How to drive the County Road 787 in the Tibetan Plateau?
The County Road 787 is a high-altitude unpaved corridor located in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Spanning 139 km (86 miles), this north-south route connects the X711 road with the China National Highway 219. Driving this track involves operating at a sustained elevation of over 5,000m, reaching a maximum summit of 5,518m (18,103ft). It is one of the highest roads in the country.
| Road facts: County Road 787 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ngari Prefecture, Tibet |
| Length | 139 km (86 miles) |
| Max Elevation | 5,518m (18,103ft) |
| Max Gradient | 11% |
| Surface | Unpaved (Dirt/Gravel) |
What are the mechanical challenges of the 11% gradient on CR787?
The County Road 787 features several steep sections where the gradient hits 11%. At an altitude of 5,500 meters, this incline is significantly harder to climb than at sea level. The lack of oxygen reduces engine torque, meaning your vehicle will need to stay in low gear to maintain momentum. For the descent, the 11% grade on an unpaved surface requires heavy engine braking to avoid sliding on loose gravel. A 4x4 vehicle with a low-range transfer case is a technical requirement to navigate these slopes safely, especially when the dirt surface is softened by summer meltwater.
Logistics of the 139 km transit between X711 and G219
Logistically, the 139 km stretch of the CR787 is isolated. There are no refueling stations or mechanical workshops between the X711 junction and China National Highway 219. You must carry enough fuel for at least 300 km, as the high-altitude climb and low-gear driving will double your standard fuel consumption. The road remains totally impassable during the winter months due to deep snow and permafrost. Even in summer, you must be prepared for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS); the sustained elevation over 5,000m makes it difficult for the body to recover, so carrying portable oxygen is a necessary safety protocol for this transit.
Surface conditions and navigation near Argog Lake
While the route passes Argog Lake, the focus for the driver must remain on the track surface. The road consists of high-desert soil and crushed stone that can be severely corrugated (washboard effect). Maintaining a consistent speed is key to reducing suspension wear, but you must stay alert for sudden washouts. Navigation in this part of the Ngari Prefecture is straightforward as long as you stay on the main track, but secondary paths can lead into dead-ends or military-restricted zones. The presence of the lake often means the ground nearby is marshy; never leave the established roadbed to avoid getting bogged down in high-altitude silt.
Vehicle preparation for extreme Tibetan altitudes
Before starting the CR787, a full mechanical check is mandatory. The cooling system must be in perfect condition, and tire pressure should be adjusted for unpaved surfaces. At 5,518m, the atmospheric pressure is low enough that standard tires can behave differently; monitor your PSI closely as you climb. Ensure your battery is high-capacity, as cold-starting an engine in the thin air of the Tibetan Plateau puts massive strain on the electrical system. Self-sufficiency is the only logistical option here; carry a full tool kit, two spare tires, and enough thermal gear to survive sub-zero temperatures if you are forced to spend the night on the road.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez
Pic: Grishkoff. PRO