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
hardSevan Pass
🌍 Armenia
Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Sevan Pass in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province! This one clocks in at a lofty 2,130m (that's 6,988ft!). You'll be cruising on the H52, a paved road that doesn't mess around when it comes to steepness. Think dramatic drops right next to the asphalt and enough hairpin turns to make your head spin. Seriously, if your travel buddies get carsick, maybe pack some ginger ale! The weather here is a total wild card. One minute you're enjoying a crisp autumn drive, the next you're in a winter wonderland with snow-covered peaks glistening in the sun. The road's fairly wide, but those hairpin turns can be tricky, especially for the big rigs. Word to the wise: this pass can get snowy, leading to closures, and heavy mist can roll in, making visibility a real challenge. But hey, the views! Get ready for some seriously breathtaking panoramas of Lake Sevan and its stunning turquoise water. It's a stunner!
hardWhy is Badrinath famous?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, buckle up for the Badrinath Road adventure! This isn't just a drive, it's a pilgrimage to the mountain temple of Badrinath high in the Indian Himalayas. We're talking a seriously scenic route – think soaring peaks of the Nar-Narayan range framing every turn. This ribbon of National Highway 7 winds alongside the Alaknanda River, taking you right to the doorstep of this sacred place. Just a heads-up, it's not always smooth sailing. You might hit a few patches where the pavement fades and turns into a bit of a dusty/gravel experience, but hey, that just adds to the adventure, right? Keep in mind that due to extreme weather, this road is usually only open from late April/early May to the beginning of November, so plan your trip accordingly. It's a popular spot during the summer pilgrimage, so expect company. Get ready for an unforgettable journey, both spiritually and visually!
hardWhere does the Highway of Death start and end?
🌍 Iraq
Okay, buckle up for a drive along Highway 80, the infamous "Highway of Death." This six-lane highway stretches from Kuwait City, Kuwait, all the way to Basra, Iraq, passing through the border town of Safwan. This road gained notoriety during the Persian Gulf War. Back then, it became a tragic scene as U.S. aircraft bombed retreating Iraqi forces. Imagine a massive column of tanks, trucks, and civilian vehicles all caught in the crossfire. The destruction was immense, with estimates ranging from 1,800 to 2,700 vehicles destroyed or abandoned along the road. Journalists later called sections of the highway the Mile of Death due to the uninterrupted lines of destroyed vehicles. It's a sobering reminder of the war.
hardHow long is 24-Zig Road in China?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up road trip lovers! I've got a crazy one for you. Picture this: you're cruising through Guizhou Province in China, near a town called Qinglong. Suddenly, the road throws you into a frenzy of hairpin turns – *twenty-four* of them to be exact! This is the legendary 24-Zig Road. This crazy, curvy climb is only about 4km (2.5 miles) long, but don't let the short distance fool you. Built on a seriously steep 60-degree slope, this "S" shaped road was built back in 1935. It's only 5 meters wide and climbs like crazy! The road climbs 264 meters (866 feet), taking you from 1,296 meters (4,252 feet) to 1,560 meters (5,118 feet) above sea level. The average gradient is around 8%. Back in the day, this unpaved road was a vital supply line. It was so gnarly that drivers were literally praying before they even attempted it! Word is, there were plenty of overturned trucks back in the day. While it's not actively used anymore, you might spot a motorbike or three-wheeler braving the climb. And hey, if you need a break from the twists and turns, there's a sightseeing platform across the valley with an incredible view of the whole zig-zagging masterpiece.