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
hardThe curvy road to Thrumshing La isn't an easy one
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up, because Thrumshing La Pass in Bhutan is a wild ride! This baby climbs to a whopping 3,752m (12,309ft), making it one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find it smack-dab in the middle of Bhutan, straddling the border between Bumthang and Lhuentse districts, right in Thrumshing La National Park. Known as both Thrumshingla Pass and Donga Pass, it's basically the divider between two major river systems. Expect prayer flags galore fluttering in the breeze at the summit – it's a seriously scenic spot. The road itself, the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1), was built in the 90s and let's just say it's seen better days. Paved? Yes, but in *very* rough shape, with some gravel thrown in for good measure. It's steep, twisty (think thousands of curves and hairpin turns), and narrow in places. The eastern descent is a doozy, dropping a staggering 3,150m! The whole route stretches for 256km (159 miles) from Chamkhar in the west to Trashigang in the east. You'll be driving through thick rhododendron forests filled with monkeys, exotic bird calls, and more prayer flags painted on walls. Located high in the Black Mountains, pack for the cold – seriously! Warm clothes, a hat, and gloves are a must. Heavy snowfall can close the pass for a day or two in the winter. Strangely, snow is uncommon from April to May. And be prepared for mist – the summit is usually shrouded in it!
moderateSouthern Expressway to Ella (A2/A4)
🌍 Sri Lanka
# Galle to Ella: Sri Lanka's Ultimate Scenic Drive Want to experience Sri Lanka's full natural diversity in one epic road trip? The A2 and A4 roads connecting Galle to Ella deliver exactly that—and then some. You're looking at roughly 230 kilometers of pure magic, starting from the atmospheric colonial fort town of Galle right on the southwest coast and ascending into the misty, emerald tea gardens of the highlands. What makes this route absolutely unforgettable is how dramatically the landscape transforms as you climb. You'll wind through steamy tropical jungle, past rubber plantations that look straight out of a postcard, and through fragrant spice gardens before suddenly breaking into the rolling tea estates of the hill country—all while gaining elevation until you're cruising above 1,500 meters. The final approach to Ella is where things get genuinely breathtaking. The road hugs dramatic ridgelines with vertiginous drops on either side, offering jaw-dropping vistas across valleys carpeted in tea plants and punctuated by thundering waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning Bambarakanda Falls—at 263 meters, it's Sri Lanka's highest and seriously impressive. And then you reach Ella itself, nestled in a mountain gap with panoramic views stretching all the way south to the coast on clear days. Beyond the stunning scenery, you're essentially road-tripping through Sri Lanka's cultural heart—from Muslim fishing communities on the coast, to ancient Buddhist temples in the lowlands, to the vibrant Tamil tea-picker villages dotting the highlands. It's travel storytelling at its finest.
hardDriving Through Jianan Natural Cave Road in China
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Changshun County in China's Guizhou Province, about to experience something truly unique. You're heading into Jianan Natural Cave Road, a wild 540-meter stretch carved *directly* into a natural cave! This part of Tongzu Road isn’t just any shortcut; it's a lifeline for the folks in Doupeng Village. Before this cave road, popping over to the next community was a serious hike, over an hour of mountain climbing! Now? A breezy 10-minute drive. But be warned: this isn't a cruise-control kind of road. We're talking hairpin turns—more than ten!—and a width that barely accommodates an off-roader in spots. The walls are rough, the rock is uneven, and stalactites hang down inside this karst cave! There's zero lighting, so headlights are a must, and if you're on foot, definitely pack a flashlight. The story behind this road is as incredible as the road itself. Villagers, armed with hammers and shovels, painstakingly widened this cave by hand. It's the only way in and out for many, and a testament to their grit and determination. Keep an eye out for the stone marker at the entrance, commemorating this amazing community project!
easyNational Highway 15 is a very popular drive among tourists in Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Get ready for an epic road trip on National Highway 15 (N-15) in northern Pakistan! This beauty straddles the line between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, serving up some serious scenery. Think classic Pakistani mountain road vibes – hills on one side, dramatic valleys (khuds) on the other. For the most part, the road is paved and wide enough for any vehicle. You can cruise this route, stretching 226 km (140 miles) from Mansehra to Chilas (where it meets the legendary Karakoram Highway N-35). It's a handy shortcut if you're looking to bypass the N-35. The N-15 is a massive hit with tourists heading to Naran and its stunning surroundings. Trust me, Naran is picture-perfect, drawing crowds of trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers. Budget about 7-8 hours to drive it straight, but you'll probably want to stop for photos! Keep in mind, this is a high-altitude route, peaking at 4,179m (13,710ft) at Babusar Pass. Winter brings heavy snow, making it impassable. Plan your trip for the warmer months to fully enjoy this incredible drive!