Self-driving in Tibet | 5 Highlights Along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway in Baxoi County

40-Day Self-Driving Travelogue on the Ancient Tea Horse Road Looking at the satellite map, the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway enters Baxoi County from the east, crosses the Yela Mountains, passes Rawok Lake, and heads towards Linzhi and Bomi in the west. Along this road, vast grasslands, steep gorges, and majestic snow-capped mountains alternately appear outside the car window, offering travelers a feast for the eyes and broadening their horizons. We also find joy in this journey. In this article, based on our travel experience, we summarize 5 highlights right beside the G318 that fellow travelers can look out for. ❶ Bangda Grassland Viewpoint Shortly after entering Baxoi County on the G318, you reach Bangda Town, and from there, ascend the Yela Mountain. There is a viewing platform halfway up the mountain, where you can enjoy the magnificent Bangda Grassland on the watershed between the Lancang River and the Nu River. The grassland is 80 kilometers long, 20 kilometers wide, and at an altitude of 4200 meters. The Yuchu River, which has been accompanying travelers along the G318 from Lhorong County, becomes a blue ribbon winding across the grassland here, highlighting the grandeur of the Bangda Grassland. ❷ Yela Mountain's 99 Turns Also known as the Nu River's 72 Turns, the pass is over 4600 meters above sea level and is a must-pass for vehicles, making it a well-known spot on the G318. 'Turns' refer to the winding extension of the road on Yela Mountain. Above the gorge is the twisting road, and below is the roaring Nu River, with the magnificent scenery spiraling through the mountains. The actual experience is that the turns are too numerous to count, and there might be more than 99. The Yela Mountain section of the G318 is currently undergoing upgrades and renovations, with some road conditions being poor, often resulting in hours-long traffic jams, making for a less than ideal travel experience. ❸ 30° North Latitude Viewpoint This is a highway service station, suitable for travelers to rest. It has some cultural and creative elements, making it a good spot for checking in. Near the restaurant, there is a small pond that reflects the wetland shrubs, with majestic snow mountains in the background, making it a good spot for photography. ❹ Baiyi Lake Although Baiyi Lake is just 28 kilometers away from Rawok Lake and right beside the G318, it is not crowded with tourists. The lake is embraced by snow-capped mountains, clear and pure, and is a less-known but great destination. ❺ Rawok Lake Originally a barrier lake formed by a landslide blocking the river with mud and debris, Rawok Lake has become a magical high-altitude lake with ever-changing colors throughout the seasons, 'sometimes muddy, sometimes clear,' due to the replenishment of water sources from the surrounding snow mountains. The lake is quite long, nestled beside the G318, with several spots for checking in and is well-known. We happened to encounter the ultimate beauty of the surroundings of Rawok Lake and will share the gains from our journey with our friends later. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experience, please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to the timeliness, some scenes may have changed, please refer to the current situation. ▶️ Address location information is provided by the website, please leave a message for more detailed information. ▶️ All the scenic spots that Cai Cai Juan Er and Mr. Dog have traveled to by sedan are accessible. 🔸🔹🔸 If you like self-driving tours and prefer the road less traveled, please listen to the stories from Cai Cai Juan Er.