
205 Provincial Road is an epic enthralling drive
China, asia
472 km
4.2 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Provincial Road 205 in Tibet is calling your name... if you dare! This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the planet's highest roads, topping out at a staggering 5,488m (18,005ft). Yep, you'll be gasping for air along with the views.
Spanning 472 km across the northern Tibetan plateau, connecting Sangsangzhen (off G219) and Nyima (off S301), this route is almost entirely above 4,200m. Think rugged, think remote, think 4x4 only! The unpaved surface can be seriously rough in places.
Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs here. Wind can be fierce, and temperatures fluctuate wildly. Even in summer, be prepared for daytime highs of 20°C to plummet to -10°C at night. July and August bring relentless rain (or even snow!), and landslides can make sections completely impassable.
The road is often underwater and severely damaged by rain. What makes it worthwhile? The epic scenery, especially those glacial lakes! Keep an eye out for Dangqiong Co and Tangra Yumco (Tibet's deepest lake). But be warned: extreme high mountain passes and dodgy conditions along the lakes mean this route isn't for the faint of heart. This route can be closed anytime.
Where is it?
205 Provincial Road is an epic enthralling drive is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.0588, 105.9341
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 472 km
- Max Elevation
- 4.2 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.0588, 105.9341
Related Roads in asia
hardThe Aut tunnel in India is a nightmare for drivers
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Aut Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, India! This 2.8 km (1.73 miles) stretch is part of the NH3 and your gateway to Kullu-Manali. Picture this: one side hugs the Beas River, the other is all dramatic mountains. Sounds epic, right? Hold on, because this isn’t your average scenic drive. Opened back in 2006, this tunnel has gained a reputation for being a bit dicey. The inside's pretty dark, with just a few lights, and get this—no CCTV or fire safety stuff. Plus, there’s no divider, so things can get pretty hairy. The road's paved but can get dusty – roll up those windows! Traffic jams are the norm during peak season. Inside, drivers often speed and try to pass. Add in low visibility, a couple of sneaky turns, and vehicles coming from the other direction, and it's a recipe for confusion. Word on the street is that it's the second-longest road tunnel in the country but it’s definitely not winning any safety awards. Ventilation's not great either, which only adds to the thrill…or maybe the dread!
extremeHow to get by car to Selma Lake in Karnali?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just discovered Selimā Daha, a stunningly clear high-altitude lake nestled way up in Nepal's Karnali Zone at a staggering 4,573m (15,003ft)! We’re talking deep in the Humla District, south of Nyalu Lagna Pass, practically knocking on Tibet's door in the upper Limi Valley. This is seriously off-the-beaten-path territory, so you'll need to bring your A-game. This place is all about tranquility and unbelievably clear water. Think peaceful picnics, short hikes, and soaking in views of the nearby villages - it's a real peek into the local way of life. Now, about getting there. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Picture a totally unpaved, rocky, steep, and winding track. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! That stretch hugging the northern edge of the lake has a pretty dramatic drop-off, so keep your eyes on the road. Oh, and heads up: this route is a no-go in the winter because snow takes over. Starting from Yalbang, you're looking at a 22.5 km (13.9 miles) trek with an elevation gain of 1,865 meters, meaning a pretty steep 8.28% average gradient. But the views of the trans-Himalayan landscape are totally worth the challenge! Selma Lake is perfect for a day trip with gentle hikes and a chance to connect with the local culture.
moderateHow to drive the wild Mintaka Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mintaka Pass is calling your name—if you dare. Perched high in the Karakoram Mountains on the border of Pakistan and China, this bad boy clocks in at a whopping 4,450 meters (that's almost 14,600 feet!). Linking Kashgar Prefecture in China with Pakistan's Hunza District, Mintaka Pass is a properly remote beast. Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking pure, unadulterated, unpaved road that demands a 4x4. But here's the thing: this isn't your average scenic route. The whole area on the Chinese side has been a no-go zone for foreigners since way back, and the Pakistani side? Well, let's just say it's seen its fair share of trouble, with reports of terrorist activity, smuggling, and general unrest. So, stunning views? Absolutely. A walk in the park? Definitely not.
moderateWhere is Jebel al Lawz?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
'Mountain of Almonds' ) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of (7,844 ft) above sea level, located in Where is Jebel al Lawz? The peak, also known as , is located in the northwestern part of the country, near the Is the road to Jebel al Lawz paved? The road to the summit is completely paved. The drive offers on the eastern side of the massif, with a panoramic view of Can I reach the summit of Jebel al Lawz? preventing anyone from accessing the very top of the summit. How long is the road to Jebel al Lawz? The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a through some of the ramps. Starting at (25.60 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is Ultimate 4WD Destination: Wakan Village Driving the rough 4x4 trail through Wadi an Nakhur in Oman Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.