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 Erkeshtam Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Ready for an epic border crossing adventure? Then buckle up for the Erkeshtam Pass! Straddling the Kyrgyzstan-China border at a lofty 2,838m (9,311ft), this is a popular route for those exploring Central Asia. You'll find it connecting Sary-Tash (Kyrgyzstan) to Ulugqat (China), stretching 165 km (103 mi). The road itself is paved on both sides, so no need for a 4x4! It’s known as in Kyrgyzstan and S309 in China. Expect smooth sailing unless the snow starts falling on the Kyrgyz side. Keep in mind that crossing this border isn't a walk in the park (literally, you can't walk the 10km no-man's land between posts!). You'll need to switch from a Kyrgyz to a Chinese vehicle at the border. Also, it's only open during daylight hours, closed on weekends and holidays, and immigration can be tricky, so plan accordingly and arrive early. Budget 1-3 hours for the process. While it might sound a bit challenging, the unique experience and incredible scenery make it all worthwhile!
hardA beautiful mountain road to Anbarkesh Pass
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, adventure-seekers, let me tell you about the legendary Anbarkesh Pass in northern Iran! This beast of a road straddles the border between the Mazandaran and Qazvin provinces and hits an altitude of 2,776m (9,107ft). Picture this: you're south of NaftChak Peak, inching your way along a 23 km (14 mile) unpaved track that connects the tiny village of Separ Deh with Viar. This high-altitude link is your ticket between Ramsar and Alamut-e Gharbi District. Now, hold on tight! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking hairpin turns galore, steep drops that'll make your palms sweat, and a seriously loose surface. You'll need some solid mountain driving experience to tackle this one. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is non-negotiable to handle the terrain and those killer gradients. Aim for late spring or early summer (June and July) for the best chance to get through, because the Alborz Mountains can get seriously snowy and gnarly the rest of the year!
moderateKōtal-e Sabzak
🌍 Afghanistan
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Kōtal-e Sabzak! This gnarly mountain pass sits way up high at 2,552m (8,372ft), straddling the border between Herat and Badghis provinces in northwestern Afghanistan. They call it the Lapis Route, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. This unpaved road twists and turns its way to the top, but be warned: it's seriously rough. Winter pretty much shuts this route down completely. Expect a bumpy ride – we're talking roller coaster levels of unevenness caused by the ground freezing and thawing! Up here, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature. Think crazy winds and super-fast weather changes. This pass is the link between Herat, one of Afghanistan's biggest cities, and Qala-e-Naw. The road is in awful condition and tests even the most seasoned drivers. Seriously, prep is key. Make sure your ride is ready for anything because you're pretty far from civilization out here. And hey, keep an eye on the news before you go, just to stay updated on the local situation.
hardWhere is Mount Paektu?
🌍 North Korea
Okay, picture this: you're heading to Mount Paektu, the legendary volcano right on the North Korea/China border, crowned with the breathtaking Heaven Lake. This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to the highest point you can reach by car in the entire country! The views? Unreal. You're talking about extreme altitude and a landscape unlike anything else. Fair warning, though: this trip is seasonal. We're talking roughly May to September, because winter here is no joke. Think crazy snowfall and weather that'll test your mettle. The road itself? It's paved in the tourist-friendly spots, winding and steep as you gain elevation. You can drive up to a parking area way up high, probably over 2,000 meters. Then, to reach the very top and Heaven Lake, you can hop on a cable car or brave a short but challenging 3 km hike. Even in summer, be prepared for anything. High winds, chilly temps — it's all part of the adventure. Given the remote location, come prepared, and get ready for a drive you'll never forget.