Zheduo Mountain: The First Pass on the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Cloud Seas and 99% Fewer Pitfalls

Zheduo Mountain✨: Located in Kangding City, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China📍, Zheduo Mountain is a significant peak🏔️ on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, standing at an altitude of 4,298 meters. Part of the Daxue Mountains, it marks the dividing point between the southern and northern routes of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway🧭. Zheduo Mountain is renowned for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, earning it the title of "The First Pass of Kham"🏆. Key Features: 1. Geographical Location📌: • Zheduo Mountain is a prominent landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, situated west of Kangding City, serving as one of the gateways to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. • Departing from Kangding, the journey over Zheduo Mountain leads into the western Sichuan Plateau, offering breathtaking scenery along the way🏞️. 2. Climate☁️: • Zheduo Mountain experiences variable weather conditions, with year-round snow on its summit. Winters are harsh, and snowfall can occur even in summer. • Due to the high altitude, the air is thin, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Visitors should take precautions to acclimatize🚫. 3. Transportation🛣️: • Zheduo Mountain is a crucial point on National Highway 318 (Sichuan-Tibet Highway), an essential route connecting Sichuan and Tibet. • The winding mountain roads, known as "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns," demand extra caution while driving🚗. 4. Natural Scenery🏞️: • The route along Zheduo Mountain offers picturesque views, encompassing diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons. • The summit provides panoramic vistas, and on clear days, the distant Gongga Mountain is visible🏔️. 5. Cultural Significance🏰: • Zheduo Mountain holds cultural importance for Tibetans, with numerous Tibetan villages and temples in the surrounding area, showcasing rich ethnic customs. Travel Tips💡: • Altitude Sickness: Due to the high elevation, it's advisable to acclimatize beforehand, avoid strenuous activity, and carry oxygen tanks or medication💊. • Weather Changes: Zheduo Mountain's weather is unpredictable, so pack warm clothing and rain gear🧥🧤. • Driving Safety: Exercise caution while driving on the winding mountain roads, especially during rain or snow🌧️❄️. Zheduo Mountain is not only a significant geographical landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway but also a perfect blend of natural and cultural attractions, drawing numerous self-drive tourists and cycling enthusiasts to challenge themselves and admire its beauty🚴‍♂️🚗.