Qizil Dawān: Driving the extreme sandy road at 5,317m in Xinjiang
Qizil Dawān is a high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 5,317 meters (17,444 ft) above sea level, located in the southwestern part of the Hotan Prefecture, within the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China. Positioned north of Tso Tang Lake in the rugged Aksai Chin plateau, the summit is reached via a remote, unpaved desert track.
| Road facts: Qizil Dawān | |
|---|---|
| Location | Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang (China) |
| Elevation | 5,317 m (17,444 ft) |
| Length | 49.5 km (31 miles) from G219 |
| Elevation Gain | 459 meters |
| Surface | Unpaved (Fine sand and wind-eroded gravel) |
Where does the unpaved road to Qizil Dawān start?
The unpaved desert track spans 49.5 kilometers (31 miles), branching off the paved China National Highway 219 (G219). The single-lane route cuts through the barren highlands of the Aksai Chin sector, climbing a gentle elevation gain of 459 vertical meters until it reaches the 5,317-meter pass summit crest. The entire 49.5-kilometer line is completely isolated, lacking civilian towns, fuel stations, or roadside facilities.
What are the driving hazards on the Qizil Dawān track?
The primary driving hazard along the 49.5-kilometer track is the surface composition, which consists of deep, shifting sand banks and loose gravel. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to avoid sinking the chassis into the softest sand deposits located near the lake basins. The extreme 5,317-meter altitude drops air density significantly, cutting engine horsepower output and torque. The narrow lane has no guardrails or safety fences, and strong mountain winds frequently blow fine sand across the track profile, obscuring the path.
Is the road to Qizil Dawān open in winter?
Due to its high altitude on the northern Tibetan plateau, the pass faces severe Arctic winter freezing and is completely blocked by deep snowdrifts and heavy ice fields from October until late June, remaining entirely impassable. The remote boundary road receives no winter clearance or maintenance services. During the brief summer opening, sudden high-altitude blizzards or heavy winds can form deep sand-drifts across the track bed overnight, requiring careful navigation to avoid getting stuck in the loose ground.