Get behind the wheels for 787 County Road, one of the planet’s highest roads
China, asia
139 km
5 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Tibet's Ngari Prefecture, you HAVE to check out County Road 787. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in China, pushing you way above 5,000m! Think panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau, but also think about the serious altitude. We're talking potential AMS, Pulmonary Edema, the works – so be prepared!
This unpaved beauty demands a 4x4, and forget about it during the winter months. The road is a real climb, with some sections hitting an 11% gradient. The air is thin, the mountains are high, and the views? Unbelievable.
The road connects X711 to China National Highway 219, stretching for 139 km (86 miles). The highest point is a staggering 5,518m (18,103ft). Keep your eyes peeled for Argog Lake – a vibrant emerald jewel nestled amongst the rugged peaks. Trust me; you'll want to stop and soak it all in!
Where is it?
Get behind the wheels for 787 County Road, one of the planet’s highest roads is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.0099, 102.9612
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 139 km
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 32.0099, 102.9612
Related Roads in asia
easyKiagar La is an otherworldly road
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kiagar La! This epic mountain pass punches through the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, clocking in at a whopping 15,941 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in the stunning Changthang Plateau, so prepare for some serious chills, especially if you're hitting it up in winter. The road winds its way from Mahe toward Karzok, one of the planet's highest towns. Think ridiculously gorgeous Rupshu Valley scenery, but remember, this is off-the-grid stuff. Electricity? Hot water? Flush toilets? Let's just say you'll be roughing it! The road is paved, which is a bonus, but don't get complacent. You're gonna be tackling a string of seriously high passes, and even in the peak of summer, the nights are teeth-chatteringly cold. This area is remote with a capital "R" – think vast, open landscapes and hardly any people. But the beauty? Absolutely mind-blowing. Just remember to fuel up before you go, because petrol stations are rarer than unicorns around here. This road is usually only accessible in the summer months, but it's a total 4x4 dream for anyone seeking a seriously unforgettable ride!
extremeXiagete Wall Road: A Nerve-Wracking Cliff Drive in Guizhou
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Xiagete Wall Road in Southern China is about to blow your mind! Tucked away in Shuicheng County, Guizhou Province, right on the edge of Yunnan, this isn't just a road – it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure carved into the side of a cliff. Picture this: you're hugging the vertical limestone cliffs of the Beipan River Valley, an area renowned for its crazy-deep canyons and those incredible karst mountains. This road is the wild, untamed cousin of the nearby Duge Bridge (you know, the one that's almost 2,000 feet above the river!), representing the old-school, edge-of-your-seat way of traversing this landscape. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved surfaces that get super slick when wet, plus the Beipan Valley fog can roll in thick, turning the road into a real-life video game. So, if you're thinking of taking on Xiagete Wall Road, keep an eye on the weather and pack your courage! The views are epic, but respect the road!
hardIs Kazi La unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Kazi La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Litang, southwest of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China – we’re talking 4,439m (14,563ft) above sea level! You’ll be cruising (slowly!) along China National Highway 318 (G318). The road from Donglaiyicun to Lawuke is about 20.2 km (12.55 miles) long and mostly unpaved, but don’t let that scare you off. Most cars can handle it, just take it slow. But be warned: this drive is a real test! Expect seriously steep climbs, tons of twists and turns, and plenty of loose gravel to keep you on your toes. Before you head out, keep an eye on the weather. This area is known for its unpredictable conditions, so be prepared for anything. The views? Absolutely epic!
hardKelok 9
🌍 Indonesia
Indonesia is calling, and you NEED to add these roads to your itinerary! First up, get ready for Kelok 9, a twisty-turny masterpiece near Payakumbuh in West Sumatra. "Kelok" literally means curve, and boy, does this road deliver! Prepare for some serious adrenaline as you conquer its hairpin turns. Built on the path of an old, super-narrow road, Kelok 9 cuts through lush green hills, snaking between the White Water Reservation and the Harau Canyon – both total must-sees. It stretches for about 19 kilometers, connecting the regions of West Sumatra and Riau. Then, there's the Jalan Lintas Tengah Sumatra, another gem. This road sweeps across 39 kilometers, linking Jambi and West Sumatra. Think gorgeous hills and valleys bathed in that iconic Indonesian green. Just keep an eye out – it's had a few landslide issues in the past, so stay aware of your surroundings.