Xinjiang-Tibet Highway will be Opened to Traffic Again after the Reparation be Finished in the End of August

It is reported that Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is an unpaved road which was be constructed between 1956 and 1957. It played important role in the transportation of Ngari Plateau though the road condition is pretty poor. It is only 2.5 meters wide at its narrowest section. In August 2010, the renovation work of Xinjiang-Tibet Highway was started. It is the third highway to Tibet Autonomous Region except for the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Yunnan-Tibet Highway.

Construction Difficulty of the Reparation of Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is the highest highway above the sea level with an average altitude of more than 4500 meters. It connects the Kashgar Region and Hetian Region in Xinjiang Gygur Autonomous Region and Ngari Prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region. It is the only trunk line connects Xinjiang and Tibet. It is the most economical way to get to Ngari Prefecture from Xinjiang and it is about 900 kilometers closer compared to the road from Lhasa to Ngari. The renovation of the road will promote the exploitation of the mineral resources along the highway.

The reparation of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is really a difficult project. The construction difficulty on the plateau is much higher compared to that in the plain area. A large number of constructors couldn't get adapted to the high altitude very well according to the project manager. The reparation work goes smoothly so far and might be opened to traffic at the end of August.

Natural Landscapes along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is characterized by high elevation, poor road condition and severe natural condition among all the highways to Tibet Autonomous Region. It is regarded as the most dangerous highway for tourists planning to make choice among the Tibet tour packages related to some adventure activities. But tourists could witness the most typical and magnificent natural plateau landscape.

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway will lead tourists go across the depopulated area on Tibet Plateau. Crowds of wild animals will rush into your eyes, including Tibetan kiangs and Mongolian gazelles. The landscapes of Karakoram Mountains with changeable weather, the noted Ruins of the Guge Kingdom, the holy mountain and lake – Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova would be available along the highway.