Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is a national road 219 from Yarkand in Xinjiang to Shigatse in Tibet with 2140 km to connect Xinjiang and Tibet. It was built in 1956-1957, but it was simple road with sand and soil and can only be possible to drive in Summer at the time. The average altitude is over 4500 meters on this road, and the most difficult part is from Yarkand to Shiquanhe as it goes quickly through Kunlun Mountains from 1365 meters to over 5000 meters.
After 2013, the road was rebuilt and became possible to drive all year around. It is much safer and easier than the past, but still it is very challenge to pass through the high-altitude area. Along this road, you will view K2, Kunlun Mountains, Bangong Lake, Mountain Kinabalu etc. It is highly recommended to start from Lhasa to Ngari, then to Yarkand because you will adjust yourself easily and gradually for the altitude.