218 Country Road

218 Country Road is a high mountain road located in southern Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the heart of the Tibetan/Nepalese Himalayas. 

The dirt road is 90.1 km long, along the Ra Chu Valley. Its highest elevation is at 5.418m (17,775ft) above the sea level, at Buze La, also known as Puhrel La. Notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Extremely low oxygen for engine combustion. The journey has spectacular views of the Himalaya. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. The road links the villages of Ganggazhen (on G318 road) and Chentangcun (near the Nepalese border).

 

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