Grand Daocheng Yading Trekking

Home > Trekking Tour in Tibetan Areas Kham and Amdo

13 Days Private Tour Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Wolong - Siguniang Shan - Danba - Tagong - Yajiang - Litang – Daocheng - Shangri-La Town - Grand Yading Trekking - Shangri-La Town - Daocheng - Chengdu

Daocheng Yading, reputed as "the last pure land on the blue planet", is a holy land of trekking for countless outdoor enthusiasts.

It is located in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County in the southern part of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. Lying in the eastern part of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, in the middle of Hengduan Mountains, the reserve is adjacent to Shangri La County in Yunnan Province in the south and Lugu Lake and Lijiang in the southeast. The forest cover of the reserve is 560 square kilometers, where many wild animals and plants thrive. There are more than 10 peaks with an altitude of more than 5000 meters, more than 30 peaks above 4500 meters, and 62 ancient alpine glaciers and lakes in this area.

Following the footprint of Joseph Rock, we walk through snow capped mountains, sacred lakes and high mountain valleys in Yading. In March 1928, American explorer Joseph Rock set out from Muli, crossed Yading, Daocheng and other places, and went deep into Gongga (Minya Konka) mountain area. After two trips through Daocheng Yading, he published his travel notes and photos in the magazine “National Geographic”. In April 1933, British writer James Hilton wrote the famous novel "Lost Horizon" based on these travel notes and photos, especially Rock's exploration experience at the three sacred mountains (Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xialuoduoji) in Gongga Ling area. People called the "Xanadu" described in the novel as "Shangri-La". And since then, there was an upsurge of searching for Shangri La in the world.

We have seven days to explore the Yading Nature Reserve: trekking to the three magnificent sacred snow mountains (Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xialuoduoji), touching the beautiful Milk Lake, Five-color Lake and Pearl Lake closely, walking in the colorful streams, flower sea, meadow, grassland and virgin forest, and to challenge the marvelous complete Yading pilgrimage kora.

Highlights

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Chengdu

Home town of panda. Kuanzhai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park

In the morning arrival in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, home town of giant panda. Picked up by the local guide at airport and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu - Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), they are the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, teahouses, restaurants and guesthouses concentrate here, and in no time at all, it becomes the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". A walk here gives you a first impression of the "city of loafers". Then visit the People’s Park in the city center, have a seat in an old teahouse, enjoy your covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with bamboo chair and bamboo table, the tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China.

Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel

Breakfast

Teahouse in Renmin Park

DAY
2

Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Wolong - Siguniang Shan Town

Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Panda in Wolong, Sunset of Mt. Siguniangshan

In the morning we drive to Dujiangyan to visit the Irrigation System, which was built around 250 BC by Li Bin, a governor of Shu Prefecture in Qin State. The great project still works well today after more than two thousand year’s function, which not only puts an end of the water disaster to the local people but also makes Chengdu Plain “the land of abundance”. While visiting the water conservation work, you may find that the methods of harnessing the river the ancient people used are so simple but useful. In 2000, Dujiangyan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then drive to Wolong National Nature Reserve. 52 km long from east to west and 62 km wide from south to north, the whole area is 200,000 hm². It is one of the China earliest natural reverses, which is rated the preservation zones network of “mankind and living beings” by the Organization of Education, Science and Culture of United Nations (UNESCO). The virgin forest, second bush forest and bamboo groves are very green. There are over 4,000 kinds of high-level plants, 24 kinds of them are valuable plants, such as Gongtong (Chinese dove tree), red China fir, Lianxiang and so on. There are more than 450 kinds of vertebras, 45 kinds of them are rated national focal preserved animals, such as giant panda, golden monkeys, antelopes, white-mouth deer etc. The natural beautiful scene is quiet and secluded. Visit the Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong, about 50 pandas live here, it is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc. Then drive through the Balang Shan tunnel. If the weather is good, we can enjoy the great panoramic view of Mt. Siguniang at Maobiliang at sunset.

200 km
4 hours
Overnight at Yunshang Hotel

Breakfast

Panda in Wolong

DAY
3

Siguniang Shan Town - Danba

Sunrise of Mt. Siguniang, Shuangqiao Valley, Wori Tusi Manor, Tibetan village Jiaju

If the weather is good, you’ll get early to enjoy the great panoramic view of Mt. Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain) at Maobiliang at sunrise. The Siguniang Shan Mountain (also Four Sisters Mountain, Four Girls Mountain, Four Maidens Mountain) has four over 5000 m peaks, legend has it that each peak represents a girl of the 4 sisters. The highest peak, Yaomei Feng, the youngest girl and at 6250 m, is also known as the “queen of Sichuan's peaks”. Soft hiking in the Shuangqiao Valley (Double-bridge Valley) of the Siguniang Shan Mountain, the scenery is concentrated and charming. Afterwards drive to visit Wori Tusi Manor, the former official residence of the local Tusi, a kind of imperial kingship leader. After that drive to visit Tibetan village Jiaju, the most beautiful village of China. In Danba, the local people are called Jiarong (Gyarong) Tibetans. Walking and visit in the Jiaju village. There are more than one hundred buildings with the same architectural style, a complete and unique character of Jiarong Tibetan residences. Under the blue sky, the Tibetan residences decorated in red, white and black are strewed at random but also in school from the bottom to the middle slope of the valley.

110 km
2 hours 26 minutes
Overnight at Mantuoluo Hotel

Breakfast

Jiaju Village in Danba

DAY
4

Danba - Bamei - Tagong – Yajiang

Tagong Si, Gyergo Nunnery, Grand mani wall of Hepingfahui

In the morning drive to Yajiang via Bamei and Tagong, take the view of Huiyuan Monastery from the distance in Bamei, then go to visit Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) of Sayka Sect, which is surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Budhisattvas. It is said that the blessing of a reserved Jowo Shakyamuni image left by Wencheng Princess in this monastery to the pilgrims resembles the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image in Lhasa. Then visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui. From the hillside next to the Muya Golden Pagoda, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Zhara Lhatse (5.820 m, also Jara or Yala), when the weather is good, the scenery at sunset is especially spectacular.

210 km
4 hours 36 minute
Overnight at Yidu Hotel

Breakfast

Gyergo Nunnery in Tagong

DAY
5

Yajiang - Litang - Daocheng - Shangri-La Town

The residence of 7th Dalai Lama and the Litang Monastery

After breakfast drive to Litang which is known as "world highland city" with an altitude of 4014 m above sea level. Litang is the homeland of 7th Dalai Lama, and some other living Buddhas were also born in Litang. Visit the residence of 7th Dalai Lama and the Litang Monastery (Changqingchunke'er Monastery) lying in the western suburbs of the city. The monastery was originally under the control of the Bon religion but converted into a Gelug Sect monastery in 1580 in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) by the third Dalai Lama. Today, it is the largest monastery of the Gelugpa in south Kham. In late July or early August, a grand horse racing festival will be held in Litang and last about 7 days, which attracts many domestic and foreign visitors. Keep drive over Mt. Haizi and pass by Daocheng to Shangri-La Town, where the highlight of this journey is - Yading nature reserve, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains - Chenresig (Xiannairi, Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Yangmaiyong, Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Xialuoduoji, Vajrapani, 5958m). The scenery here easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery.

355 km
6 hours 12 minutes
Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Daocheng Yading

Breakfast

Litang Monastery

DAY
6

Shangri La Town - Chonggu Monastary, Trekking to Boyongcuo

Begin with the Complete Yading Pilgrimage Kora. Chonggu Monastary, Boyong cattle farm, Boyongcuo lake

In the morning, go to the tourist center and take the local shuttle bus to Chonggu Monastery (3900 m), the starting point of the grand Yading trekking. After visiting the scenic spot for a while, start to walk away from the scenic area and enter the virgin forest. After climbing for a period of time and getting out of the woods, you can enjoy the three sacred mountains of Yading from different angles, and then go to Boyong cattle farm for lunch. Climb up the left gentle slope for more than 1 hour, then arrive at Boyongcuo, circle around the lake and reach the lakeside camp. Boyongcuo has a number of excellent photography spots. You can see three snow-capped mountains in a circle around the lake. It is a five-star camp for shooting starry sky, reflections and shining mountains at sunset and sunrise.

Trekking: 7km, uphill 760m
Altitude: Shangri La Town 2900m, Chonggu Monastery 3990m, Boyong Cattle Farm 4550m and Boyongcuo 4750m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Boyong Tso and Three Holy Mountains

DAY
7

Trekking Boyongcuo - Gonggazaze

Cuogaida Pass, Cuogaida Lakes, Niangcuo Platform, Galuo Cattle Farm

Today's trekking starts at 9 o'clock after breakfast and arrives at Cuogaida Pass in about 2 hours. From the pass downhill, pass through the Cuogaida lakes to Niangcuo Platform, then cross the hillside and coincide with the Luya Line (Lugu Lake - Yading). Walk along the gentle mountain road for more than one hour to reach the Galuo cattle farm. If the weather is bad, then cross the Qiesagading pass and arrive at the Galuo cattle farm. After passing through Chagong cattle farm, all the way down the river valley, then through the virgin forest, upstream along the Baishui River, and finally arriving at Gonggazaze camp. Gonggazaze is the place with the lowest altitude and the closest place to Xialuoduoji on the whole journey. It is also the best place to watch the golden mountain of Xialuoduoji in sunshine at sunset and sunrise. Few tourists arrive here.

Trekking: 16km, uphill 300m and downhill 900m
Altitude: Boyongcuo 4750 m, Cuogaida pass 5036 m, Qiesagading pass 4900 m, Niangcuo Platform 4860 m, Galuo Cattle Farm 4420 m, Gonggazaze 4100 M
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Cuogaida Lake

DAY
8

Trekking Gonggazaze - Camp under Zabala Pass

Xialuoduoji Horizontal Pass

If the weather is good early in the morning, you can take pictures of the golden mountain at sunrise. After breakfast, you will climb several small passes to reach the horizontal pass of Xialuoduoji. Over the pass, it cuts across the mountain, parallel to the Rock Line. Overlooking several cattle farms at the bottom of the ditch and Dulu lake on the opposite mountain. Finally, you arrive at the camp below Zabala pass, which is also the meeting place of Rock Line, located above the cattle farm of Wanhuachi. Today is the most relaxed day of the whole journey, rest and adjustment.

Trekking: 7km, uphill 400m, downhill 100m
Altitude: Gonggazaze 4100m, Xialuoduoji Horizontal Pass 4500m, Camp under Zabala Pass 4400m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Wanhuachi Cattle Farm and Xialuoduoji Mountain

DAY
9

Trekking Camp under Zabala - Xinguo Cattle Farm

Zabala Pass, Niangxi Cattle Farm, Yangmaiyong Horizontal Pass

In the morning start to climb over Zabala pass uphill more than 300 meters. The slope is steep and it tales 1-2 hours. After crossing the pass, the road descends slowly, then pass through Niangxi cattle farm, and walk along the mountain road on the right side. After several landslide zones and a relatively simple Yangmaiyong horizontal pass, you will arrive at the Xinguo cattle farm of today's camp. Located at the foot of the southwest slope of Yangmaiyong, Xinguo cattle farm is the largest and broadest camp on the Rock Line.

Trekking: 9km, uphill 500m, downhill 600m
Altitude: Camp below Zabala Pass 4400m, Zabala Pass 4750m, Niangxi Cattle Farm 4450m, Yangmaiyong Horizontal Pass 4400m and Xinguo Cattle Farm 4300m

Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Xinguo Cattle Farm

DAY
10

Trekking Xinguo Cattle Farm - Shehu Lake

Heihu Pass, Butterfly Stone, Shehu Pass

After setting out in the morning, you will climb several small passes and landslide zones all the way. You can see Yangmaiyong and Xialuoduoji from the mountainside. At noon, you will see the Heihu (Black Lake) at the Heihu Pass, the turning point of Yangmaiyong. After that is a gentle stone road to Jiadu cattle farm. Take a photo at butterfly stone. Further forward is Jiaducuo lake, the water surface is calm, you can take reflection of the surrounding landscape. Continue to move forward to reach the Shehu (Snake Lake) pass. The Shehu pass offers a panoramic view of the snake lake, as well as the back of Xiannairi and the west of Yangmaiyong. It is an excellent photography spot. Then drop 200 meters vertically to camp by the Shehu Lake, where you can shoot the reflection of Yangmaiyong and the starry sky.

Trekking: 11km, uphill 550m, downhill 350m
Altitude: Xinguo Cattle Farm 4300m, Heihu Pass 4720m, Jiadu Cattle Farm 4600m, Shehu Pass 4730m and Shehu Lake 4500m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Snake Lake

DAY
11

Trekking Shehu Lake - Kasi Cattle Shed

Songduo Pass, Milk Lake, Five-color Lake, Resongcuo Lake

Start in the morning, cross the Songduo pass and arrive at the Milk Lake (Niu Nai Hai) and the Five-color Lake (Wu Se Hai). Climb up to the viewing point of both lakes to take photos, then return to Songduo pass, follow the small pilgrimage route around Xiannairi, descend all the way, pass through Resongcuo, and arrive at Kasi cattle shed to camp.

Trekking: 12km, uphill 270m, downhill 370m
Altitude: Shehu Lake 4500m, Songduo Pass 4670m, Milk Lake 4500m, Five-color Lake 4600m, viewing point of both lakes 4770m, Resongcuo Lake 4500m and Kasi Cattle Shed 4400m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Resongcuo Lake and Xiannairi Mountain

DAY
12

Trekking Kasi Cattle Shed - Chonggu Monastery, by bus to Shangri-La town and Daocheng

Songluo Pass, Pearl Lake

After leaving in the morning, you will cross cut along the hillside of Xiannairi mountain. On the left is the famous Kasi Hell Valley. It will take about 3-4 hours to arrive at Songluo pass, the last pass of the trip. It is the only pass to enter the Yading Paradise from Kasi Hell Valley. Therefore, Songluo is the pass with the most Sutra flags. Over the pass, you can have a good view of Xiannairi mountain. After passing through a forest, you will arrive at the plank road in the scenic area, and then go to the Pearl Lake, the best platform to watch Xiannairi. Afterwards get down to Chonggu monastery, and you complete now the marvelous grand Yading pilgrimage kora! Afterwards take the shuttle bus to the tourist center, and then take the private bus to Daocheng.

Trekking: 11km, uphill 250m, downhill 660m
Altitude: Kasi Cattle Shed 4400m, Songluo Pass 4650m, Pearl Lake 4150m, Chonggu Monastery 3990m and Daocheng 3750m
Drive: 81 km, 1 hour and 39 minutes
Overnight at 4*Xiangyun Hotel

Breakfast Lunch

Pearl Lake and Xiannairi Mountain

DAY
13

Flight Daocheng – Chengdu

Travel to next destination

Transfer to the Daocheng Yading Airport and fly back to Chengdu or travel to other destination. Service ends.

Breakfast

Red Grassland in Daocheng

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This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel/guesthouse and tent. Long journeys on bad roads and trekking on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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