S217, a remote high mountain road in Tibet
China, asia
546 km
4.2 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the S217 in southwestern China's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture! This incredibly remote mountain road is mostly paved but sits entirely above 13,800 feet.
The 217 Provincial Road stretches 339 miles, snaking from Garzêt to the X219 Provincial Road near Wangguotong, running north to south. Heads up: don't even THINK about tackling this route in bad weather! Rain and landslides frequently wreak havoc, leaving it underwater and damaged, so closures can happen anytime. The trickiest section hugs the Yalong River, where you'll find yourself on a cliffside road with absolutely zero protection and drops of hundreds of feet – seriously, no guardrails! The highest point will have you gasping for air at 15,239 feet. This is a scenic drive that'll test your nerves!
Where is it?
S217, a remote high mountain road in Tibet is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.4230, 102.4512
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 546 km
- Max Elevation
- 4.2 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.4230, 102.4512
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is a major mountain pass located in the northwestern part of Sichuan Province, China. Also known as , it stands as a critical high-altitude hurdle on the paved , connecting the remote regions of Derge and Yushu across the Tibetan Plateau. Road facts: Muri La (Zogqen Pass) Sichuan Province, China How steep is the drive to Muri La? The ascent to Muri La is notorious for its sharp gradients and constant hairpins . The road surface is fully paved, but the steepness puts a massive strain on vehicle cooling systems and brakes. At nearly 4,600 meters, the lack of oxygen significantly reduces engine power. Drivers must use lower gears to maintain momentum on the climb and rely on engine braking during the descent to prevent brake fade. What are the conditions like at Zogqen Pass? The pass is located in a high-exposure zone where the weather is unpredictable. Heavy mist and low clouds frequently cover the summit, making visibility a major hazard. The surrounding landscape consists of inhabited by Tibetan nomads. You will see large herds of yaks and horses grazing near the road, but keep an eye out for animals crossing the highway unexpectedly, especially in foggy conditions. When is the best time to cross Muri La? The best window to cross is from late May to September . During the winter months, Muri La is subject to extreme cold and heavy snowfall that can block the S217 for several days. Even in summer, night temperatures can drop below freezing. Before attempting the pass, ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition and carry medical-grade oxygen, as Altitude Sickness (AMS) is a common risk for travelers at this elevation. S304 is an unforgettable journey in Tibet 234 Country Road is an awe-inspiring drive through extremely remote areas 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.
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