S217 Road: Driving the remote 315km route through Sichuan and Qinghai
China, asia
315 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure across the roof of the world on the S217 Provincial Road! This incredible route slices through the rugged borderlands between Sichuan and Qinghai in Western China. For 315 km (195 miles), you'll journey from Xiewuzhen to Manigangezhen, plunging deep into the timeless pastoral landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.
The S217 winds its way from northwest to southeast, connecting the Yushu region with the bustling trade routes of northern Sichuan. You'll be driving straight through the heart of Khampa Tibetan territory, cresting massive ridges that divide the plateau's river valleys.
While the road's paved, don't underestimate this drive. It's a long haul, and your vehicle will be put to the test! The S217 tackles three major passes towering above 4,400 meters: Ngamba La (4,583m), Muri La (4,569m), and Sala La (4,459m). Prepare for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting a lung-busting 16%! The thin air will strain engines and brakes, so keep that in mind.
This is true nomad country. Expect to be surrounded by vast, high-altitude plains dotted with yaks and horses. Keep an eye out for the black yak-hair tents of the local Tibetan nomads, who still follow the seasons with their herds. To the south, you'll be treated to incredible views of the jagged, glaciated peaks of the Chola Mountains.
The weather is the wild card here. Be prepared for sudden heavy mist and fog that can drop visibility to near zero. High-altitude storms can dump snow or create treacherous black ice, even in summer. Since you'll be miles from civilization, make sure to stock up on extra fuel, pack cold-weather gear, and be aware of the symptoms of Altitude Sickness (AMS).
Where is it?
S217 Road: Driving the remote 315km route through Sichuan and Qinghai is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.4293, 108.2637
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 315 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.4293, 108.2637
Related Roads in asia
hardBadawi Pass is a difficult road for experienced drivers only
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Pakistan, you HAVE to check out Badawi Pass in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Perched way up at 11,558 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This epic 26.5-mile stretch, connecting Upper Dir District with the gorgeous Utror & Kalam, is a serious off-road experience. Locals also call it Do Teer Pass, Badgoi Pass, or Badogai Pass, just to keep you on your toes! Forget pavement; you'll be tackling a wild, unpaved track that climbs relentlessly with gradients hitting a whopping 29%. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to conquer the Utrar-Dir Road. Think hairpin turns, massive drop-offs, and heart-stopping views around every corner. The summit, marked by its iconic two-faced hill, rewards you with mind-blowing panoramas of both Swat and Dir Kohistan. Keep in mind this route between Kumrat Valley and Kalam Valley is usually snowed in from November to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Trust me, the thrill and the scenery are worth the white-knuckle ride!
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Maranjab Caravansary
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, so you're up for an adventure in Iran? Check out the road to the Maranjab Caravansary in the northern part of Isfahan Province! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 46.3 km stretch of gravel and sand that'll test your mettle (and your suspension). You'll be out in the middle of nowhere, so come prepared for anything. Seriously, leave the Prius at home—you'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one! But if you're brave enough to tackle this dusty, bumpy ride, you'll be rewarded with a glimpse into history. The Maranjab Caravansary was built way back in 1644 to protect trade caravans on the edge of the Namak salt lake. Just make sure you've got someone behind the wheel who knows the road—trust me on that one!
extremeDriving the Highest Road in the Philippines: Kiangan to Buguias
🇵🇠Philippines
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on what's said to be the Philippines' highest road, soaring to a breathtaking 2,406m (7,893ft)! We're talking about the stretch from Kiangan to Buguias, snaking through the heart of the Cordillera Central range. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. The road, clocking in at around 63 km (39 miles) from Buguias in Benguet to Kiangan in Ifugao, carves its way through mossy forests and kisses cloud-covered peaks. Prepare for views that will blow your mind — seriously, this is postcard-perfect Philippines! But hold on, this beauty comes with a challenge. The road is STEEP. Think hairpin turns and zigzags galore, with some climbs hitting a 20.4% gradient. Mother Nature throws in her own curveballs too: heavy fog, thick mist, and slippery roads when it rains. Landslides are a real threat, with rocks and debris occasionally making an unwelcome appearance. So, check your ride, take it slow, and aim to conquer this beast before nightfall. Factor in at least 2.5 hours of driving time — and that's without stops! Those sharp curves, crazy gradients, and mesmerizing forest views demand your full attention. Word to the wise: pack warm clothes! This high-altitude playground stays chilly all year round, and fog can roll in at any moment, cutting visibility down to practically nothing. The cloud forest vibe is magical, but it amps up the risk, especially in heavy rain. Basically, be prepared, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardA winding road only for experienced drivers to Kenashi Pass
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Gunma-Nagano Prefectural Road 112, smack-dab in central Japan, straddling the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures. You're headed towards Kenashi Pass, a lofty perch at 1,910m (6,266ft) above sea level! This isn't just any drive – it’s the gateway to Mt. Hafu and Mt. Omeshi, so you know the views are going to be epic. "Kenashi" literally translates to "no hair," and they weren't kidding – you're above the treeline here, so the vistas are wide open. The road is paved, but hold on tight, it's a winding one! Think hairpin bends galore, and lots of blind curves. Pro tip: use those mirrors on the corners – you never know what's coming! This is a touristy area, so not everyone is a mountain road pro. It’s a steep climb! We're talking an average gradient of 8%, kicking up to 10% on some of those tight turns. Expect consistent climbs around 7%, with a few leg-burners at 10-11%, and only a couple of brief, gentler sections. At the top, you'll find a parking lot and a few abandoned transmission towers. Feeling adventurous? The road continues beyond the pass for another 3km to the Ogushi sulfur mine ruins. Heads up though: that last bit is unpaved and off-limits to vehicles.