top of page
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Hike up 4,800m in Yading National Reserve

  • Writer: Sweet Travel Tales
    Sweet Travel Tales
  • Nov 12, 2024
  • 6 min read

Updated: Jan 10


Yading Nature Reserve, often called the “Soul of Shangri-La,” truly lives up to its name. For those who’ve dreamt of a hidden paradise, this is it. Nestled in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau in Sichuan Province, China, Yading is a remarkable fusion of high-altitude wilderness and rich Tibetan cultural heritage.


This place is a hidden gem, often flying under the radar for many travelers and hikers. For us, it was an amazing discovery, and I truly believe it deserves to be shared with a wider audience.



A Paradise for Outdoor Lovers


Beyond its cultural significance, Yading is the perfect place for those who love the wilderness. The rugged terrain, expansive meadows, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes all combine to create an outdoor paradise. If you enjoy trekking or mountain photography, Yading will leave you in awe.


The towering snow-capped peaks of Mt. Jambeyang, Mt. Chanadorje, and Mt. Chenrezig at around 6,000 meters, alongside the deep blue of its glacial lakes and the lush greenery of its meadows, create an unforgettable landscape.


Day1 to Day4 - Getting there, an adventure in itself


This trip is an 8 day adventure departing from Chengdu and returning to Daocheng Airport. You will be crossing the picturesque Sichuan Tibetan plateau for few days and then enjoying another 4 days in the breathtaking Yading Nature Reserve.


Starting your trip from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, you’ll immediately begin the transition from city life to the vast, open wilderness of the Tibetan Plateau.


The 680km drive will take you through towering mountains, expansive grasslands, and small villages that give you a glimpse into Tibetan culture.

Here's a breakdown of the epic journey, highlighting some of the key stops along the way.


Getting there:


DAY 1: Siguniang town

Your first stop on this adventure is Siguniang Town, located at the foot of the Siguniang Mountains known as the "Eastern Alps" of China.


Why stop here? Perched at 3,000m above sea level, the town offers a beautiful introduction to the high-altitude scenery. You can explore the nearby mountains or simply relax and take in the views.



DAY 2: Danba village

Continuing along the road, you’ll reach Danba, a town that is famous for its traditional Tibetan-style architecture and gorgeous landscapes.


Why stop here?  It's known for its watchtowers scattered across the landscape, which were used as fortresses to protect the villagers.


DAY 3: Litang town

Next, you’ll travel through Litang, a town that sits at an impressive altitude of around 4,000 meters.

Litang is a major center of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its grand monasteries and vibrant Tibetan culture.


DAY 4: Riwa town

After Litang, the final leg of the drive brings you to Riwa Town, which marks the gateway to Yading Nature Reserve. This is the point where you’ll leave your car and driver behind and switch to a cable car for a smooth and scenic ride up to higher altitudes.


Last stop: Yading ...

After the cable car ride, there is another 20 minutes drive on an electric bus that will take you to Yading village. The serenity and untouched landscapes will make the journey worth every mile of the road trip!!!


There it is! You are now reaching 4,000m with snow-capped mountains towering over alt. 6,000m!

Day 4 to Day 8 - Staying in Yading Village


Yading Village is the primary access point for the Nature Reserve.

You can stay 3 to 4 days to explore different hiking options without rushing it.

While the village might seem remote, you’ll find that it has relatively decent infrastructure for staying, despite the altitude.

Sleeping at 4,000 meters means you’ll likely feel the effects of the altitude more strongly during the night— but most hotel rooms are equipped with oxygen outlets!


Scenic hike options, let's get started!


Once you've arrived in Yading Nature Reserve, you can't miss the three sacred peaks: Mt.Jambeyang, Mt. Chanadorje, and Mt. Chenrezig.


You're greeted with several incredible hiking options, each offering unique experiences in this breathtaking landscape: from serene meadows to stunning alpine lakes.


Electric bus services are provided inside the park from Yading village to Chonggu temple or Luorong Ranch.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key hiking trails in Yading:



Hike 1: Chonggu Meadow & Monastery


This is a more moderate and accessible hike, perfect for those looking to acclimatize to the high altitude.

  • Chonggu Meadow: The hike to Chonggu Meadow (also known as Chonggu Grassland) takes you through an idyllic landscape of grassy meadows surrounded by towering mountains. It’s a relatively short hike, making it a great option for families or those just starting their exploration of Yading.

  • Chonggu Monastery: At the meadow, you’ll also find the Chonggu Monastery, a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The area is deeply spiritual, with local Tibetans often performing rituals.

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate. A great introductory trek to the region’s landscapes.



Hike 2: Zhuoma Lake (Zhuoma Tso)


For those looking for a longer hike, you might want to extend your hike to Zhuoma Lake offering an amazing experience in a serene alpine setting.

  • Route Description: This lake is nestled in a secluded area and is surrounded by rugged peaks. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The hike takes you through forests, and it’s a perfect place for those who want a quiet escape from the more tourist-heavy areas.

  • Difficulty: Moderate. You can combine with Chonggu Meadow.


Hike 3: Milk Lake (Niu Shui Hai) - 4,600m


The trek to Milk Lake is one of the most famous and rewarding hikes in Yading, offering some of the region’s most spectacular views.

  • Route Description: The Milk Lake is a high-altitude lake (at about 4,600 meters) that is famous for its unique turquoise color and stunning mountain backdrop. The hike here is quite challenging due to the steep terrain and high altitude, but the reward is worth every step. Along the way, you’ll encounter rugged terrain, scenic alpine forests, and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Chanadorje and Mt. Jambeyang.


  • Difficulty: Challenging. The high altitude and steep path can be tough, but the views of the lake & surrounding mountains are breathtaking. It’s a great option for experienced hikers looking for a full-day trek.



Hike 4: Five Color Lake (Wu Se Hai) - 4,700m


Another stunning, high-altitude lake that is not to be missed in Yading is Five Color Lake, also known as Wu Se Hai. It's another 35 minutes hike from Milk Lake and I recommend to combine with hike 3!

  • Route Description: This lake is located near the Mt. Chenrezig (also known as Mt. Xiannairi) and is named after its striking colors, which range from deep turquoise to emerald green. The hike to the lake takes you through alpine mineral landscapes, with views of snow-capped peaks. This trail unveils a truly amazing scenery!

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. While it requires some endurance, the trail is not as steep as the Milk Lake route, making it a more manageable option for intermediate trekkers.



Day 8 - Time to return Home:

On day 8 we've left Yading with incredible memories of this magnificent place.


In my opinion, it can definitely rival with the beauty of some of the most iconic National Parks in the US with mountains towering at 6,000m, stunning waterfalls and serene alpine meadows. The park is also very well managed with trails in execellent conditions!


On the way back, from Riwa town you can drive 1,5 hours to Daocheng regional airport at 4,400m! Its the highest commercial airport in the world! There are direct flights to Shanghai saving a lot of time.



Hope you enjoyed reading about this epic travel adventure!

Feel free to comment / share and stay tune for more.

Cheers!


Uselful links:

General Hiking Tips for Yading:

  • Gradual acclimatization: As you are hiking at altitudes of 4,000 to 4,700 meters, be sure to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Start with easy hikes/nature waks on the first day. Take frequent breaks, don't overexert yourself, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration, which can be more pronounced at higher altitudes.

  • Light meals: Eating light meals helps your body adjust better than heavy or too rich food.

  • Travelling with kids: Our kids (10yo & 8yo at that time) did very well! They are used to hiking and going on long walks. But you'll need to be vigilant at any signs. Our 8 yo had a head ache on the first day. So lots of water and a good rest did help a lot.

  • Oxygen outlets: Most hotel rooms are equipped with oxygen outlets in the rooms in case you struggle too much. But remember that you will eventually need to adjust !

  • Physical Preparation: While some of the trails are manageable, hikes like the ones to Milk Lake and Five Color Lake require good physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep and rugged terrain.

  • Best time to travel: The best time to visit Yading is from May to October, when the weather is generally mild, and the trails are accessible. However, the high-altitude lakes might still be quite chilly even in the summer months.

  • Medication for altitude sickness: It can be helpful to consult a doctor about medication to prevent altitude sickness, just in case.


Comments

bottom of page