State Highway G219

State Highway G219 starts from Karghalik in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and ends at Lhatze in Tibet Autonomous Region. The whole journey is 2342 kilometers.

Road Condition of the State Highway G219

State Highway G219 is one of the most perilous highways in the world. It stretches across the world famous Kunlun Mountains, Karakoram Mountains, Gangdise Mountains and Himalayas. It climbs over 16 mountain passes and goes through 44 glaciers. Most of the regions by the State Highway G219 are depopulated zones with an average altitude of more than 4500 meters. State Highway G219 is the highest highway above the sea level with wretched road condition and severe natural environment. It is also noted as Xinjiang-Tibet Highway characterized by dangerous.

State Highway G219 stretches 2841 kilometers from Karghalik to Lhatze. The average elevation of this highway ranks first among all the highways on the plateau. The dividing line of Xinjiang and Tibet – Jieshan Mountain Pass, enjoys an altitude of 5300 meters. The endless gobi dessert and snow-capped mountains made it more challenging to drive or ride on State Highway G219.

It is a great challenge for tourists to drive from Karghalik to Ngari in Tibet for its obvious altitude difference. Tourists will have to experience the elevation range from less than 1000 meters to higher than 5000 meters. Almost all the tourists here would suffer different levels of altitude sickness. It is so difficult and dangerous to drive or ride on State Highway G219. The sudden altitude change and the severe climate characterized by low oxygen content always beyond the common people's physical tolerance. The severe cold and oxygen deficit would easily cause high altitude sickness. Besides, the natural disasters, such as the snow slide and the land slide might easily block the road. The limited accommodation condition along the way also required tourists to make a good preparation before the trip.

Sightseeing along the State Highway G219

The magnificent and picturesque natural landscapes would make you be reluctant to leave if you could get a good adaptation to the high altitude plateau environment. Tourists could hardly meet one vehicle or person when while across the depopulated zones. But the wild kiang, Tibetan gazelle, and Tibetan antelope and some other wild animals would rush into your eyes every now and then. Besides, tourists could enjoy the numerous beautiful snow-capped high mountains, including the Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountains.

In Nagri, tourists will have the chance to witness the surprising Tsaparang with various shapes in Tsada County. The ancient Ruin of Guge Kingdom provides tourists the chance to explore the mysterious Tibetan history. In addition, tourists driving or riding on the State Highway G219 could also pay a visit to Lake Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash, which are highly respected as the holy center by the followers of Tibetan Buddhism all year around. Pay a visit to the cradle land of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism – Sakya Monastery and the stylish Palkhor Monastery is also well worth.

Notes for Driving/Riding on the State Highway G219

Tourists planning to enter into Tibet or departure Tibet for Xinjiang through the State Highway G219 should note that hundreds kilometers of this highway is not covered with any communication signals.

The accommodation condition along the State Highway G219 is pretty poor. Tourists are highly advised to prepare some solid food and sleeping bag in advance. It is necessary to prepare some commonly used medicines effective in curing or relieving the altitude sickness for the sudden altitude change during the journey.

Not all the sections of the State Highway G219 are asphalted. All the drivers should have their safety equipment and pay special attention to the safety on the unsurfaced sections.

The State Highway G219 might be blocked by heavy snow in winter and spring. The best season to choose this route is between May and October.