the road getting there? Let's just say it adds some *spice* to the adventure. A good chunk of it is paved, but expect some bumpy sections. What makes it truly memorable? It hugs the mountainside with seriously steep drops and zero guardrails. Talk about an adrenaline rush! The road itself is a relatively short but scenic stretch heading north-south from Satpara village to Baboon Top.

Lungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan borderextreme

Lungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan border

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China

Hit up Lungdri La if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure! This high-altitude pass sits way up at 4,689 meters (15,383 feet) in western Sichuan, China, practically straddling the border with Tibet. Seriously remote and raw, this route snakes through the rugged landscape above the Jinsha River (that's the upper Yangtze, FYI). Don't let the epic scenery fool you – this 17 km (10.5 mile) climb from near Jidong is a beast, and not for the faint of heart. We're talking a relentless, sustained climb with an average gradient of almost 10%, and sections maxing out at a whopping 17%! Loose rock means traction is a major issue, even if you're an experienced off-roader. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 – seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. The views, though? Unbelievable! Think dramatic switchbacks overlooking the deep canyons of the Jinsha River. Just be prepared for anything. This is super remote, so there's no electricity, medical help, or running water. Bring your own fuel, emergency gear, and maybe some oxygen – altitude sickness is no joke up here. Plus, being so close to Tibet, permits and regulations can change in a heartbeat. And in winter, heavy snow makes this pass a complete no-go – icy 17% grades? No thanks! This climb is an unforgettable challenge, but remember, self-sufficiency is key out here in the wild west of Sichuan.