Where does the S217 road start and end?
China, asia
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure across the rugged border of Sichuan and Qinghai in Western China! This isn't just a drive; it's a deep dive into the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, connecting Xiewuzhen (Chindu County) with Manigangezhen (Dêgê County) via the S217 Provincial Road.
Spanning a significant distance, this northwest-to-southeast route is a lifeline between the Yushu region and the trade routes of northern Sichuan. You'll be cruising through the Khampa Tibetan heartland, tackling massive ridges that carve up the plateau's river basins.
But hold on tight; this road is no Sunday drive! It's a long and demanding journey that throws three major passes at you, all soaring above 4,400 meters, including the infamous Dadongshu Pass and Tro La. Expect some seriously steep ramps that will test your engine and brakes, especially with that thin, high-altitude air.
The scenery, though? Absolutely breathtaking. Picture wide, high-altitude plains teeming with yaks and horses. Keep an eye out for the black yak-hair tents of the nomadic Tibetan herders as they move their herds with the seasons. And to the south, feast your eyes on the majestic, jagged, glaciated peaks of the Chola Mountains.
Now for the heads-up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Heavy mist and fog can roll in out of nowhere, slashing visibility in seconds. High-altitude storms can bring snow or black ice, even during summer. Given the remoteness, services are scarce, so pack extra fuel, cold-weather gear, and be ready to combat potential Altitude Sickness (AMS). This is white-knuckle driving at its finest!
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhere is Lake Moriri?
🇮🇳 India
Tso Moriri: Imagine a hidden gem nestled high in the Ladakh region of India! This lake sits pretty at 14,836 feet, a true alpine paradise. Forget swimming – this place is all about soaking in the views and respecting the pristine environment of this protected wetland. Stretching almost 16 miles long and a few miles wide, Tso Moriri's crystal-clear waters reflect the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for migratory birds like the black-necked crane, and other cool high-altitude wildlife. The road to Tso Moriri, about 28 miles from Sumdo to Korzok, is paved, but don't let that fool you! You'll be fording streams and battling potential snow, even in summer. The road also treats you to views of the shimmering Tso Kar lake. Reaching a max elevation of 15,889 feet, this high-altitude route is usually open only in the summer months, thanks to brutal winter conditions. This area is remote, so come prepared! Fuel up before you go, as there are no gas stations nearby, and don't expect fancy amenities. Power, hot water, and medical aid are scarce, but the views of the Rupshu Valley are priceless.
extremeIs the road to Dangbe La paved?
🇨🇳 China
Yo, adventure seekers! Ready to tackle Dangbe La? This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a staggering 5,183m (17,004ft), so get ready for some seriously thin air! You'll find it deep in Xaitongmoin County – that's in the Xigazê Prefecture of Tibet, China, northwest of Shigatse. Forget smooth asphalt, this is pure, unadulterated dirt and gravel glory (or challenge, depending on your perspective!). We're talking about the X201 County Road, and it's rough. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a MUST. The route clocks in at 34 km (21.12 miles), linking Cuobuxixiang and Nadangxiang, but don't let the relatively short distance fool you. Besides the altitude, be prepared for some seriously unpredictable weather, no matter the time of year. Speaking of which, you'll probably only be able to make this journey during the summer months, as snow and ice often shut things down for the rest of the year. And remember, you're on your own out there. There are no services along the way, so come prepared, keep your wits about you, and get ready for the ride of your life!
moderateThe road to Churi Meri La, a chillout in high mountains
🇨🇳 China
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Churi Meri La, a seriously epic mountain pass perched way up high at 4,507 meters (that's 14,786 feet for my American friends!). You'll find this gem nestled in Nangqên County, part of the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China, specifically the southern reaches of Qinghai Province right on the border with Tibet. The road? Mostly unpaved goodness, folks! This is China National Highway 214 (G214), and you *can* tackle it with a 2WD in decent weather. But fair warning: this is mountain country, and when winter hits, expect snow and icy conditions that'll test your driving skills. The journey spans a cool 94.5 km (or 58.71 miles) from Baizhaxiang in Qinghai to Asangkaxiang in Tibet. Get ready for incredible scenery, remote landscapes, and bragging rights for days!
extremeCan I drive through Tienpo La?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in Lhorong County, deep in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and you're staring up at Tienpo La. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a relic of the old S303, a legendary (and feared) route that's been mostly abandoned thanks to a shiny new road down in the valley. Think northeast of Malizhen, right by the Nujiang River (that's the upper Salween for you geography buffs), and you'll find it. This pass? It's a testament to how crazy things used to be when they built roads in the Himalayas. So, can you drive it? Technically, yes. Should you? That depends on how much you like adventure and how good your 4x4 is. This isn't a leisurely cruise. The road's in rough shape, thanks to zero maintenance. We're talking loose shale, serious ruts, and mud pits that turn into a nightmare with a little rain. High clearance is a must. If you're all about off-the-beaten-path, this is your ultimate Tibetan challenge. Just remember, you'll need permits and a guide to drive in Tibet. And most guides? They'll avoid this old S303 like the plague unless you specifically ask (and they've checked it's safe). What makes it so gnarly? Let's start with the 28 hairpin turns that are tighter than a drum. The whole pass runs about 20km between the villages of Xiayicun and Baili. Plus, the climb is crazy steep. Some sections hit a 30% gradient—that's gonna test your engine's cooling system and your low-range gears. And the scenery? Unbelievable. But there are no guardrails, and it is a LONG way down. Snow's common, even when it's not winter, making things even more slippery. Information about the road is scarce, so scout ahead before you commit. This is one of those forgotten roads where a breakdown could leave you stranded for days in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by stunning, but unforgiving, high-altitude wilderness.