From the Yunnan-Tibet Highway to the Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Basu

Basu, like Zuogong, is under the jurisdiction of Qamdo City. It became a county in 1959. Basu County is located in Baima Town, at an altitude of about 3,300 meters, on the upper reaches of the Nujiang River. The distance from Zuogong County to Basu County via the G318 National Highway is about 200 km. After having a CNY 20 beef noodle breakfast, we left Zuogong. The highway winds northwest along the Yuqu River. Upon reaching Bangda Town, the G214 National Highway heads north-northwest towards Bangda Grassland and Bangda Airport, eventually turning west towards Qamdo. The G318 National Highway, however, splits from the G214 at Bangda Town and turns west towards Basu. After leaving Bangda Town, the G318 climbs for about 30 km, crossing the Yela Mountain Pass at over 4,600 meters. After navigating the Nujiang 72 Turns, it enters the Nujiang River Valley and then reaches Basu County. The name "Basu" means "village at the foot of the warrior's mountain" in Tibetan. Between Zuogong and Bangda, the G318 has gentle slopes, mostly running alongside the Yuqu River. The highway passes through several Tibetan villages and occasionally encounters freely roaming yaks. Busy trucks come and go on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, and the road conditions vary. You'll also see speeding motorcyclists whizzing by, as well as long-distance travelers on foot, some even pushing carts. Extra caution is required while driving, paying attention to pedestrians, yaks, speeding motorcycles, and oncoming trucks. Particular attention should be paid to special sections like the Nujiang 72 Turns, where road conditions are poor. At sharp bends, watch for oncoming traffic. If there's a large truck, it's best to stop and wait a hundred meters before the bend—large trucks usually sweep across the entire road surface when turning—making things easier for everyone. Some drivers from the plains or those who have rented cars are clearly unfamiliar with mountain driving, taking turns without slowing down and directly occupying the opposite lane—thinking they're highly skilled and putting on a mountain racing show. Little do they know they're jeopardizing their own safety and that of others. In such cases, either honk your horn to alert them or stop and wait before the bend. Waiting a few seconds can ensure a happy life. There is a parking lot at the Yela Mountain Pass that can accommodate a dozen or so cars. Across the road is a viewing platform overlooking the Nujiang 72 Turns. After taking a break and enjoying the view, leave promptly and proceed cautiously, experiencing one hairpin turn after another. Near the Nujiang River Valley, there's an open area where you can park and rest if necessary. After a short break, you'll cross the newly built Nujiang Bridge, pass through the Nujiang River Valley, and arrive at Basu County. Basu County mainly stretches along the G318 National Highway, with gas stations and numerous restaurants and hotels. Many hotels have ground-level or underground parking lots. There's also a primary school by the road in the central area. It was a pleasant surprise to find a Hunan restaurant here, which is not very common. Tomorrow, we will pass Ranwu Lake and arrive at Bome in Nyingchi Prefecture, where the wonderland of peach blossoms awaits.