Is the road to Zong Co Lake in Tibet unpaved?
China, asia
18.5 km
4,976 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Zong Co Lake in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a glacial lake shimmering at a staggering 16,325 feet! You'll find it nestled in Dinggyê County, part of Xigazê city.
Forget smooth asphalt; this 11.5-mile stretch from Zhaxigang Village is all about embracing the ruggedness. Expect a completely unpaved road that will test your driving skills! Think narrow passages, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore—count 'em, eleven of them!
Word to the wise: This route isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to altitude sickness). The air is thin up here, so acclimatize before you go. And definitely bring your trusty 4x4; you'll need it!
Oh, and a heads up – Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is usually buried in snow from late October until sometime between late June and early July, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you're after a truly unforgettable experience with views that will blow your mind, Zong Co Lake is calling your name.
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,976 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeDajia Lake
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just discovered an epic, high-altitude lake that's begging to be explored. Dajia Lake sits way up high in the Shigatse Prefecture of Tibet, China, clocking in at a staggering 5,247m (17,214ft) above sea level. Getting there involves a drive along Provincial Road 206 (S206), a ribbon of asphalt that slices through the middle of nowhere. Be warned: you'll be cruising above 5,000m for a whopping 150km! The landscape is desolate, but stunning. Now, this isn't a joyride for the faint of heart. The wind is a constant companion in these mountains, and even summer can bring snow. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. Speaking of weather, this road can close down at any time due to snow, and heavy mist can make visibility a nightmare. Seriously, keep an eye on the forecast. Avalanches, blizzards, and landslides are real threats. And if you're sensitive to altitude, take note: oxygen levels are significantly lower up here, which can mess with your engine and your body. You might feel some serious altitude sickness, and even movement will be more challenging. This combo of extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and sheer isolation makes Dajia Lake a true adventurer's destination!
extremeDriving the challenging road to Se La Pass in the Himalayas
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up for the epic Sela Pass! This beauty sits way up high at 13,772 feet, marking the spot where Tawang meets West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Seriously, it’s *the* place to be for tourists around here. Legend says it's named after a local hero, Sela, who helped out a soldier back in the day. So yeah, history *and* killer views! You'll be cruising on National Highway 13, the lifeline to Tawang. Expect mostly smooth pavement, but Mother Nature sometimes throws in a bit of gravel to keep things interesting, especially after wild weather. The road's all twists and turns, but those Himalayan vistas? Totally worth it. Just keep your eyes peeled on those tricky sections! It's a 62-mile stretch from Jang to Dirang. The whole drive's a snowy mountain panorama. Be warned: the air's thin up here, so pace yourself. Normally, Sela Pass is open, but heavy snow or landslides can shut things down temporarily during winter. Factor in 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but trust me, you'll want to stop. Hit up Sela Lake (aka Paradise Lake) – it's right near the top and super sacred to the Tibetan Buddhists. Heads up! They're building a new tunnel that'll make getting here even easier year-round. Word is, it'll be done soon, connecting Guwahati to Tawang with tunnels and better roads.
moderateLhasa-Nyingchi is the highest highway in the world
🇨🇳 China
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime on the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway! This is the big one – the longest top-tier highway in Tibet, China, and trust me, it's a feast for the eyes. Forget bumpy tracks, this is smooth sailing on a fully paved, four-lane highway that’s opened up this amazing region to everyone. Clocking in at 409 km (254 miles), you'll cruise from Lhasa's Liuwu New District to Bayi Town in Nyingchi City, soaking up incredible scenery along the way. This road is part of China National Highway 318 (G318), so you know it's a major route. Brace yourself for some serious altitude, though! You'll hit a peak of 4,900 m (16,076 ft) as you pass through the Mi La Mountain Tunnel. The left lane stretches for 5,727 meters, and the right isn't far behind at 5,720 meters. This high-altitude road opened up in September 2018 and cuts travel time between Lhasa and Nyingchi from a grueling 8 hours to a breezy 4. Get ready for a trip you will never forget!
hardThe Wild Road to Nudengiin Davaa
🌍 Mongolia
Nudengiin Davaa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.544m (8,346ft) above the sea level, located in the province of Zavkhan, in the western part of Mongolia. The road to the summit is unpaved. SUV required. It’s a long, steep and challenging road to the summit. Adverse weather conditions are common. Drive at moderate speed. You’re not on a race. The panoramic views from the pass are stunning. The pass is 40.6 km (25.22 miles) long, running north-south from Uliastai, also spelled Uliyasutai or Oulia-Sontai, one of Mongolia’s oldest cities, founded by the Manchus to Tsagaankhairkhan. The pass sits near The road to Toom Pass, pure adventure Ultimate 4wd destination: Utrag Pass Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.