Insane Altitude! Highest Highway at 5,566m — China's G216, Tibet | 4K Drive

At 5,566 metres, the asphalt still stretches across an immense high plateau. Follow China’s G216 north from Qiere Township in Xizang (Tibet) to Sangmula Pass on a drive averaging more than 5,100 metres above sea level. The extraordinary altitude is part of the entire journey, with lakes, mountain ridges and open landscapes unfolding around the road. This 103 km drive begins at the G349–G216 junction in Ngamring County, Shigatse, and ends in Quluo Township, Coqen County, Ngari Prefecture. Official regional tourism information identifies Sangmula as the highest point on China’s national highway network. The pass has a stated elevation of 5,566 metres; our equipment recorded a maximum of 5,573 metres along the drive, with an average of 5,164 metres. Broad lake basins, rolling uplands and cold open terrain give this section of G216 its distinctive character. Unlike a cliffside gorge road, the expansive landscape can make its true elevation difficult to grasp. Gentle-looking slopes and sweeping stretches of asphalt are already higher than many famous mountain summits. Clear October skies bring out the plateau’s remarkable depth and scale. The corridor includes two separate high-altitude lakes, Dajia Mang Tso and Dajia Tso, both included in scientific investigations of Tibetan Plateau lakes. Another geographical highlight is the Dagejia geothermal area in Qiere Township, known for hot springs and intermittent geysers. Here, a cold plateau environment and underground heat meet within the same landscape. The road also has a history of development linked to the former S206 Coqen–Guojie corridor, whose reconstruction project was approved in 2013. Today, G216 serves road travellers while connecting plateau settlements and everyday journeys. The paved road is as much a link between communities as a route through spectacular scenery. Recorded in 4K with original location sound, no narration and no music. Settle into a real drive through high-altitude lake country and vast open terrain towards Sangmula Pass. 🧭 Route Information 📍 Location: Shigatse to Ngari Prefecture, Xizang (Tibet), China 🚩 Start: G349–G216 junction, Qiere Township, Ngamring County, Shigatse 🏁 Finish: Sangmula Pass, Quluo Township, Coqen County, Ngari Prefecture 📏 Distance: 103 km ⏱️ Driving time: 1 hour 51 minutes 📅 Filming date: October 20 ⛰️ Recorded elevation range: 4,926–5,573 m 📊 Average elevation: 5,164 m 🏔️ Stated pass elevation: 5,566 m ☀️ Weather: Clear 🎥 Resolution: 4K 🔊 Audio: Original location sound, no narration or music Like and subscribe for more immersive drives, high-altitude roads and landscapes across China. #Tibet #G216 #DrivingChina #4KDrive #HighAltitude #SangmulaPass