How to drive the unpaved and remote S224 road to Riadong La in the Qiajajima Mountains?
Riadong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,005m (16,420ft) above sea level, located on the border of Zadoi and Zhidoi counties in the Yushu Prefecture of Qinghai, China.
Where is Riadong La located?
The pass is located in the remote Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of southern Qinghai.
How long is the road through Riadong La?
Set high in the Qiajajima Mountains, the road through the pass is 198km long, running north-south from Zhidoi to Zadoi.
Is the road through Riadong La unpaved?
The surface is a mix of washboard gravel, deep ruts, and fine dust that can clog air intakes. The track often follows the Angqiansong river, where the roadbed is prone to erosion and flash floods. Some sections are narrow ledges carved into riverside cliffs with no safety barriers. A 4x4 vehicle is required.
How remote is the road to Riadong La?
The isolation along this 200-kilometer stretch is total. There is zero cell phone coverage and very little passing traffic. The road stays above 4,000 meters for almost the entire 198-kilometer journey, traversing one of the most sparsely populated areas of the Tibetan Plateau. There are no gas stations, villages, or repair shops once you leave the main settlements at either end of the S224.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&more info: https://asian-alpine-e-news.com/asian_alpine_e-new_issue_no35.pdf