Xiangpi Pass is an epic climb in Tibet

Xiangpi Pass is an epic climb in Tibet

China, asia

Length

48.5 km

Elevation

3,824 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Xiangpi Pass! This killer climb sits way up high in China's Qinghai Province, topping out at a lung-busting 12,545 feet. You'll find it in Gonghe County, part of the Hainan Prefecture.

The road, also called Liushaogou Pass, is surprisingly smooth and well-maintained. We're talking G109 highway, a historical route that was built back in the 50s and is still going strong. Be warned though, it gets pretty steep in sections!

This epic stretch of road runs for about 30 miles, connecting the G6 Expressway with Heimahexiang. Keep your eyes peeled because this road has been featured in the Tour of Qinghai Lake cycling race! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with views that will leave you speechless. Get ready for a ride you won't forget!

Where is it?

Xiangpi Pass is an epic climb in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.7265, 102.5010

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
48.5 km
Max Elevation
3,824 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.7265, 102.5010

Related Roads in asia

Driving the 5,486m Samye La: A high-altitude challenge in Tibethard

Driving the 5,486m Samye La: A high-altitude challenge in Tibet

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I’ve found a real gem for you: Samye La Pass in Tibet. We’re talking seriously high – almost 18,000 feet (5,486 meters)! This bad boy sits in Zhongba County, part of the Xigazê Prefecture, so it's way out there. Nestled within the Gangdise range – a seriously rugged part of the Himalayas – this place feels like the edge of the world. Think desolate high-altitude deserts, unbelievably clear alpine lakes, and absolutely zero signs of civilization. And did I mention the air? At that altitude, you're breathing about half the oxygen you normally would, so this is not for the faint of heart! The road itself is a beast. It's basically a rough dirt and gravel track, part of the 259 Country Road (aka the West Tibet Highway). It's about 55 miles (88.9 km) stretching from the main G219 highway up to the tiny settlement of Buduoxiang. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance and a whole lot of self-reliance. Seriously, you're on your own out here! Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from September to June. Even in the summer, you're battling potential mudslides from melting glaciers during the monsoon season (late August/early Sept). And the wind? Let's just say it comes at you from every direction, all the time. The scenery is stark but beautiful – lonely alpine lakes and windswept tundra as far as the eye can see. Pack accordingly!

Zagashersharmoderate

Zagashershar

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China, you HAVE to experience Zagashershar Pass. We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 4,130m (13,549ft)! The good news? The S217 Provincial Road is paved. The not-so-good news? "Paved" doesn't mean "easy." This is a long, tough haul that slices through some seriously remote mountain terrain. Think oxygen deprivation, steep climbs that’ll test your mettle (and your vehicle), and conditions that demand respect. But oh, the rewards! At the top, you're greeted by a stunning temple and a massive rock draped in prayer flags. The scenery is breathtaking—when you can see it, that is. This area is known for thick, sudden mists that can make things dicey. So, pro tip: skip this one if the weather's looking sketchy. Trust me, the views aren't worth the risk!

An Explorer's Guide to the Top of Tun Jun Passhard

An Explorer's Guide to the Top of Tun Jun Pass

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tun Jun La Pass: we're talking serious altitude here, a lung-busting 16,325 feet! This beast sits right on the edge between India and China, nestled high in the Kumaun Himalayas. Word of warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved, steep climbs of up to 12% that demand a 4x4. This military road is off-limits to us international travelers, unfortunately. Think raw, rugged landscapes, insane views (if you can catch your breath!), and a whole lot of "hold on tight!" And forget about it in winter – totally snowed in. Find this pass in the remote Ngari Prefecture of Tibet. It's a true back-to-basics experience for those lucky enough to have access.

Puling La: Driving the high-altitude desert tracks of Zandaextreme

Puling La: Driving the high-altitude desert tracks of Zanda

🇨🇳 China

Deep in western Tibet, in the Ngari Prefecture's Zanda County, lies Puling La, a mountain pass that punches through the sky at a staggering 4,954m (16,253ft). Picture this: the Himalayas crash into the trans-Himalayan ranges, creating this insane maze of eroded canyons and plateaus. It's seriously otherworldly! Getting here is a proper escape from civilization. We're talking total isolation at 31.404950, 79.304890. The landscapes are just mind-blowing, unlike anything you've ever seen. Just west of the pass, the road keeps climbing, hitting a wild 4,986m (16,358ft) before it starts to drop. Trust me, you're on your own out here. The road to the top? Forget pavement. You'll need a 4x4 beast with high clearance to even think about it. Starting from Nabu Zelagebo, it's a 18.9 km (11.74 miles) grind through dust and rocks. And hold on tight, because there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a brutal 12% gradient! This, combined with the loose ground and the altitude, will punish your vehicle's cooling system and transmission. And the air? What little there is will leave your engine gasping for power, and you feeling lightheaded. Electricity? Medical help? Running water? Nope, nada, zilch. If you break down, you're potentially days from help. The weather? Prepare for anything. Constant winds whip up dust storms that can drop visibility to almost nothing. And things can change FAST. Clear skies can turn into a blizzard in the blink of an eye, even in summer. Rain or snow can turn those already-challenging 12% grades into completely impassable obstacles. So, if you're thinking of tackling Puling La, pack double spare tires, extra fuel, and the best cold-weather gear you can find. Since you are close to the border, you'll also need special permits and an official guide. Puling La is an absolute stunner, but it's strictly for the most experienced and prepared adventurers.