Zhonglong Highway, a chillout drive in high mountains
Zhonglong Highway is a very scenic drive in the heart of Xigazê Prefecture in western Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
It’s a loop road starting and ending at G219 road. It’s 399 km (247mile) long. Usually impassable from October to June, the drive offers a breathtaking scenery. The road is long and arduous and crosses several mountain passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. It’s mostly unpaved, with some paved parts near its end and start.
The road tops out at 5.578m (18,300ft) above the sea level, and offers stunning views of Taruo and Palung lakes. Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition. Notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez
Pic: Jian Ge