What are the driving conditions on the road to Bairi Pass?
Bairi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,556m (14,947ft) above sea level, located in Dawu County, within the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan. The route is a critical link between the high Tibetan Plateau and the lower valley settlements. Driving this section of County Road 179 requires managing a massive vertical drop that puts extreme stress on any vehicle's braking system.
| Road facts: Bairi Pass | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dawu County, Sichuan (China) |
| Elevation | 4,556 m (14,947 ft) |
| Length | 31.6 km (from Dawu) |
| Technical Features | 13 sharp hairpin turns / Paved surface |
How difficult is the drive on County Road 179?
Starting from Dawu, the climb to the Bairi Pass summit spans 31.6 km. Although the road is fully paved, the sheer scale of the descent—with an elevation change of over 3,300 meters—dominates the driving experience. At 4,556m, the thin air reduces engine power and cooling efficiency. The route includes 13 sharp hairpin turns where steering must be precise, especially when encountering local trucks. The road stays narrow as it drops from the open plateau into tight, steep-walled valleys.
How to manage the long descent from Bairi Pass?
The main hazard on Bairi Pass is the relentless downhill grade. Drivers must use engine braking to control their speed during the 31.6 km drop from the plateau. Relying only on foot brakes will cause them to overheat quickly, leading to dangerous brake fade. As you leave the high-altitude snowline and reach the warmer valley floor, the increasing ambient temperature makes it even harder to keep the brakes and tires cool. This is a working mountain road used by locals, so expect heavy vehicles coming the other way on narrow bends.
What are the weather risks at 4,556m in Dawu?
At nearly 5,000m, Bairi Pass (also known as Daofu or Tawu) can see snow and ice at any time of year. The transition from the high plateau to the valley changes the road conditions rapidly; you might start in bright sun and end up in thick clouds or fog as the road enters narrower gorges. Safety protocols include carrying extra oxygen for those not used to the altitude and ensuring the vehicle's cooling system is in top shape for high-torque, low-speed work on the steepest sections of County Road 179.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&video: Walk China - Driving Channel