Driving from Qusum to Diyag: The 147km gauntlet of the Transhimalaya
The remote mountain road connecting Qusum and Diyag is a high-altitude unpaved route spanning 147 kilometers (91 miles) through the Transhimalaya range in Southern Tibet. Running across the rugged highlands of the Shannan and Ngari Prefectures, the single-lane track crosses six distinct mountain passes that all exceed an elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level.
| Road facts: Qusum to Diyag | |
|---|---|
| Location | Shannan & Ngari Prefectures, Tibet (China) |
| Length | 147 km (91 miles) |
| Max Elevation | 5,166 m (Shiring La) |
| Passes Above 4,500m | 6 passes |
| Surface | Unpaved (Gravel, dirt, and loose rocks) |
What are the six mountain passes on the Qusum to Diyag road?
The 147-kilometer unpaved route scales six major high-altitude barriers sequentially. The highest point of the journey is reached at the summit of Shiring La, peaking at 5,166 meters (16,948 ft) above sea level. The track then continues along the Transhimalaya ridges, crossing five additional high passes: Rangmik La at 5,083 meters, Kharam La at 4,657 meters, Mandang La at 4,611 meters, Bau La at 4,577 meters, and an unnamed pass at 4,520 meters before descending toward Diyag.
What are the driving hazards along the Transhimalaya track?
The entire 147-kilometer road is unpaved, consisting of a narrow dirt lane filled with deep ruts, heavy gravel ramps, and sharp volcanic stones. The route features dozens of tight hairpin switchbacks carved directly into the mountain flanks with zero lateral guardrails or safety protections. Due to the loose nature of the stone surface and the relentless slope of the pass approaches, high-clearance 4x4 vehicles are required to manage the gradients, especially since the extreme altitude above 4,500 meters significantly cuts engine torque output. The route is highly isolated, with no fuel stations or emergency services available.
Is the road from Qusum to Diyag open in winter?
Due to its extreme altitude across the southern Tibetan plateau, the road is completely blocked by deep snow drifts and thick ice from October until early June, making the entire 147-kilometer sector impassable. The remote mountain track receives no winter plowing or clearing services. During the brief summer months, sudden high-altitude blizzards can occur instantly, and rapid seasonal snowmelt frequently triggers water washouts and mudslides that erode the narrow dirt shoulders along the cliffs.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson