
Where is 218 Country Road located?
China, asia
89.4 km
5,418 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to County Road 218 (aka S218) in southern Tibet, China. This isn't just any road trip; it's a full-blown expedition through the heart of the Tibetan/Nepalese Himalayas!
This rugged dirt track lives entirely within Tingri County, Shigatse, linking the G318 (near the base for Everest and Cho Oyu climbers) to X701. Get ready for 89.4 kilometers (55 miles) of seriously challenging terrain.
The real kicker? The Sing La (Puhrel La) Pass. We're talking a lung-busting 5,418 meters (17,775 ft) above sea level! Altitude sickness is a major player here, and your engine will be gasping for air right along with you.
Forget smooth sailing โ this is a completely unpaved rollercoaster. You absolutely, positively need a 4WD beast with high clearance. Rain turns the road into a muddy, slippery mess, and loose gravel sections will keep you on your toes. Pack your supplies, check your gear, and prepare for an epic ride!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 89.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,418 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving the NH 183A Road in Kerala is Not for the Faint of Heart
๐ฎ๐ณ India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Kerala, South India, on NH 183A. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious curves โ thousands of 'em! This 174 km (108 mile) stretch from Kumily (or Kumaly if you prefer) to Sasthamkotta (aka Sasthamcotta) will have you gripping the wheel. Word to the wise: Kerala gets its fair share of rain, and this road gets slick. Landslides can make sections impassable after a downpour. Plus, expect narrow stretches, super steep climbs, and a max elevation of 1,184m (3,884ft). Stunning views, yes, but maybe pack some motion sickness pills if you're prone to feeling queasy. It's a wild ride!
hardWhere is Kungzhag La?
๐ฎ๐ณ India
Okay, buckle up for Kungzhag La! This bad boy sits way up high on the border where Northeast India meets the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Getting to the top? Tricky! You'll find the road east of Tso Karnak, hugging the border. It's a rough, unpaved track leading up to a military area. Seriously, don't even *think* about wandering off the road โ it's a hazardous zone, and you absolutely need a permit to drive here in the first place. The road itself? Pure mountain terrain. Think steep climbs, super narrow stretches, and a surface that's more rock than anything else. This one is for seriously experienced mountain drivers only! It's not a long haul, clocking in at just 11.6 km, but you'll climb a whopping 941 meters. That's an average gradient of over 8%! It's no wonder this route is one of the highest in the country. Get ready for some epic views โ if you dare!
hardJonbulak Ashuu
๐ Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about the Jonbulak Ashuu pass in Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan mountains. We're talking serious altitude here: 3,018 meters (that's 9,901 feet!). The road's gravel, but generally in decent shape, which is a relief, right? Just be warned, this baby is usually snowed in from November to March, so plan accordingly. The climb? Intense! The air gets seriously thin, which is a punch in the lungs, and the steepness is no joke. Heads up, altitude sickness can kick in above 2,500 meters, so be prepared to take it slow and steady. But hey, think of the bragging rights โ and the views!
moderateGeghakโar
๐ Armenia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Syunik, Armenia โ the country's wild south โ and you've got a serious craving for elevation, then Geghak'ar is calling your name. This high mountain peak clocks in at a whopping 3,182 meters (that's 10,439 feet for my American friends!), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Armenia. Now, don't go thinking this is a Sunday drive. The road to the top is a proper off-road experience: think gravel, rocks, bumps, and enough tippy moments to keep you on your toes. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Be warned: you'll likely find it impassable from October to June. Mountain weather is no joke here. Those sunny skies can turn into a four-wheel-drive-only thunderstorm in a heartbeat! But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely worth it. Prepare for scenery that'll blow your mind!