#稻城亚丁

If you’re short on time or unable to trek all the way to Milk Lake (牛奶海) or Five-Colour Lake (五色海) in 稻城亚丁due to bad weather or fitness, don’t worry — Gongga Lake (贡嘎措) is a beautiful alternative that’s much more accessible that’s also along the “long route” 🗺️ Starting from Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) at around 4,150m, the trail to Gongga Lake is relatively short and easy. It takes less than an hour if you are fit, or at most 1.5 hours with gentle inclines and open views of misty meadows and surrounding peaks. 🌊 Gongga Lake has a large service centre for you to refill hot water. The platform is also a popular place for people to stop by to prep to lunch if they want to advance further to Milk Lake (牛奶海) or Five-Colour Lake (五色海). Also, if you reached here at 1.30pm or later, you are advised not to proceed further and turn back from here. Same if you are already suffering from bad altitude sickness 👣 Why Gongga Lake is perfect: – Great for those who can’t or don’t wish to do the full high-altitude trek – A relatively low-effort walk with rewarding alpine views – Ideal if you’re managing altitude sickness or bad weather – Even if you can’t make the trek from Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) you can ride a horse from there- horse tickets (RMB 200 per person, one-way only), then ride to Gongga Lake (贡嘎措). However ride at your own risk as your tour group insurance typically won’t cover any accident arising from horse riding here 💼 Essentials to bring: ✅ Light waterproof jacket (weather changes fast) ✅ Portable oxygen canister (altitude is still above 4,100m!) ✅ Chocolate or glucose tablets for a quick energy boost, or packed lunch if you intend to eat lunch here. ✅ Thermos for warm water or tea #summervacay #贡嘎措 #GonggaLake #稻城亚丁 #LuorongPasture #HighAltitudeTrek

#Mainland Travel #Daocheng can be reached from Chengdu in #Sichuan or #Shangri-La in Yunnan. Because I was going to travel along the #滇川线, I took a bus from Yunnan. #阿丁 is the name of the scenic spot, but we often call it #道城阿丁. It will be easier to confuse people! The easiest place to reach the Yading Scenic Area is the #LuolongNiuchang on the mountainside The scenic area is directly accessible by eco-friendly bus, and there is a surrounding trail at the cattle farm. The roads are all flat, so you can walk slowly even if you have altitude sickness. Further up is the #MilkLake and #FiveColorLake. Although there are eco-friendly buses, you still have to walk a distance after getting off the bus. The altitude is high, so you should pay attention to your physical condition before deciding whether to go. Don't force it! Daocheng Yading is so beautiful, you must visit it once in your life! #SichuanWestTravel #DaochengYading #FreeTravel #SichuanTourism

Every Tibetan has a deep faith and persistence in circumambulating mountains, waters, and stupas. For them, this is not only a religious ritual but also a way to connect with the land and the divine. Upon arriving at the foot of the Daocheng White Stupa, the pristine stupa and its solemn atmosphere immediately impart a sense of reverence and tranquility. The surrounding Tibetans, dressed in traditional attire, holding prayer flags in their hands, slowly circle around the stupa, murmuring prayers. Their eyes are filled with devotion, as if they are silently communicating with the deities. Following their steps, I too begin to circle the stupa, drawn into the depths of my own heart. As I immerse myself, the clutter in my mind gradually dissipates, and my soul seems to be purified. The wind rustles the prayer flags, sounding like whispers from the gods, enveloping me in this sacred atmosphere. Circumambulating mountains, waters, and stupas is not only a Tibetan belief and culture but also a profound respect and insight into life. Under the Daocheng White Stupa, I witnessed the power of this faith.

Getting There - Flight from Shanghai to Chengdu with airport pickup. The best way to experience Western Sichuan is with a personal driver. Attractions - Chengdu city, Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Shangri-La town, Litang city, Hailuogou town and nature reserve, Xinduqiao and Kangding city. Hotels - Local hotel accommodation is readily available in the smaller towns. The Crowne Plaza hotel is recommended when staying in Shangri-La town in Daocheng. Food & Restaurants - Make sure to try locally sourced food in smaller towns like Hailuogou where locals pick fresh vegetables and herbs from the mountain side. Shopping - When traveling to Yading, don't get fooled into buying oxygen cannisters and food before arriving in Shangri-La town. Everything you need is available in the town. #四川 #稻城亚丁 #sichuan #sihuanprovince #createwithtrip #naturewonders

Getting There - Fly to Chengdu. Airport pickup and taxis are easily available into Chengdu city. The best way to experience Western Sichuan is with a personal driver. Attractions - Chengdu city, Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Shangri-La town, Litang city, Hailuogou town and nature reserve, Xinduqiao and Kangding city. Hotels - Local hotel accommodation is readily available in the smaller towns. The Crowne Plaza hotel is recommended when staying in Shangri-La town in Daocheng. Food & Restaurants - Make sure to try locally sourced food in smaller towns like Hailuogou where locals pick fresh vegetables and herbs from the mountain side. #sichuan #china #chinatravel #稻城亚丁 #daochengyading #mountain #snow #westernsichuan #createwithtrip #naturewonders