How to drive the high-altitude road to Zongguo Monastery?
Zongguo Monastery is a stunning Buddhist temple perched on a cliff at 4,196m (13,766ft) above sea level. Located in Nangqên County, in China's Qinghai Province, the road to reach it is a brutal 28.6 km dirt track that follows the Jiqu River before climbing straight up the mountain walls.
| Road facts: Zongguo Monastery | |
|---|---|
| Location | Nangqên, Qinghai (China) |
| Elevation | 4,196 m (13,766 ft) |
| Length | 28.6 km (17.7 miles) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Rough Dirt Track |
| Hazard Level | Extremely High (Cliffside / No barriers) |
How long is the road to Zongguo Monastery?
The road is 28.6 km (17.7 miles) long, starting from Ri'ajia. For the first part, you’ll be driving along the Jiqu River, but don't let the flat start fool you. Logistically, this is a slow-motion journey because the track is narrow and full of sharp turns. As you get closer to the monastery, the road leaves the riverbed and starts a steep, winding climb up the cliffside. You need to allow several hours for this trip; between the altitude and the technical turns, you won't be going fast.
Is the road to Zongguo Monastery unpaved?
Yes, it is 100% unpaved and very rough. We are talking about a narrow dirt track where the edge is often just a few inches from your tires, with a massive drop-off and no guardrails in sight. A high-clearance 4x4 is the only way to go. The surface is loose, and if you’re driving a heavy vehicle, you’ll feel the back end sliding on the gravel during the tightest switchbacks. Keep in mind that the road doesn't take you all the way to the door; you’ll have to park and finish the last bit on foot up the stone steps.
What are the driving conditions like near Zongguo Monastery?
The real challenge here is the lack of oxygen. At over 4,100 meters, your engine will struggle to breathe, losing a lot of power just when you need it for the steepest ramps. You’ll need to manage your gears carefully to keep the torque up without stalling. Logistically, stay away during the rainy season. When the dirt gets wet, the track becomes a slippery mess of mud, and with the river waiting hundreds of meters below, there is zero room for error. In winter, snowdrifts make the higher sections completely impassable for months.
Safety on the cliffs of Nangqên
This is not a road for anyone who gets nervous near edges. The drop-offs are vertical, and the track is barely wide enough for one car. If you meet a local truck coming the other way, someone is going to have to reverse on a cliff edge with no barriers. Before you head up, check your brakes and make sure your tires are in top shape; on these loose descents, you’ll be leaning on them heavily to keep the vehicle from picking up too much speed on the dirt.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&video: 邓小微 XiaoV