How long is China National Highway 217?
China, asia
1,753 km
3,538 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on China National Highway 217 (G217) in southwest Xinjiang! This newly paved route stretches 1,753 km (1,089 mi) through some seriously stunning landscapes. Starting in Altay, a city in northern Xinjiang, you'll journey through the vast Taklamakan Desert, framed by the Kunlun, Pamir, and Tian Shan mountain ranges.
The section between Dushanzi and Kuqa, crossing the Tianshan Mountains, is a highlight. Just be aware, this high-altitude pass tops out at 3,538m (11,607ft). Due to snow and ice, the G217 is only open from May to October. Keep in mind that vehicles with more than 7 seats are restricted. Watch out for potential mudslides!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 1,753 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,538 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Garmabeh-ye Bala Gardan-e
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventurers, let me tell you about Garmabeh-ye Bala Gardan-e! This high-altitude mountain pass in the heart of Afghanistan's Ghor Province will take your breath away – literally, at 9,383 feet above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is part of Asian Highway 77 (AH77), and winds for 71.45 miles (115 km) from Chaghcharān (Firozkoh) near the Hari River, all the way to Lal wa Sarjangal. Think unpaved, think rugged. A 4x4 is your best friend, especially after a downpour. While technically open year-round, be prepared for potential closures in winter if the weather throws a tantrum. The scenery is epic, but a heads up: this area is seriously remote and the security situation can be unpredictable. Be sure to get the latest updates before you go, due to risks like terrorist activity, armed conflict, kidnapping and crime. Basically, plan carefully and know what you're getting into, but if you're prepared, this could be the adventure of a lifetime!
moderateA new paved road to Tso Lhamo Lake
🇮🇳 India
Guys, you HAVE to check out Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim, India! We're talking serious altitude here – 5,330m (17,490ft)! It's one of the highest roads in India, nestled near the Chinese border, north of the Kangchengyao Range. The views? Absolutely unreal. Think snow-capped mountains surrounding a glacial lake – it's like something out of a dream. Locals also call it Chho Lhamo or Cholamu Lake, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Just a heads-up: winters here are intense. The lake completely freezes over. At that altitude, there’s way less oxygen, so take it easy when you're breathing! The road itself? It runs north-south from Kerang to Yumesodong (Zero Point), and it's recently been paved. But don’t let that fool you – it's still an adventure. The altitude is a major factor, and altitude sickness is a real possibility. Throw in unpredictable weather, steep climbs, and a super remote location, and you've got yourself a challenging drive. Come prepared! Food is scarce, so pack your own snacks and water. Breakdowns are a pain out here. There's not much traffic, few settlements, and spotty cell service. Important note: Indian tourists can visit, but foreign travelers need a special permit from Delhi. Plus, it's close to the border with China, so security is tight, and civilian access is limited. But seriously, the views are SO worth the effort!
extremeKhardung La is a difficult drive up to the top of a mountain
🇮🇳 India
# Khardung La: India's Legendary (But Not Quite Record-Breaking) Mountain Pass Perched at a breathtaking 5,359m above sea level in Ladakh, Khardung La is undeniably one of the world's most extreme mountain passes—even if the internet's been telling you it's higher than it actually is. Those viral photos claiming 5,682m? Yeah, GPS has since called that bluff. But honestly, does a few hundred meters really matter when you're gasping for air at these altitudes? This 90km stretch of asphalt runs north from Leh to Tsati, serving as the gateway to the stunning Shyok and Nubra valleys. Built back in 1976 and opened to vehicles in 1988, it's become a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers and hardcore cyclists (though the cyclists usually regret that decision pretty quickly). The road is mostly paved—keyword being "mostly"—and fairly well-maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, though you'll encounter the occasional washout or rockfall. Budget for traffic snarls on narrow one-lane sections and potential delays from landslides. Oh, and you'll need permits and a passport thanks to the nearby Pakistani and Chinese borders and heavy military presence. Here's the brutal truth: altitude sickness is basically guaranteed. We're talking well over double the elevation where AMS typically kicks in. The final kilometers are agonizing, medical support is nonexistent, and those bathrooms at the summit? Absolutely skip them. Plan to spend no more than 1-2 hours at the top and breathe deeply—oxygen is scarce up here. Winter? Forget about it. The road closes from October to May under heavy snow, and monsoon season brings avalanche risks. Stick to summer if you value your life.
moderateDare to drive the dangerous road to Chiasa La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Chiasa La (also called Dagela Shan) in Qinghai Province, China is calling your name! We're talking a staggering 4,887m (that's 16,033ft!) of pure, unadulterated mountain pass. Forget smooth asphalt, this 68.7km (42-mile) stretch from Tielijiaoxiang to Xiaosumangxiang is all about that raw, unpaved life. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. Fair warning: this beauty is best experienced in summer. And remember, you're out in the wild, so don't expect any fancy amenities. Electricity, medical help, hot showers? Think more "rare sighting" than "standard fare." But hey, who needs a spa when you've got views for days? Get ready for an unforgettable journey!