Genie, you make me feel like I've stepped into a fairy tale world

🎈The Genie Southern Route is located in Litang County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is a scenic route connecting Litang and Batang, traversing the sacred Genie Mountain area, renowned for its pristine landscapes and hiking paradise. Here’s a detailed travel guide: --- ### 1. Best Time to Visit ⏱️ - 🌟Recommended season: May to October (summer brings lush green grasslands, autumn paints the forests in vibrant colors). - ⭐Avoid: November to April (winter snow blocks roads, some sections become impassable). --- ### 2. 🚥Transportation Options 1. **Self-drive/Chartered Vehicle** 🚗 - ⭐Route: Litang County → Tiejianshan Pass → Lamaya Village → Lenggu Monastery → Zebar Village → Reti Valley → Laozhelongba Pass → Zawala Pass → Batang County. - ⭐Road conditions: ~230 km, mostly unpaved roads. Requires a 4WD or SUV; low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. - Key navigation points: Lamaya Village, Lenggu Monastery, Genie’s Eye (must-visit), Zebar Village. 2. **🚲Hiking/Cycling** - Classic route: Lenggu Monastery → New Lenggu Monastery → Hangda Camp → Reti Camp → Chachongxi Village (4-5 days, suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts). --- ### ⭐3. Must-Visit Attractions 🏞 1. **⭐Genie’s Eye** - A natural circular pool reflecting the Genie peaks. Best photography time: sunrise or sunset. 2. **⭐Lenggu Monastery** - An ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery housing the "Heart of Genie" gem and three sacred treasures. 3. **⭐Xiaozha Lake** - A glacial lake with turquoise waters. Requires a 4-hour hike or horseback ride from Zebar Village. 4. **🌟Reti Valley** - In autumn, the valley turns golden, resembling a painting. 5. **🌟Zawala Pass** - At 5,024m elevation, it offers panoramic views of Genie’s western slopes. --- ### 4. 🏠Accommodation Tips - **Litang/Batang Counties**: Better facilities. Recommended: "Holiday Hotel" in Litang or "Pengcheng Hotel" in Batang. - **Villages along the route**: Zebar Village and Lamaya Village offer Tibetan homestays (basic conditions, ~¥50-100/night). - **Camping**: Hangda Camp and Reti Camp (bring your own tent; prepare for cold weather). --- ### 5. Important Notes ⚠️ 1. **⭐Altitude sickness**: Average elevation exceeds 4,000m. Take Rhodiola in advance and carry oxygen. 2. **⭐Supplies**: Stock up on food, water, and fuel in Litang or Batang—no gas stations along the way. 3. **⭐Eco-friendly**: Pack out all trash to protect the fragile ecosystem. 4. **⭐Border permit**: Required if planning to visit areas west of Zawala Pass (near Tibet border). --- ### 🌟6. Sample Itinerary (5-Day Self-Drive) - **Day 1**: Litang → Tiejianshan → Lamaya Village → Genie’s Eye (stay near Lenggu Monastery). - **Day 2**: Lenggu Monastery → New Lenggu Monastery → Zebar Village (Tibetan homestay). - **Day 3**: Zebar Village → Xiaozha Lake → Reti Valley (camp or return to Zebar). - **Day 4**: Reti Valley → Laozhelongba Pass → Chachongxi Village (stay overnight). - **Day 5**: Chachongxi Village → Zawala Pass → Batang. --- 🌈The Genie Southern Route is a secluded paradise, perfect for travelers seeking raw beauty and deep immersion. Prepare thoroughly, respect local culture, and savor this feast for the eyes and soul!