Zhonglong Highway, a chillout drive in high mountains

Zhonglong Highway, a chillout drive in high mountains

China, asia

Length

399 km

Elevation

5,578 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Zhonglong Highway in western Tibet! This loop road, nestled in the heart of Xigazê Prefecture, begins and ends on the G219, stretching for 399 km (247 miles) of pure, unadulterated scenery.

Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive! Usually closed from October to June due to weather, it’s long, challenging, and traverses remote mountain passes. The road is mostly unpaved, although you'll find some smoother sections near the start and finish.

But oh, the views! Reaching a staggering 5,578m (18,300ft) above sea level, the highway boasts incredible vistas of Taruo and Palung lakes. Keep in mind the altitude! This drive isn't recommended for those with respiratory or heart issues. The lack of oxygen is real, and most people start feeling the effects of altitude sickness around 2,500-2,800 meters.

Oh, and did I mention the 41 switchbacks leading to Xiaochaomen Mountain? Buckle up for a wild ride!

Where is it?

Zhonglong Highway, a chillout drive in high mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.8920, 102.1236

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
399 km
Max Elevation
5,578 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
36.8920, 102.1236

Related Roads in asia

Is the road to Hajigak Pass paved?extreme

Is the road to Hajigak Pass paved?

🌍 Afghanistan

Okay, buckle up for the Hajigak Pass adventure! This high-altitude pass tops out at a whopping 11,496 feet, straddling the rugged landscape. You'll find it on the Kabul-Hajigak-Bamyan Highway, one of the main routes from Kabul, snaking its way north-south for about 34 miles. The road is mostly paved, which is good news! You'll pass through numerous villages, giving you a glimpse into life in this sparsely populated region. Keep an eye out for the views as you’re also driving through the mountains which give access to Asia's biggest untapped iron ore deposit Now, a word of caution: driving standards aren't great around here. Expect excessive speeds, aggressive drivers, and a general disregard for traffic laws. Fatal accidents are unfortunately common. Plus, because of the harsh climate, expect the pass to be snow-covered for much of the year. Locals sometimes have to transport patients to the hospital on donkeys due to heavy snowfalls. Finally, a serious heads-up: travel here is strongly advised against. The security situation is volatile, with extremist groups posing a threat. Kidnappings for ransom are a very real risk. If you find yourself in the area, hunker down and stay safe – your personal safety is your responsibility.

Driving the M34 road is not a piece of cakeextreme

Driving the M34 road is not a piece of cake

🌍 Tajikistan

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Tajikistan's M34 highway! This major artery snakes through the northwest, connecting Dushanbe, the capital, with Khujand, the second city. Forget boring highway cruising; this 302 km (187 mile) route is a proper mountain road! Think paved... mostly. It's a wild ride, narrow in spots, with some serious drop-offs and hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. Plan on 6-8 hours of driving time, minimum. Be warned: This isn't a Sunday drive. You'll share the road with plenty of traffic, especially trucks, and navigate through mountain passes and tons of dark, narrow tunnels. The infamous "Tunnel of Fear" (or Death!) bypasses the old Anzob Pass, a gravel beast topping out at 3,372m (11,062ft). The road itself climbs to a respectable 2,751m (9,025ft) at the Shakhristan Pass. Usually open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs with closures due to weather. Expect fog, rain, and definitely snow in winter. The views? Absolutely epic, with dramatic mountain scenery at every turn.

232 Country Roadextreme

232 Country Road

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Y232 Country Road in the remote Ngamring County of Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking serious altitude here – the entire 44.7 km stretch hovers over 4,000 meters! Starting from Provincial Road 205, this gravel track climbs to a staggering 5,274m (17,303ft). Yeah, that's going to take your breath away—literally. Oxygen is scarce up here, so make sure you and your vehicle are acclimatized and ready. A 4WD isn't just recommended; it's essential. Speaking of weather, winter brings heavy snow, and closures are common until the route is cleared. But, oh, the views! You'll be treated to unbelievable panoramas, including the intensely blue waters of Cuowomo and Cheluo Co. Just be warned: even a little rain can turn this road into a challenging, slippery mess. Be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Egiyn Davaa, courage is required to drive to the summitmoderate

Egiyn Davaa, courage is required to drive to the summit

🌍 Mongolia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a totally wild, unpaved mountain pass in the heart of Mongolia? Then Egiyn Davaa is calling your name! Perched way up high at 2,599 meters (that's over 8,500 feet!), this beast sits right on the border between Bayankhongor and Arkhangai provinces, deep within the Khangai Mountains. Forget smooth sailing—you'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle this one. Think rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and a whole lot of river crossings. This epic route links Jargalant in southern Mongolia with Ikh-Tamir in the central part of the country. Be warned, though: winter here means serious snowfall, so you might find yourself stranded for a few days. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!