
Road trip guide: Conquering the 562 Country Road
China, asia
19.2 km
4,287 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Country Road 562 in Tibet's Chamdo Prefecture! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on, unpaved, 19.2 km (11.93 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated mountain road connecting Highway 214 to the tiny village of Gaiwa, nestled along the Nujiang River.
Get ready for hairpin turns and blind corners that will test your driving skills, and an elevation that climbs to a whopping 4,287m (14,064ft). Seriously, bring your 4x4 and leave your lead foot at home. This isn't a race, it's an experience. Take your time, soak in the views, and prepare to be amazed by the rugged beauty of Tibet!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering the 562 Country Road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.3474, 108.4561
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 19.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,287 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 32.3474, 108.4561
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