The route is known for being risky to traverse. (Image: Getty)
An extraordinary 1,330-mile-long highway takes drivers through majestic landscapes and natural beauty but is regarded as one of the most dangerous roads in the world.
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway primarily consists of two routes from Chengdu, in ‘s Sichuan Province, to Lhasa, a holy city located in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, as per .
The more popular Southern Route is said to provide a slightly more direct route between the two cities, while The Northern Route “takes a more roundabout path to reach Lhasa and is known for its rich Tibetan culture” though both provide stunning views, the firm says.
The paths include awe-inspiring Tibetan settlements and pastoral beauty, with the Southern option beginning with Xindu Bridge, a “destination that photographers dream of” due to the gorgeous views it offers, as per .
However, while the iconic road may be an appealing prospect for visitors looking to take some of the region’s best scenery, it’s said to be fraught with risk due to various factors, including rock avalanches and landslides.
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Sichuan-Tibet Highway. (Image: Getty)
Tibet’s stunning Nu Jiang Turns along Sichuan-Tibet Highway. (Image: Getty)
According to , there are numerous hazardous sections, with the organisation noting that the road traverses 14 high mountains, which average 4,000 to 5,000m in height.
It also “spans dozens of famous rivers (Dadu River, Jinsha River, Lantsang River, Nujiang)” and “crosses primaeval forest” with oxygen only half that of sea level due to the altitude.
Sichuan-Tibet Highway is not easy for drivers to navigate, and despite its name is a snake-like path winding through the mountainous landscape.
The website says other challenges include notoriously difficult driving surfaces and hairpin turns.
[REPORT]
Many people are thought to have lost their lives on the highway over the years, though it’s not known exactly how many.
Prospective visitors are advised to consult official advice due to the safety concerns surrounding the highway.
According to , the Tibetan Government in exile continues to lay claim to Qinghai and Western Sichuan.
However, the rest of Kham has officially been part of the mainland for decades and reportedly includes almost everything east of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
Despite this, the area retains a distinct Tibetan character, evident in the monks clad in red robes, herds of grazing yaks and beautiful gold-roofed monasteries, as per the outlet.