Batang County Town — G318 High Plateau River Gorge Fuel and Resupply Crossroads

Batang (巴塘) is a real working town in western Sichuan at roughly 2,600m elevation where G318 drops dramatically into the Jinsha River gorge before climbing back out toward the Tibet border. It’s one of the few genuine fuel and food stops on the long, punishing run between Litang and Markam. You’ll find gas stations (check pump compatibility for your rig), small restaurants serving Tibetan and Sichuan food, basic guesthouses, and a market where you can top up supplies. The town sits in a wide fertile valley that’s startling green compared to the barren plateau you’ve just crossed — the locals grow peaches and pomegranates here.

Coming from the east, the descent into Batang is steep and switchbacked — watch brake temps. The Jinsha River bridge is a notable checkpoint; police registration is routine here for foreign overlanders. Cell signal exists in town but drops fast heading west. Confirm fuel availability before relying on it for the run into Markam — supply chain gaps happen on this corridor.

Last fuel town before the Yunnan-Tibet line.