
218 Country Road (S218): Conquering Buze La Pass at 5,418m
China, asia
89.4 km
5,418 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-charts, off-the-beaten-path experience, then Tibet's 218 Country Road needs to be on your radar. Picture this: you're in the heart of the Himalayas, specifically in Tingri County, China, cruising the Ra Chu Valley.
This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 89.4 kilometers (55 miles) of pure, unadulterated dirt road. Seriously, leave your sedan at home. A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. And you'll be needing it to get from the G318 Road near Tingri (Everest base camp, anyone?) all the way down south to Zuobude Village.
The real kicker? Altitude. Get ready to kiss the sky at the Buze La Pass, soaring to a mind-blowing 5,418 meters (17,775 feet)! The air is thin, so expect some huffing and puffing, both from you and your vehicle. Engine trouble is a real possibility, too. And don't forget to pack extra supplies in case you get stuck in some slippery mud after a sudden rain shower!
Despite the challenges, imagine the views! Towering peaks, remote villages, and landscapes unlike anything you've ever seen. The 218 Country Road isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown adventure for the truly intrepid!
Where is it?
218 Country Road (S218): Conquering Buze La Pass at 5,418m is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.3899, 102.1464
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 89.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,418 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.3899, 102.1464
Related Roads in asia
extremeRoad X120
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for the X120 in northwestern Sichuan, China! Locals call it the Pingsong Road, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. This asphalt ribbon stretches for 150km, connecting Chuanzhusizhen to the Pignan Highway, but it’s not just a connector – it's an adventure! Get ready for a serious climb! We're talking a lung-busting ascent to 4,016m (13,175ft). That altitude can hit you hard, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if you’re sensitive to heights over 2,500m. And the road? It's a twisty beast, famed for hundreds of hairpin turns – including a staggering 72 bends just to reach the summit of Ye La, and another 90 near Tinki La! Keep an eye on the weather! This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Patches of ice are common, and low visibility from heavy mist can make things pretty dicey. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountain and only tackle this route in good conditions!
hardHow challenging is the Jiu Ruo Road from Qiujixiang to Zaijiu?
🇨🇳 China
Wanna tackle an epic road trip on the edge of the Tibetan plateau? Then get ready for Lamaling Shankou, aka the Jiu Ruo Road, snaking its way between Zoigê and Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan. This high-altitude pass punches through the Minshan mountains, that are known for killer limestone scenery. Think of the Jiu Ruo Road as a "shortcut" to the views. Sure, it's paved, but don't think it's a cakewalk! This is a place of rockfalls and seismic grumbles. Road trip lowdown: This stretch of road runs north-south for about 108 kilometers, from Qiujixiang to Zaijiu. But here's the kicker: over 1,000 curves. Seriously! Imagine hairpin after hairpin, blind corner after blind corner. Your arms will get a workout for sure. The cliff-side views are insane, but some sections have sketchy barriers (or none at all!). Pace yourself, those thousand curves can wear you out! Budget at least 4 hours of pure driving time because you won't be speeding. If you get motion sickness or are scared of heights, this road will test you. Altitude alert: At almost 4,000 meters, you'll feel the thinner air. Your engine will be a little sluggish, so your car will be working hard on those inclines. Check those brakes before you head down—all that turning puts them to work! Weather can turn on a dime in these mountains. Fog can roll in, rain can make the pavement slick, and winter turns it into an ice rink. But those views? Totally worth it! Think epic Tibetan landscapes and alpine forests worthy of UNESCO.
extremeDriving the extreme road to Gyandro La: A 5,147m mountain pass with 62 hairpin turns
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Gyandro La, clocking in at a sky-scraping 5,147m (16,886ft), sits nestled between Lhünzê and Cona counties in Tibet's Shannan Prefecture. We're talking seriously remote, folks—right in the heart of the Himalayas. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 46.6 km of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road snaking its way from Yonggaerding to Lenong through a wild, isolated landscape. Forget smooth tarmac! It's all rugged dirt and gravel here, so you'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the uneven terrain. Hold on tight, because the climb is packed with a mind-blowing **62 hairpin turns**! Seriously, they're jammed so close together, you'll need all your focus and patience to navigate them. The gradient hits a maximum of **8%** in places, and while that might not sound insane, remember you're doing it all above 5,000 meters. The air is thin, making it tough on both you and your engine. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so be prepared! Resources are scarce out here. Come ready to be self-sufficient and prepared for unpredictable weather. Speaking of weather, always check the forecast before you go. This road is generally only passable in summer, as winter snow turns it into a no-go zone.
hardIs the Road to Wadi Arbaeen Unpaved?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Located in the Al Sharqiyah region in northeastern Oman, Wadi Arbaeen is one of the most amazing wadis in Oman. Drive slowly and carefully, as some sections have sharp heights and curves. Is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen Unpaved? The road to the wadi, also known as Wadi Al Arabiyeen or Wadi Al Arabieen, is completely unpaved. Ensure your tires are in good condition with thick sidewalls, as the wadi is filled with sharp rocks and gravel. The road to this oasis, set amidst barren and dry mountains, is very narrow in parts and slippery in some areas due to the gravel. How Long is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen? Starting from Dibab, the road is 14.6 km (9.07 miles) long and follows the course of the Wadi Al Arbaeen river. Can I Drive My Vehicle on the Road to Wadi Arbaeen? If you dare to take on this challenging road, ensure the driver has experience with off-road driving. Most SUVs should be capable, though some may be too low and could get damaged by rocks on certain stretches. This route is unsuitable for regular cars. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must, as you will need to go off-road to reach the wadi. How Remote is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen? The trail passes through remote areas, so be prepared. Mobile coverage is lost in some sections, and it's important to fill up on gas well before heading out. Wadi Al Arbaeen is not easily accessible due to the lack of signage and the challenging off-road sections. Is the Road to Wadi Arbaeen Worth the Drive? The drive is absolutely worth it. The bed of Wadi Al Arbaeen is rich in flora, and the wadi itself is stunningly beautiful, with pool after pool of picturesque green water among large boulders. Some of the pools are quite deep. This wadi offers a thrilling experience, with plenty of rock-crawling and water crossings. Often overlooked due to the lack of signage, Wadi Al Arbaeen is well worth the effort of navigating the off-road path and reading the map. Along the way, you'll also encounter unique hills with striking grey and orange rock formations. Driving the rough 4x4 trail through Wadi an Nakhur in Oman The remote and isolated road to Jabal Shaharah Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.