Heading to Yala, gazing at the sacred mountain by Youcuo Lake

2025.10.21 We all need some time to set off for the mountains and seas. When Yala Snow Mountain first appears in the distance, the shock in your heart is the first reward of this journey. It’s not about conquering, but about pausing by Youcuo Lake at the foot of the sacred mountain for the purest form of admiration. If Yala Snow Mountain is the ultimate prize, and Youcuo Lake is a dreamy sapphire, then the hiking trail leading to the gem is a wild and challenging test. After completing this trek, you will have a deeper understanding of the phrase “body in hell, eyes in heaven.” We first take a sightseeing bus to Basong Service Area, the closest point to the snow mountain, then hike to Youcuo Lake. After passing through a gentle forest, the path turns into a zigzag steep slope. The uneven trail is covered with loose stones, making it easy to slip or twist an ankle if you’re not careful. The altitude keeps rising, and your heartbeat and breathing rate increase continuously. You’ll find yourself frequently stopping to look back at the increasingly magnificent valley behind you, which becomes the best “life-renewing” scenery. After climbing several steep slopes, you reach an open wetland where fatigue is instantly replaced by excitement. This route was once a branch of the ancient Tea Horse Road, used by the ancestors of Ya’an to transport goods to distant places. Today, we hike to chase ultimate scenery, while the ancients walked this path for survival and faith. Crossing the wetland and climbing the steep slope brings you to Youcuo Lake. The snow-capped mountains and colorful forests reflect on the mirror-like blue lake, like a huge piece of glazed glass, making it hard to tell whether the mountains dye the water or the water blurs the mountains. Gazing at the sacred and majestic snow mountain calms the heart like still water. This journey may be for a glimpse of a timeless view or for a cleansing of the soul. When we turn to leave, what we take away is not photos, but the lake’s clarity and the mountain’s steadiness. Practical Tips 1. Essential gear: non-slip hiking shoes, trekking poles, warm windproof jacket, rain gear, enough water and energy food. 2. Physical preparation: round trip takes about 3-5 hours (including photo breaks), significant altitude gain, proceed according to your ability. 3. Altitude sickness prevention: hike slowly, prepare oxygen and glucose in advance. 4. Mindset adjustment: this is not a stroll in the park, but an outdoor adventure. Embrace its ruggedness and enjoy the wild beauty and sense of achievement it brings. (Accommodation in Danba)