How challenging is driving the China National Highway 317 today?
China, asia
2,030 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G317), a 2,030 km (1,261 miles) trek from Chengdu to Nagqu that'll redefine your definition of "road trip"! Forget your average scenic drive – this is a high-altitude adventure through the heart of the Tibetan Plateau.
Once a muddy mess of a track, the G317 is now mostly paved, a modern marvel slicing through some seriously stunning landscapes. But don't let the smooth surface fool you; this road is no walk in the park. We're talking thin air, crazy weather, and mountain passes soaring above 5,000 meters! Picture yourself cruising through pristine nomadic lands, past ancient monasteries, with snow-capped peaks as your constant companions.
So, what's the challenge today? Altitude, altitude, altitude! You'll be gasping for air above 4,000 meters, and your car might be too. Expect sudden rockfalls in those narrow gorges, and winter hangs on for dear life, bringing snow and ice for most of the year.
Is it all paved? Mostly! The Chola Mountain Tunnel is a game-changer, but you'll still hit construction zones and stretches of gravel. Plus, watch out for herds of wandering animals and slow-moving trucks that can cause some serious traffic jams.
Weather is the real boss here. Blizzards can roll in out of nowhere, even in summer! And hold on tight for those hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. Oxygen tanks and warm layers are essential. This isn't just a drive, it's an expedition through some of China's most incredible, yet isolated, nomadic cultures.
When's the best time to go? Aim for May, June, or September. July and August bring monsoon rains and potential landslides. Winter? Only for the truly hardcore, with temps plummeting below -30°C on the high passes. Get ready for an epic adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 2,030 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
moderateKelok Sembilan: 9 curves-climb
🌍 Indonesia
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out Kelok 9 in West Sumatra, Indonesia! This road connects the central and eastern parts of the island, and the views are seriously stunning. Also known as Kelok Sembilan, this 2.7 km stretch of road near Payakumbuh is a wild ride. Built way back in the early 1900s, it used to be famous (or maybe infamous?) for its nine super steep curves that caused crazy traffic jams. Luckily, six new bridges were built in 2013, making the drive smoother and even more scenic. "Kelok" means "curve," and trust me, you'll feel every single one of those nine bends! If you're looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, this is the place. Plus, you're driving through lush nature reserves with green hills on either side, making the journey even more incredible. This road is a true testament to Indonesia's road-building skills, and with tons of awesome photo spots, it's become a major tourist attraction.
moderateDangjin Shankou: Navigating China's Majestic Altitudes on Road G215
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dangjin Shankou, a seriously stunning mountain pass soaring to 3,655m (that's nearly 12,000ft!) in Gansu Province, China. This gem sits pretty in the Altyn Tagh range, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. The road, known locally as Dangjinshan Daban, is completely paved and part of the G215 highway. Picture this: endless straightaways mixed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes – it's a driver's dream! This epic pass stretches for 60km (37 miles), connecting Aleteng Town in the south with Changcaogou Daoban up north. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go. This area can get hit with rough conditions quickly. Stick to daylight hours, and definitely avoid driving after dark or after it's been raining. Trust me on that one!
moderateHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Pereval Taunmurun
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Pereval Taunmurun! This killer mountain pass tops out at a breathtaking 3,545 meters (that's 11,630 feet for us imperial system folks!) in the Osh Region of Kyrgyzstan. Snaking through the majestic Alay Mountains, this 72.7 km (45.17 miles) stretch of perfectly paved road is a dream. We're talking an east-west route from Sary-Tash right up to the Chinese border at Irkeshtam (also known as Erkeshtam or Erkech-Tam), passing through the tiny villages of Nura and Erkeshtam along the way. Don't expect crazy traffic jams here – you'll likely have the place practically to yourself! The scenery is raw, untamed, and utterly captivating. The pass itself? That's the highest point on the whole shebang. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
hardPar La: A high-altitude ridge track in the Himalayas of Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Par La! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 4,334 meters (that's 14,219 feet!) in the wild and remote Kyirong County, Tibet. Think dramatic ridge lines and views that'll make your jaw drop. This isn't just a pretty drive, though. It's a lifeline connecting isolated communities in the southwestern Himalayas, near the Nepal border. You're looking at a rugged landscape of deep valleys and sky-scraping peaks – classic Tibetan Plateau vibes. The road itself? Forget pavement! This is a totally unpaved, 17km (10.56 mile) stretch of pure off-road challenge running north-south between Qiangla Longba and Gungtang. Even seasoned off-road drivers will need their A-game for this one. Get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly hair-raising, ride!