China National Highway 317: The high-altitude paved gateway to Tibet
China National Highway 317 (G317), also known as the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway, is one of the highest and most scenic road trips in the world. Stretching 2,030 km (1,261 miles) from Chengdu to Nagqu, this legendary route has evolved from a treacherous dirt track into a modern, fully paved engineering marvel that crosses the heart of the Tibetan Plateau.
Historically infamous for its mud traps and landslides, the G317 has been almost entirely paved in recent years. However, do not let the smooth asphalt fool you: driving the G317 remains an extreme challenge due to its thin air, unpredictable weather, and some of the highest mountain passes on the planet. It is a journey through pristine nomadic lands, ancient monasteries, and peaks that exceed 5,000 meters.
| Road facts: National Highway 317 (G317) | |
|---|---|
| Length | ~2,030 km (1,261 miles) |
| Surface | Paved (Asphalt) |
| Highest Point | 5,050m (Chola Mountain Pass area) |
| Hazard Level | High (Altitude sickness & Extreme weather) |
How challenging is driving the China National Highway 317 today?
While the "mud trap" days are mostly gone, the G317 remains a dangerous road. The primary hazard is now altitude. The road crosses more than a dozen mountains over 4,000 meters, and oxygen is scarce, affecting both driver concentration and engine performance. Sudden rockfalls are still common in the narrow gorges of western Sichuan, and winter conditions (snow and black ice) can last for up to ten months of the year, making driving a treacherous task even on asphalt.
Is the road to Nagqu from Chengdu unpaved?
No, the G317 is now mostly a paved highway. Massive infrastructure projects, including the opening of the Chola Mountain Tunnel in 2017 (which bypassed one of the most dangerous sections of the road), have significantly improved safety. However, maintenance is constant, and you will often encounter construction zones where the road reverts to gravel for several kilometers. Traffic jams caused by heavy trucks and nomadic herds are still a daily occurrence.
What are the main hazards on the G317 in Tibet?
Beyond the mechanical strain of high-altitude driving, the weather is the biggest threat. Rapid changes can bring blizzards in the middle of summer. The route is also famous for its sharp mountain hairpin bends and steep embankments. Oxygen tanks and cold-weather gear are mandatory. This is not a Sunday drive; it is a high-stakes journey through the loneliest and most splendid nomadic cultures of Western China.
What is the best time to drive the G317?
The best window is from May to June or September to October. July and August bring the monsoon rains, which, despite the pavement, can still trigger massive landslides that close the highway for days. Winter driving is only for the most experienced, as temperatures can drop well below -30°C on the high passes of Nagqu.
Pic&video: China Driving 车行中国