【Daocheng Yading Ultimate Guide】Pilgrimage to Sacred Mountains & Lakes, Encounter the Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet!

At the pinnacle of Western Sichuan Plateau, three sacred mountains guard the "last pure land on Earth"—Daocheng Yading. Mount Chenrezig resembles a merciful Guanyin gazing downward, Mount Jampelyang stands like a sword piercing the sky, and Mount Chanadorje spreads its wings like an eagle. Nestled among these snow-capped peaks, Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake shimmer with jade and lapis lazuli hues. Our 2025 off-peak route + altitude sickness guide ensures a safe journey through this "body's hell, eyes' paradise." 🏔️ 1. Core Attractions 1. Must-Visit Spots in the Scenic Area Three Sacred Lakes: ✅ Milk Lake (4,600m): A glacial meltwater lake glowing like sapphire under sunlight. ✅ Five-Color Lake (4,700m): Mineral-rich waters shifting between blue, green, gold, and red—a holy lake in Tibetan Buddhism. ✅ Pearl Lake: Perfect for capturing Mount Chenrezig’s reflection, ideal for short hikes. Sacred Mountain Viewpoints: ✅ Luorong Pasture: Best vantage for Mount Jampelyang, featured in the film *I Belonged to You*. ✅ Chonggu Monastery: Red-walled, golden-roofed temple at Mount Chenrezig’s base, where prayer wheels spin blessings. 🌟 2. Unique Experiences & Must-Try Cuisine Pilgrimage Rituals: Spin prayer wheels at Chonggu Monastery, listen to chants mingling with fluttering prayer flags. Starry Nights: Stay overnight in Yading Village (recommended: Zhaxi Kongshu Hotel) to witness the Milky Way draping over snow peaks. Culinary Delights: ✅ Yak Meat Hotpot ("Ama Kitchen" in Shangri-La Town—tender meat, rich broth) ✅ Matsutake Chicken Soup (seasonal, umami-packed wild mushrooms) ✅ Tsampa Bread with Butter Tea (altitude sickness remedy) 🗺️ 3. Detailed Itinerary 【3 Days & 2 Nights · Classic Pilgrimage】For time-crunched/first-time visitors Day 1: Acclimatization Morning: Fly from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading Airport (1.5h) → Airport bus to Shangri-La Town (3h, ¥85). Afternoon: Check into Shangri-La Town (2,900m altitude, opt for "Gongsang Holiday Hotel") → Avoid exertion, explore Tibetan shops at Locke Square. Dinner: Yak hotpot ("Snowland Yak Hotpot") + butter tea to warm up. Day 2: Long Route Challenge (Milk Lake + Five-Color Lake) 7:00: Scenic shuttle (¥120) to Zhaguanbeng (1h) → Walk/electric cart (¥50 one-way) to Luorong Pasture. 9:00-15:00: Trek 5km to Milk Lake (3-4h) → Five-Color Lake (0.5km) → Must reach Five-Color Lake entrance by 14:30 (else turn back). Tip: Horse rides end 1.5km before Milk Lake (¥300-500); buy oxygen tanks in town (¥80 in park). Day 3: Short Route Culture + Return Morning: Shuttle to Chonggu Monastery → Hike to Pearl Lake (1.5h round-trip) → Photograph Mount Chenrezig’s reflection. Noon: Buy souvenirs before departure (yak jerky, tsampa bread). ⚠️ 4. 2025 Pro Tips Altitude Sickness: Take Rhodiola supplements 7 days prior; avoid showers/strenuous activity on arrival. Pack glucose oral solution. Stay cautiously in Yading Village (4,060m); Shangri-La Town (2,900m) eases acclimatization. Transport: Rent an SUV for self-drive (Chengdu-Daocheng 800km, 2 days); carry tire chains post-October. Park shuttle is mandatory; electric carts optional (3h walk from Luorong Pasture). Packing List: ✅ 3-in-1 windbreaker (20°C day-night swings) + waterproof hiking boots ✅ Sun protection trio (SPF50+ cream, sunglasses, face mask) ✅ Thermos (mountain spring refills at Lengcuixia) + ¥500 cash (spotty signal) Tickets: Peak season (Apr 1-Nov 30) ¥146 entry + ¥120 shuttle; students/seniors (60-69) half-price. As Five-Color Lake’s ripples refract rainbows and Luorong’s prayer flags carry wishes skyward, you’ll grasp Daocheng Yading’s essence—not a conquest of nature, but a solemn truce between humanity and mountains. Here, measure faith in footsteps, touch eternity with each breath, and at 4,700m, rediscover life’s clarity and awe.