Galongla Tunnel (Zhamo Highway)
嘎隆拉隧道
A tunnel on the Zhamo Highway through the Galongla Snow Mountain. Completed in 2013, it ended Medog's history as China's last county without road access. Glaciers, snowy peaks and primeval forest surround the route.
Galongla Tunnel sits on the Zhamo Highway linking Zhamu Town in Bomi County with Medog County, at an altitude of about 3,700 meters. It is about 3.3 km long, broke through in 2010, and opened with the Zhamo Highway in 2013. It is the landmark project that ended Medog's history as China's last county without road access. About 25 km out of the Bomi county seat the road begins to wind upward. From the northern tunnel entrance you can see Galongla Snow Mountain and its glaciers. Past the tunnel you enter Medog territory, where the vegetation shifts quickly from alpine conifer forest to subtropical rainforest, giving the feeling of four seasons in one day. Even without going into Medog town, a round trip from Bomi to the tunnel entrance to view the snow mountain takes only half a day. Entering Medog requires a border management area permit. Check the Zhamo Highway's opening hours and traffic control information before setting out, as the road may close in the rainy season and in winter.
Opening hours
Open all day (check traffic control notices)
Nearby sights
- Gawalong Lake
- Zhamu Central County Committee Red Building
- Gang Spruce Forest
- Galang National Wetland Park
- Bomi Peach Blossom Valley
- Guxiang Lake