Where does the S217 road start and end?
China, asia
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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 (DÃĒgÃĒ 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!
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Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: Western Tibet, Ngari Prefecture, Gar County. You're heading to a spot way, way up there â we're talking 5,176 meters (almost 17,000 feet!). That's where you'll find the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope. The road? Concrete, and brand new (finished in 2020). But don't think it's a Sunday drive. This is a seriously steep climb! You're going up a mountain, so yeah, incredible views are a given. But remember, you're in the Himalayas. The air is thin, and the weather can turn on a dime. Altitude sickness is a real thing, so be prepared. But the reward? You'll be at a cutting-edge observatory, on top of the world!
hardHung La
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Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Hung La in Tibet! This high-altitude pass tops out at a breathtaking 13,900 feet (4,237m). You'll find it along the G214, also known as the Tibet-Yunnan highway. Now, don't let the asphalt fool you; this isn't a Sunday drive. This road is a real trek, winding through remote mountain terrain. Be prepared for a long and challenging ride. The air gets thin up here, and the steep climbs will definitely test your engine â and your lungs! Plus, the area is known for thick fog, so visibility can be a real issue. Definitely avoid this route if the weather's looking dicey. But hey, if you're up for it, the views are totally worth it!
extremeA hairpinned road to the summit of Gade La
đ¨đŗ China
Hey adventurers, buckle up for Gade La, also known as Lashan Pass or Gadila! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Banbar County, Tibet, clocking in at a dizzying 5,016m (16,456ft). Yeah, altitude sickness is a real thing here â most folks start feeling it way lower, around 2,500-2,800 meters! The road stretches for a whopping 709 km, and most of it's above 4,200m! The 85.7 km (53.25 miles) section from Nimuxiang to Maxiuxiang is the real heart of the pass. Expect a mix of paved sections and plenty of gravel, plus countless hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Oh, and did I mention the steep drops? In many places, there are unprotected edges plunging hundreds of meters down. Keep your eyes peeled for seriously stunning scenery: snowy mountains as far as the eye can see. BUT â and this is a big but â don't even THINK about attempting this road in bad weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real threats. Ice patches are common, making things even more dicey. The road can get flooded, damaged by rain, and closed without warning. Even with 4x4, you might find yourself stuck after a storm. You'll also encounter some muddy, rough, and unlit tunnels â just to add to the thrill! Speeding trucks and dripping water inside...yikes!
extremeA road trip on the Syangboche La is truly epic
đŗđĩ Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Syangboche La, nestled way up in the wild, remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal, is calling your name! Imagine this: You're cruising at a cool 12,552 feet (3,826m), smack-dab in the Kali Gandaki River valley. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The Kaligandaki Road Corridor, carved out by the Nepal Army, is a real beast. Think gravel tracks begging for 4WD, especially since winter basically shuts this place down. We're talking potential avalanches, serious snow, and landslides galore, plus those sneaky patches of ice that can ruin your day. The 5.2km stretch between Syanboche and Ghiling is absolutely epic. Just remember, the air gets thin up here, and you're way out there, so come prepared! This route isn't just a road; it's a high-altitude roller coaster through some of the most stunning (and isolated) landscapes Nepal has to offer. Get ready for some serious mountain pass hopping!