The writers say that this Chengdu-Lhasa overland trip was not just about reaching a destination; it was about the shared experience of friendship, resilience, laughter and awe. (From left) Ooi Kooi Keat, Yeap Boon Leong, Loo Choo Hin, Teh, Ho Eng Ban, Wai Kok Chin, Foong Hong Chuen and Ong Lay Tatt. — OOI KOOI KEAT
The idea was born a year prior, a shared aspiration whispered in chat groups and solidified over virtual meetings: an unforgettable overland journey across the heart of China.
Eight former classmates, now based in different cities in Malaysia, converged in Chengdu early November 2025 to tackle the legendary G318 highway to Lhasa.
Our expedition leader, the meticulous Teh Song Lai, had orchestrated every detail, ensuring our dream of an epic road trip would become a reality.
We flew in from our various lives, meeting in Chengdu the night before our departure, anticipating the thin mountain air we were soon to encounter.
The next morning, we began the journey of a lifetime in three identical, brand-new amber SUVs, ready to cover over 2,500km of raw, untamed beauty. We hoped to reach Lhasa, a city located 3,600m above sea level, on the eighth day.
Eight former classmates converged in Chengdu in early November 2025 to tackle the legendary G318 highway to Lhasa. (Front row from left) Yeap Boon Leong and Teh Song Lai together with (Back row from left) Ong Lay Tatt, Ho Eng Ban, Foong Hong Chuen, Ooi Kooi Keat, Wai Kok Chin and Loo Choo Hin. — Photos: OOI KOOI KEAT
The G318 is more than just a road; it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful highways in the world, a canvas of nature’s grandeur.
Over the next eight days, the scenery unfolded like a breathtaking, continuous painting: snow-capped peaks pierced the clouds, deep gorges swallowed rivers whole, vast grasslands stretched to the horizon, and winding mountain roads tested our mettle.
It was a digital avalanche of beauty, as our chat group was instantly flooded daily with thousands of photos and videos – sunrises painting the mountains gold, prayer flags fluttering their silent wishes, and rivers cutting dramatic paths through ancient stone. Each image captured not just a landscape, but a shared moment of wonder and excitement among friends.
High-altitude travel demands caution and humility, and we had prepared diligently, respecting the thin air with a “health first, adventure second” approach. Our strategy was slow and steady acclimatisation.
Oxygen tubes were readily available and to be used whenever needed. Thankfully, most of us only experienced minor symptoms of altitude sickness, a testament to our careful planning and the well-equipped hotels along the route.
The journey was packed with adrenaline-filled moments. The G318 is a road of constant challenges, with countless overtaking manoeuvres on narrow mountain passes that were both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Slippery stretches, where water discharged from heavy trucks froze instantly in sub-zero temperatures, demanded skill and focus during the drive.
Every conquered challenge added another story to our growing collective memory, each a testament again to our shared resilience.
Amid the adventure, we found simple joys in the journey’s quieter moments. We stopped at charming roadside coffee huts run by locals, where warm drinks and friendly conversations provided a welcome respite. Not content with that alone, we carried a portable stove and kettle, making impromptu stops to brew our own tea and coffee.
Setting up stoves amid strong winds was a challenge, and at high altitude, water boiled at only about 85°C, but the effort made every cup special.
Sipping coffee and sharing instant noodles after a cheerful toast felt like the most delicious meal in the world.
Our convoy became a moving karaoke lounge. Favourite songs streamed via Bluetooth as we cruised through the mountains, the music as much a part of the landscape as the peaks themselves.
This musical enthusiasm led to a hilarious incident when one friend, singing enthusiastically into the walkie-talkie, was unaware it was broadcasting not just to our three SUVs, but to other vehicles across the entire Tibetan plateau. The resulting laughter echoed far longer than the song itself, a perfect snapshot of our shared camaraderie.
Ultimately, this Chengdu-Lhasa overland trip was not just about reaching a destination; it was about the shared experience of friendship, resilience, laughter and awe. It was about the small, imperfect and joyful moments that bonded us as brothers.
Long after the G318 ends, the memories of those amber SUVs winding through China’s most scenic highway will continue to live on with us. And we all agreed that we will go for another trip again, no matter what.
We don’t know what lies ahead of us but we will continue to plan and find our way to cross the “bridge” if we see one.
To quote Oliver Wendell Holmes: “The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving ... we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.”
