Driving the brutal sandy road to Qizil Dawān

Qizil Dawān is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,317 m (17,444 ft) above sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture, in China. 

Qizil Dawān

Where is Qizil Dawān?

The pass is located north of Tso Tang Lake, in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in the western part of the country.

Is Qizil Dawān unpaved?

The road is totally unpaved, a mix of gravel and fine, wind-eroded sand, making traction unpredictable. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory.

How long is Qizil Dawān?

Starting from the paved 219 National Road (Tibet–Xinjiang Highway), the road is 49.5 km (31 miles) long. The road is mostly flat, with an elevation gain of 459 m only.

Can I drive to Qizil Dawān?

This route is not only a physical challenge but a logistical one. Due to its location near the highly sensitive border area of Aksai Chin, foreign travelers must obtain multiple specialized permits from the Chinese government and often require a licensed local guide.

How risky is the drive to Qizil Dawān?

Extreme caution is mandatory due to the high elevation. There is a real risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), Pulmonary Edema, and Cerebral Edema. Drivers must plan acclimatization stops carefully. This is one of the world’s most severe high-altitude challenges. Temperatures here are brutally cold, plummeting as low as -55°C in the winters, necessitating specialized diesel anti-gel additives and extreme-weather recovery gear. The weather deteriorates frequently with strong icy winds.

 

 

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