The 3310 meter-long Galongla Tunnel that is vital to the Mutuo Highway was completed at 10 o’clock, Dec. 15, 2010.
Metok, located in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is considered to be one of the most untouched places in the world. To those who are not familiar, Motuo is surrounded to its west, north and east, by the Himalayas, and segmented by Yalunzangpo River and Palongzangpo Gorge. That’s why it is so isolated. It is the only county in China which cannot be accessed by car.
Although it is out-of-bound for foreigner except for expedition teams, Chinese backpacking enthusiasts () regard conquering Motuo as the ultimate challenge. Motuo’s landscape varies from cold mountainous slopes, to tropical rainforests. Rainfall makes this area very vulnerable for landslide/mudslide. Since the founding of People’s Republic of China, the Motuo Highway has been attempted many times and failed many times.
Up till now, all transportation between Motuo county and the outside world has been done by animals and human. This Metok Highway under construction is supposed to change that.
The Motuo Highway negotiates the difficult terrain of the Grand Yalunzangpo Gorge. Before approaching Motuo County, it will cross over 6 rivers, and push through the the newly constructed tunnel through Galongla mountain.
Although environmentalists and backpacking enthusiasts may wish to keep things the way they are, with the development of technology, the isolation of Motuo – @The last county in China to be connected by highway” – seems to come to an end.
