Sichuan–Tibet Highway — Kangding to Litang via Zheduo La and Xinduqiao Valley (G318 High Plateau Segment)
Tibetan plateau at 4,300 metres. Paved. Still dangerous.
Zheduo La pass sits at 4,298 metres and announces itself with brutal switchbacks above the Kangding tree line. Once you crest it, the plateau opens into Xinduqiao Valley — a wide river basin ringed by snow peaks that photographers and overlanders have been calling the ‘photography paradise of China’ for two decades. The road continues southwest through Tagong Grasslands before climbing again toward Litang at 4,014 metres, one of the highest towns on earth. This segment of the G318 is paved but the altitude, rockslides, military checkpoints, and sudden weather shifts make it far more serious than the tarmac suggests. Tire punctures from road debris are routine.
Foreign nationals require a Tibet Travel Permit for sections west of Kangding — obtain this through a licensed agency in Chengdu before departure; independent travel without a guide is restricted in Tibet Autonomous Region proper, though this segment sits within Sichuan Province and is generally accessible with a valid Chinese visa. Best driven May through October; winter brings ice, closures, and altitude sickness risk amplified by cold. Altitude acclimatisation in Kangding before pushing west is non-negotiable. Diesel is available in Kangding and Litang; stock water and emergency food. A stock SUV or high-clearance vehicle handles the road in dry season — the challenge is altitude, not terrain.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 168 mi / 270 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14101 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance vehicle or SUV |
| Nearest town | Kangding, Sichuan, China |
| Land manager | Sichuan Provincial Department of Transport |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Sichuan Provincial Government |
| 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 Prado handle this segment without a lift or lockers?
Yes. The G318 between Kangding and Litang is paved or compacted gravel for most of its length, so a stock high-clearance SUV is sufficient under normal conditions. Where it gets serious is altitude and weather — ground clearance matters less than a reliable engine that doesn't stumble at 4,300 metres.
When does Zheduo La close for winter and when does it reopen?
The pass typically closes to civilian traffic from November through April due to snow and ice, with exact dates varying by year. May through October is the reliable window — even in summer, snow squalls can shut the road temporarily for a day or two.
Do foreign nationals need special permits to drive this section of G318?
Yes. Foreign nationals require a Tibet Travel Permit for areas beyond certain checkpoints, and additional border area permits may apply depending on your exact route and nationality. Verify current requirements with the Chinese embassy or a local fixer before you go — enforcement and rules shift without notice.
What's the hardest stretch between Kangding and Litang and what makes it dangerous?
The descent off Zheduo La toward Xinduqiao is the sharpest section — steep switchbacks with potential ice, rockfall debris, and trucks taking up most of the lane. Altitude-related engine power loss is a real factor here too; turbo-diesel rigs handle it better than naturally aspirated engines pushing hard on the grades.
How far is the fuel gap between Kangding and Litang, and is there reliable gas along the way?
Xinduqiao, roughly the midpoint, has fuel stations — don't skip them. The full 270 km segment is long enough that arriving at Litang on fumes is a real outcome if you're running a thirsty rig and pass stations without topping off. Cell service is spotty across the plateau, so don't count on finding help easily if you run dry.
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.