Daocheng Yading

“The last pure land on the blue planet”: a high-altitude trekking destination ringed by three sacred peaks, Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, with red grass and golden poplar groves around Daocheng town in autumn.

Daocheng Yading lies in the south of Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. It is a national nature reserve in the Hengduan Mountains, centered on three snow peaks (Chenrezig/Xiannairi 6,032 m, Jampelyang/Yangmaiyong 5,958 m and Vajrapani/Xiannuoduoji 5,958 m) and alpine lakes, and is hailed as “the last pure land on the blue planet.” Base yourself at Shangri-La Town (Riwa) at the park entrance, or in Daocheng County town, about 110 km (a drive) to the north. Inside the park you'll find the short route from Chonggu Temple to Pearl Lake, the longer route from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, and the Tibetan village of Yading. Around Shangri-La Town are Gongga Langjiling Monastery and Ochu Mountain's autumn forests; around the county town are the Daocheng White Pagoda, the poplar groves along the Pang River and the Rubuchaka hot springs, and farther north at Sangdui you can see the red grass flats in October. Best season: from late September to mid- or late October, when the colorful forests, snow peaks and blue skies come together; this is the peak of the year, so book lodging and tickets in advance. June–Aug brings green meadows and wildflowers, with more rain but mild weather. Nov–Apr is cold and roads may ice over, but there are few visitors and the snow scenery is pristine. Getting there: Daocheng Yading Airport (4,411 m, one of the highest civilian airports in the world) has flights from Chengdu and other cities; it is about 1 hour from the airport to the county town and about 3 hours to Shangri-La Town. By road, driving or chartering a car from Chengdu takes about 2 days via Kangding, Xinduqiao and Litang (see the “Hailuogou & Kangding” and “Litang” destinations for sights along the way); you can also enter from the Shangri-La side in Yunnan. We suggest 2 days for the scenic area itself (one day for the short route plus Luorong Pasture, one day for the Milk Lake long route), plus half a day to a full day around the county town. Notes: the whole trip lies at 2,900–4,700 m, and altitude sickness is the biggest risk, so acclimatize gradually; oxygen canisters are sold in the park. The round trip to Milk Lake takes about 4–6 hours, so go at your own pace. UV radiation is strong and day–night temperature swings are large, so bring a warm jacket even in summer. Tickets and shuttle buses must be reserved in advance on the official platform, and visitor numbers are capped in peak season.

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