X710: enjoy a road among the clouds

X710: enjoy a road among the clouds

China, asia

Length

197 km

Elevation

4.7 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering the roof of the world? Then buckle up and point your 4x4 towards 710 County Road in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet! Forget pavement, this baby is all dirt, all the time. Seriously, you *need* a 4x4, and forget about it in the winter – it's a no-go.

We're talking serious altitude here, folks. The entire road sits above 15,400 feet! That means thin air, a lung-busting climb, and potentially some nasty altitude sickness if you're not acclimatized. Trust me, take it easy on arrival or you might be seeing more of the inside of your tent than the incredible scenery.

Speaking of scenery, the views of Jiuma and Kongburong lakes are absolutely breathtaking. And for a good chunk of the journey, you'll be hugging the shores of the Senge Zangbu river - epic!

This north-south route stretches for a whopping 122 miles (197 km), kicking off near the village of Gê'gyai and heading towards X716. The highest point? A dizzying 17,631 feet (5,374m) above sea level! Get ready to feel on top of the world… literally. Oh, and keep an eye out for Yakexia Snow Mountain – it's a stunner! This road isn't for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.

Where is it?

X710: enjoy a road among the clouds is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.9080, 103.9513

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
197 km
Max Elevation
4.7 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
36.9080, 103.9513

Related Roads in asia

The Ultimate Road Trip To Huoshaoyunextreme

The Ultimate Road Trip To Huoshaoyun

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Huoshaoyun in Xinjiang, China, a seriously epic mountain peak soaring to a dizzying 18,914 feet. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a 65-mile-long unpaved beast of a road that'll have your 4x4 begging for mercy. Built back in 2017, this climb kicks off from the paved G219 and doesn't mess around, with some sections hitting a crazy 12% gradient. The views? Absolutely insane. You're smack-dab in the Huoshaoyun Mountain Range, surrounded by raw, untouched beauty. Word on the street is that this mountain's sitting on Asia's largest zinc and lead deposit. But heads up: mountain weather is no joke, and that high altitude is a real factor. So, prepare for anything and everything and get ready for an unforgettable ride!

How challenging is the road from Kit to Sormoshk?extreme

How challenging is the road from Kit to Sormoshk?

🇮🇷 Iran

Deep in the Alborz mountains of Iran lies Ashkourat Pass, a seriously high-altitude route topping out at around [elevation] above sea level. You'll find it in the Mazandaran Province, specifically in the Central District of Ramsar County. This isn't just any road; it's one of the highest in Iran, and it's a wild ride through some mind-blowing scenery. This legendary route is a favorite among local overlanders. It's how they connect the lush, green valleys near the Caspian Sea with the drier, more rugged landscapes deeper in the Alborz. Heads up: the weather here is a *major* player. Clouds roll in fast from the coast, and you can get swallowed by a thick "sea of clouds" with zero visibility. Driving here means navigating a narrow track high in the mountains, where the edge of the road and a very steep drop-off can get dangerously close. Alright, let's talk road specifics. The Ashkourat Pass stretches for [length], running from the village of [Kit] to [Sormoshk]. The entire thing is unpaved – think loose gravel, big rocks, and muddy sections lower down. Seriously, a high-clearance 4x4 is a *must*. The track is known for being super narrow, so tight that two vehicles can't pass each other easily. Be prepared to reverse along a cliff edge! And those "dangerous drops"? They're for real. The road clings to the mountainside with zero safety barriers. The climb is steep and relentless, so you'll need a vehicle with a reliable low-range gearbox to keep traction. It's a technical drive that calls for a skilled driver, especially when you're going downhill and risking losing control on the gravel. Because of the altitude and the Caspian Sea nearby, Ashkourat Pass gets hammered with snow. It's usually impassable from late autumn to late spring. Even in summer, sudden rainstorms can turn the dust into a slippery mud pit. Fog is a sneaky danger, so make sure you have good fog lights and definitely don't drive at night. There's nothing between [Kit] and [Sormoshk] – no gas stations, no workshops, nada. You're out in the sticks, so be prepared. Pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and plenty of water. Ashkourat Pass has incredible views of the Alborz peaks and the traditional shepherd huts of the Mazandaran highlands, but it's a route that demands respect and leaves no room for mistakes. If you're looking for the wildest side of the Iranian mountains, this is it.

Where is Gyatso La?hard

Where is Gyatso La?

🇨🇳 China

Alright, buckle up adventure junkies! We're conquering Gyatso La, the Everest region's front door, clocking in at a staggering 5,248m (17,217ft) on the legendary Friendship Highway (G318) in Tibet! Forget breathing easy, the air's thin and the landscape's wild. Find this beast in Lhazê County, Xigazê Prefecture, about 240 km west of Shigatse. You're officially entering Everest National Park, baby! Prepare for desolation – we're talking barren, cold, and frozen vibes in the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve. The pass summit? Covered in prayer flags and monuments, but the real treat is a few kilometers past the peak. On a clear day, bam! Everest hits you – a pointy, snow-covered giant towering over everything else. It's the first full-on view of the world's highest peak coming from Lhasa, and trust me, it's epic. Driving this asphalt ribbon is a challenge for any vehicle. This is the highest point on the whole 800-kilometer (500-mile) stretch. It's newly paved, but Mother Nature throws punches with extreme weather and seismic activity. Expect bumps! Pro-tip: at this altitude, air pressure is low. Engines lose power, so make sure you're adjusted, or altitude sickness will ruin your trip! Watch out for fierce winds – snow and black ice can shut this pass down from October to June.

Driving the remote road to Ji Lamoderate

Driving the remote road to Ji La

🇨🇳 China

Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Gyai La (also known as Ji La), a seriously epic mountain pass in Tibet's Tingri County! We're talking a lung-busting 16,335 feet (4.979m) above sea level. The road? Well, let's just say it's an *experience*. Think winding, unpaved curves that demand your full attention. This is a remote area, so be prepared for solitude and some seriously mind-blowing views to the south. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in during daylight hours. Night driving? Hard pass. This pass connects Yejiangcun and Chicun, making for an unforgettable journey.