Sichuan–Tibet Highway — Kangding to Litang via the Tibetan Plateau High Spine (G318)
G318: where China ends and Tibet begins.
This segment of the G318, China’s longest national highway and the main overland artery between Sichuan and Lhasa, runs from the Tibetan gateway town of Kangding up over Zheduo Pass (4,298m) and Yajiageng Pass before dropping into Xinduqiao — ‘the photographer’s paradise’ — then climbing again through Lhagang grasslands to Litang, one of the highest towns on earth at 4,014m. The road surface alternates between sealed highway, frost-heaved asphalt, and stretches of raw dirt carved by annual freeze-thaw cycles. Traffic includes pilgrims on foot, nomad herders, military convoys, and overloaded trucks. The scenery is genuinely otherworldly — snow peaks, monastery rooftops, and yak herds drifting across high meadows.
Altitude is your primary adversary. Acclimatise before attempting; acute mountain sickness hits fast at 4,000m-plus. Foreign nationals require a Tibet Travel Permit for sections beyond Kangding into the TAR — confirm current regulations before departure as enforcement changes. Fuel is available in Kangding, Xinduqiao, and Litang. Best travelled May to October; winter snowfall closes the high passes. A capable diesel 4WD handles this segment, though standard vehicles make it in summer. This is one of the world’s great high-altitude overland drives.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 168 mi / 270 km |
| Duration | 2–3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14100 ft |
| Best season | May–October |
| Minimum vehicle | Standard 4WD (high clearance preferred) |
| Nearest town | Kangding, Sichuan, China |
| Land manager | Sichuan Provincial Highway Administration / Ministry of Transport China |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Tibet Travel G318 Guide |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Pajero handle this stretch of G318 without a lift?
Yes — a stock 4WD with factory clearance gets through under normal conditions. High clearance helps on the rougher gravel sections and after rain when ruts deepen, but it's not a dealbreaker. Aired-down tires and a working low-range are more important than lift height.
When does snow close the passes between Kangding and Litang?
The high passes (several above 4,200m) can see snow any month, but serious closures typically hit from November through April. May and October are shoulder months — passable but watch forecasts closely. July–September is peak season, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and can turn gravel sections slick fast.
What permits do foreign travelers need to drive G318 through this section?
Foreign nationals require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) for certain checkpoints in this corridor, plus a valid Chinese visa. The TTP must be arranged through a licensed Chinese travel agency — you cannot get it independently. Check current enforcement status before departure, as checkpoint requirements along G318 shift without much notice.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually expect?
The sustained altitude is the real challenge — you're spending hours above 4,000m, crossing passes near 4,700m, with no quick way down if someone in your group gets hit hard by AMS. The road surface itself is moderate, but altitude-induced fatigue, unpredictable weather, and yaks wandering into your lane at blind corners keep you honest the whole 270km.
Where can I fuel up between Kangding and Litang, and is 270km a safe range on one tank?
There are fuel stations in Kangding and Litang, with a small station in Xinduqiao roughly 80km in — fill there if you're under half a tank. Cold temps and altitude drop fuel efficiency, so don't count on your normal range numbers. Carry a spare jerry can if your tank is under 60 liters; there are no guarantees the mid-route station is stocked or open.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.