Is the 705 County Road (X705) paved?
China, asia
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Want a taste of the real Tibet? Then buckle up for the X705, also known as the 705 County Road! This epic route stretches entirely across a seriously high mountain range, so be prepared for some altitude!
The good news? It's paved now, so you can ditch the off-roader and take your trusty car. The not-so-good news? "Easy" isn't exactly the word that springs to mind. We're talking major elevation here, so acclimatize and prepare for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Trust me, you don't want that ruining your trip!
This beauty clocks in at 705 County Road (X705) long, winding its way east to west from a S304 to a small town called Tinki La. Speaking of winding, get ready for a serious workout for your steering wheel! We're talking 90 hairpin turns leading up to Tinki La.
Now, a word of warning: this is the extreme Tibet Autonomous Region, so winter is no joke. Blizzards? Yup. Icy roads? You bet. Check the weather forecast religiously before you even think about setting off.
But hey, with all that said, the views are absolutely breathtaking. If you're up for the challenge, the X705 promises an unforgettable Tibetan adventure!
Related Roads in asia
hardJiabo Co
🇨🇳 China
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! I just found your next thrill: Jiabo Co, a stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 15,662 feet in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture. Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup. We’re talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "tippy" moments along the infamous 711 County Road (X711). Forget about it in the winter – totally impassable. This is strictly a 4x4 kinda trip, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!). Think steep climbs and potentially muddy conditions if it's wet. The views? Absolutely insane. The challenge? Seriously real. You'll find yourself in a super remote area with hardly any traffic, so make sure you are self-sufficient and prepared. This is one for experienced off-roaders only!
moderateMount Spitakasar
🌍 Armenia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Armenia's Ararat Province and craving an off-road adventure, put Mount Spitakasar on your radar. This volcanic giant tops out at a cool 3,255 meters (that's 10,679 feet!), making it one of Armenia's highest drivable points. Nestled in the Geghama Mountains, the road to the summit is a proper off-road challenge. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. A 4x4 is a MUST. Word to the wise: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Also, keep an eye on the sky – thunderstorms can quickly turn a manageable track into a 4x4-only nightmare (or worse, impassable!). But if you time it right, you'll be rewarded with some seriously epic views.
extremeWhen was Cho La Mountain Tunnel built?
🇨🇳 China
Cruising through western Sichuan Province, China? Buckle up for the Cho La Mountain Tunnel, a mind-blowing shortcut through the Cho La Mountains! This beast of a tunnel sits at a staggering 4,378m (14,363ft) above sea level. Opened in 2017 after a 15-year build, this 7km tunnel (plus 5km of access roads) is part of the G317 highway, linking Chengdu to Nagqu in Tibet. Imagine the challenge of building something like this at such an altitude, where the air is thin and the temperatures plummet! The tunnel, also known as Que'ershan Tunnel, cuts through the mountains between 4,232m and 4,378m above sea level. The tunnel is paved, speed is limited to 40 kph, and it takes around 10 minutes to cross. Before this tunnel existed, drivers faced a harrowing journey over a treacherous mountain road, dodging landslides, avalanches, and all sorts of nasty weather on the Que'ershan Mountain Pass at 4,920m (16,141ft)! This tunnel slices two hours off the trip and bypasses the scariest parts of the old road. Trust me, you'll be grateful for this engineering marvel when you see the views!
extremeThe road to Trchkan Waterfall isn’t an easy one
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Armenia's Shirak Province lies the incredible Trchkan Waterfall, reportedly the country's tallest. Getting there is half the fun, if you're into that sort of thing. The dirt road to the base winds above the Chichkhan River at about 6,000 feet, crossing the river... well, more than once! Keep a close eye on the weather, folks. This area can get hit with avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, not to mention sneaky patches of ice. Seriously, proceed with caution! The road itself is gravel and can be totally impassable in winter. Think of it as a scenic challenge! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely want a 4x4. But for those who dare, the views are epic. You'll be cruising through meadows alongside the Chichkhan, with mountains towering on either side. They even call Trchkan Waterfall the "Armenian Niagara". This place is popular with locals who are used to the tough road. Word to the wise: the weather is WILDLY unpredictable. Don't be surprised if you go from dry autumn to snow-covered mountains in just a few hundred yards! It can change on a dime.