Langlu La: Driving the High-Altitude G317 Highway in Tibet
China, asia
49.5 km
4,829 m
extreme
Year-round
Deep in the Seni District of Nagqu, Tibet, lies Langlu La, a mountain pass that'll steal your breath – literally! We're talking 4,829m (15,843ft) above sea level! It's a highlight on China National Highway 317 (G317), the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway, which is all about raw beauty and high-altitude thrills.
Forget the crowds of the G318; G317 offers a truly authentic Tibetan experience. Langlu La plunges you into a stark, high-altitude desert. The weather? Let's just say it can change its mind faster than you can say "yak butter tea"!
This 49.5 km (30.75 miles) stretch connects Nagqu city with Kormang, and although the road is paved, it'll take about an hour to cross. Blame the altitude and technical climbs for the slow pace. Heading west-northeast, you'll soak in panoramic views of Nagqu's rolling hills and expansive grasslands.
Don't let the pavement fool you; the climb is steep, with some sections hitting a 7% gradient. This is especially tough on loaded vehicles.
The best time to tackle Langlu La is late spring, summer, or early autumn. You'll find clear roads and Nagqu bursting with color. Winter travelers, pack emergency gear and check the weather in Nagqu – Himalayan storms can turn this pass into a real beast!
Where is it?
Langlu La: Driving the High-Altitude G317 Highway in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.2032, 107.2844
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 49.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,829 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 35.2032, 107.2844
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