Zhonglong Highway, a chillout drive in high mountains
China, asia
399 km
5,578 m
moderate
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
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
hardDare to drive the dangerous Debo La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Debo La Pass in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture is a wild ride. We're talking seriously remote, in Gê'gyai County, hitting a staggering 5,178m (16,988ft) above sea level. This isn't a Sunday drive; the 150 km (93 miles) from Gejizhen to Xungba is entirely unpaved, so a 4x4 is your best friend. Expect some steep climbs too, with gradients hitting 9% in places! Before you head out, scope the weather forecast – conditions can be brutal. And remember, this is the back of beyond. Don't expect luxuries like running water or western toilets, it's all about raw, untamed beauty. The views? Absolutely epic, if you can handle the challenge.
extremeA very steep road (13.3%) to the top of Lata La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lata La Pass in Tibet is calling your name! Seriously, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a wild, unpaved track snaking up to a whopping 4,047 meters (that's 13,277 feet!) in southern Gyirong County. The road basically connects Gyirong to Zhan'Gang, and trust me, it's a rollercoaster. Think endless twists, turns, and hold on tight...a massive 40 hairpin bends. If you're craving off-the-beaten-path experiences, this road is your soulmate. Word of warning: Weather here is NO joke. High altitude plus crazy conditions are a real thing, so check that forecast BEFORE you go. Usually, this route's buried under snow from late October to late June/early July. The numbers? Intense! Over just 10.9 kilometers (6.77 miles) from Gyirong Town, you'll climb a solid 820 meters. That's an average gradient of 7.52%, but it can spike up to a butt-clenching 13.3% in places. Get ready for a breathtaking climb, both literally and figuratively!
extremeA road trip to Sing La is truly epic
🇨🇳 China
Sing La, also known as Thugyu La, Zamlung La, or Tuji La, is a seriously high mountain pass in Tibet, China, topping out at 4,914m (16,122ft). You'll find it snaking along the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway (G219), a road that's been around since the 50s but only got fully paved in 2013. Locals call it the "Sky Road," and they're not kidding – you're constantly hanging out above 5,000m, which can be a real shock to your system if you're not used to it. The scenery? Absolutely epic, but brutally harsh. Think vast stretches with zero supplies, freezing nights (we're talking -25°C!), and a string of high passes. Be ready for a tough ride through remote areas, but don't let that scare you off! The G219 actually winds past some seriously cool historical and religious spots. Just make sure you're prepped with food, a sleeping bag, and maybe even a tent. Oh, and watch out for the wind – it can get intense! The weather can be brutal, especially in winter. Snow closes roads, and it's just plain freezing. Even summer can bring snow! Monsoon season (July-August) makes driving even trickier. Definitely check the forecast before you go, and remember that some websites might be blocked.
extremeKarakoram Highway: The Highest Paved International Road and Eighth Wonder of the World
🇨🇳 China
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) – or the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway – is rumored to be the highest paved international road *in the world*, snaking between Western China and Pakistan. Think of it as a pilgrimage route for mountain lovers, a bucket-list road trip begging to be experienced. This epic two-lane road stretches for 1,300 km (810 mi) – with 887 km (551 mi) in Pakistan and 413 km (257 mi) in China. It cuts through disputed Kashmir, linking Hassan Abdal (near Rawalpindi and Islamabad) to Kashgar in China's Xinjiang province. While the KKH technically stays open year-round, the Khunjerab Pass, teetering at 4,693 m (15,397 ft), usually closes between January 1st and April 30th due to insane snow. Even when "open," expect winter closures thanks to heavy snow, while July and August bring monsoon rains that can trigger landslides, blocking the road. Building this road was no joke – construction began in 1959 and wasn't finished until 1986! It took 27 years and cost the lives of 810 Pakistani and 82 Chinese workers, mostly lost to landslides and falls. Even though the road's improved a lot, some parts still need constant TLC. Every now and then, entire sections need rebuilding. And due to the ongoing Kashmir conflict, the highway's got strategic and military importance. In 2010, a landslide in the Hunza Valley swallowed a chunk of the road. By 2015, they replaced the damaged section with the amazing Attabad Lake tunnel, a series of 5 tunnels at 2,500 m above sea level! This newly-built 24 km (15 mi) section includes two bridges, 78 culverts, and those five tunnels (totaling 7 km). The KKH isn't for the faint of heart! Stones, rockfalls, floods, and earthquakes are all part of the experience. Forget your average car – 4x4 is practically mandatory. This road dishes out hairpin curves, potential drops of hundreds of meters, and unstable mountains prone to rockfalls. Driver error is not an option! But hey, it's a top-tier destination, with unreal views. Following the ancient Silk Road, this high-altitude road winds through the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges. Spring and early autumn are prime travel times. While the views, especially of K2, are incredible, altitude sickness can be a real problem. But, if you take precautions and watch the weather, the KKH can be an unforgettable journey. Nicknamed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', the KKH has scary moments and awe-inspiring scenery in equal measure. Driving it is a massive challenge but also a fantastic adventure, running through the highest concentration of towering peaks and wild rivers on the planet. It's the most famous road in the Himalayas and a dream for adventure seekers.