Road to Sepu Kangri: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Sepu Kangri is a high mountain peak located in Biru County, within Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. A minor gravel road north of the peak climbs up to 4.751m (15,587ft) above the sea level.
Set high in the eastern part of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, the road is totally unpaved and very narrow. It’s a grinding, bumpy, bone-bruising drive and a 4x4 vehicle is required. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain, with a notorius absence of oxygen. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor.
Tucked away in the heart of Eastern Tibet, the road is 45.5 km (28.27 miles) long, starting at 303 Provincial Road (S303). It’s a steep drive, hitting a 12% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The road ends between the glacial melt water and the far end of Samu Co lake, a blue alpine lake. This road is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow). The open and close dates all depend on snowmelt and snowfall each year.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&video: People's Daily, China 人民日报