Sichuan–Tibet Highway — Kangding to Markam via Litang, Batang, and the High Tibetan Plateau (G318 Central High Segment)
Roof of the world, no guardrails.
The G318 between Kangding and Markam is the most demanding overland corridor in China — a sustained assault of high-altitude passes, crumbling tarmac, and altitude sickness that doesn’t care about your schedule. Out of Kangding you climb immediately over Zheduo La (4,298m) into the yak-grazed valleys around Xinduqiao, a photographer’s town that’s worth a night. From there it’s Litang at 4,014m elevation — one of the highest towns on Earth — then the grinding climb over Dongda La (5,008m) before dropping into the Lancang River canyon near Markam. The road alternates between fresh Chinese highway construction and stretches of broken asphalt carved by landslides, where traffic stops for hours and locals watch foreigners overheat their radiators with mild amusement.
Foreign drivers need a Tibet Travel Permit plus a separate Sichuan-Tibet highway permit, and regulations change annually — confirm before you go. Vehicle must be in hard mechanical shape: altitude hammers engines not properly tuned, and roadside assistance past Litang is theoretical. The segment runs approximately 750 kilometres and takes most overlanders 4–6 days driven at pace. Best window is May–June or September–October; July–August brings monsoon landslides that close passes for days. Carry oxygen, cold-weather gear even in summer, and enough cash for the many toll plazas. The light on the plateau at dusk is something you will not forget.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 466 mi / 750 km |
| Duration | 4-6 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16430 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance, well-tuned engine |
| Nearest town | Kangding, Sichuan, China |
| Land manager | Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Tibet Tourism – G318 Overview |
| Verified | |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Patrol handle this stretch of G318, or do I need a built rig?
A stock, well-maintained high-clearance 4WD like a 100-series Land Cruiser can run it, but your engine must be in peak condition — thin air at 16,000+ feet punishes weak motors hard. Lift and lockers aren't mandatory, but a tired engine, bald tires, or a dodgy cooling system will end your trip. Skid plates are strongly advised on the rougher gravel sections between Litang and Batang.
When is G318 actually passable between Kangding and Markam, and what closes it?
May–June and September–October are the reliable windows. Winter brings ice, snow, and outright road closures at the high passes — some sections stay blocked through April. Monsoon season (July–August) brings landslides, particularly between Batang and Markam, and roads can be cut off for days without warning.
What permits do foreigners need to drive this route, and are they hard to get?
You need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region portion near Markam, plus a vehicle entry permit — these are not issued to individual tourists driving their own foreign-registered vehicles. Foreign nationals are generally required to hire a licensed Tibetan travel agency and guide; self-drive in a personally owned foreign vehicle is effectively prohibited in the TAR. Sort permits well in advance through a registered agency — last-minute approvals rarely happen.
What's the hardest section on this route and what actually makes it dangerous?
The descent from Haizi Shan pass into Litang and the cliff-road cuts between Batang and Markam are the worst — narrow single-lane track, sheer drops, no guardrails, and oncoming trucks that won't slow down. Add altitude hypoxia affecting your reaction time and judgment, and rockfall from unstable cut slopes, and you've got a genuine hazard stack. Drive it fresh, drive it slow, and don't attempt the big passes after dark.
Where do you actually get fuel on this route — is there a stretch where you need extra range?
Kangding, Litang, Batang, and Markam all have petrol stations, but the gap between Litang and Batang (~120 miles through extremely remote plateau) has no guaranteed supply. Carry a minimum 20–30 liters of spare fuel before leaving Litang. Fuel quality out here is inconsistent — many experienced drivers run a filter and won't push the tank below a quarter.
Trail track
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