Sichuan–Tibet Highway — Litang to Batang via the Tibetan Plateau High Spine and Haizi Mountain Divide (G318 High Plateau Segment)
Yak country, prayer flags, and 4,700m passes.
At 4,014 metres, Litang is already high enough to make your head pound before you’ve turned a wheel. The run southwest to Batang on the G318 covers roughly 290 kilometres of high-altitude plateau road that crosses the Haizi Mountain divide and drops hard into the Jinsha River canyon — the geological boundary between Sichuan and Tibet. Along the way you pass through Tibetan nomad country where yak herds outnumber vehicles, prayer flags mark every ridge, and the road surface alternates between fresh Chinese highway asphalt and sections demolished annually by frost heave and landslides. The descent into Batang via the canyon switchbacks is one of the most dramatic road sequences in Asia.
This segment is technically a sealed highway, but altitude, remoteness, and weather push it into Difficult territory for any unprepared traveler. Foreigners entering Tibet Autonomous Region (which begins at the Sichuan border near Batang) require a Tibet Travel Permit and a Tibet Entry Permit — arrange these well in advance through a licensed agency in Chengdu. Best season is May through October; the road sees heavy snow closures from November through April. Fuel is available in Litang and Batang, with limited options between. Cell service is spotty to none through the canyon sections. Acclimatise before you drive — altitude sickness at 4,700 metres is not a minor inconvenience.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 180 mi / 290 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15420 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance with cold-weather preparation |
| Nearest town | Litang, Sichuan, China |
| Land manager | China National Highway Administration (G318) |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Patrol handle this segment without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will manage the road surface, but cold-weather prep is non-negotiable — fuel lines, coolant rated to extreme cold, and a solid battery. Altitude above 4,700m will stress naturally aspirated engines significantly, so expect reduced power and plan accordingly.
When does snow close the high passes, and is May really safe to start?
Passes can hold snow into late May and see early snowfall again by October — the window is real but tight. Early May crossings are possible but carry avalanche and ice risk on the switchbacks above 4,500m; late September is safer than October if you're pushing the season.
What permits do foreign nationals need to drive this stretch of G318?
Foreign nationals require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) plus a Restricted Areas Permit for sections approaching Batang and the TAR border zone — standard tourist visas alone are not sufficient. Permit requirements and enforcement change with political conditions, so verify current status directly with a registered Chinese travel agent within weeks of your trip, not months.
What's the hardest section between Litang and Batang, and what makes it genuinely dangerous?
The descent off the Haizi Mountain Divide toward Batang is the crux — steep gravel switchbacks with loose surface, exposure on the outside edge, and no guardrails for long stretches. Add afternoon convective storms that roll in fast at altitude and the road surface can go from dusty to slick in minutes with zero warning.
How far is it between reliable fuel stops on this 290km segment?
Litang has fuel and is your last guaranteed source before a long stretch — there are small stations in villages along G318 but supply is inconsistent and fuel quality varies. Carry a minimum 50-litre reserve and treat every working pump you encounter as an opportunity to top off.
Trail track
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