[2025 Dege Attraction] Travel Guide for Rongme Ngatra (Updated Oct)

🌿 Secret Wonderland of Western Sichuan｜Yulong Lacu! Snowy mountains, grasslands, and lakes all in one frame—this fairyland is breathtakingly beautiful🏔️ “Standing by the lake, watching yaks leisurely stroll across the meadow, the snowy mountains reflected on the crystal-clear blue lake, the sound of prayer flags fluttering in the wind brushing past your ears—at that moment, all fatigue is healed by this sacred mountain and holy water.” Deep in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Western Sichuan lies a hidden gem even locals keep secret: Yulong Lacu (also known as Xinlu Sea). Here, snowy mountains, glaciers, grasslands, and lakes intertwine. Without the crowds, you can have an entire slice of this “paradise on earth” all to yourself. ------ 🏔️ Yulong Lacu｜The “Glacier Eye” of Western Sichuan 📍 Location: Manigango Town, Dege County, Garzê Prefecture, at the foot of Que'er Mountain 🚗 Transportation: • Self-drive: About 8 hours from Chengdu (via National Highway 317), last 10 km is gravel road, SUV recommended; • Private car hire: About ¥400/day from Garzê County (including driver), ideal for those without a car; • Public transport: Garzê County Bus Station → Manigango Town (1 daily trip, ¥50, then 3 km walk or carpool for ¥20/person). 🎫 Entrance Fee: ¥30 (peak season), ¥20 (off-season), negotiable with local Tibetans (some villagers charge flexibly). ✨ Highlights: • Snow Mountain Reflection: Que'er Mountain (6,168m) across the lake is snow-capped year-round. On calm mornings, the snow mountains, clouds, and prayer flags reflect on the lake like a mirror of the sky. • Glacier Lake: The lake water comes from Que'er Mountain’s glacier melt, showing a clear blue color. Sunlight sparkles on the surface, and stones at the bottom are visible near the shore. • Grassland Pasture: The lakeside is a vast alpine meadow, blooming with wildflowers in summer and golden in autumn. Yaks graze leisurely, every snapshot looks like a scene from “Heidi and Grandpa.” • Tibetan Beliefs: Mani stone piles and prayer flags flutter by the lake. Locals circumambulate the lake to pray, adding a sacred aura to the scenery. ------ 📸 Photo Guide｜Snowy Mountains, Lake, Grassland—Every Frame a Screensaver 1. Lakeside Reflection: 7-9 AM, when the lake is windless, use a telephoto lens to compress space and capture the symmetrical composition of “snow mountain + prayer flags + reflection.” 2. Grassland Yaks: Wear a light-colored long dress or Tibetan robe, squat in the meadow interacting with yaks, capturing the healing scene of “man and nature.” 3. Prayer Flags Blessing: Stand before the prayer flags, turn sideways and look back at the snowy mountain, sunlight filtering through the flags onto your face, creating beautiful light and shadow. 4. Lakeside Camping: Pitch a tent by the lake, shoot the camping atmosphere photo of “tent + snowy mountain + sunset glow” in the evening (advance notice required, no open fires allowed). 🚶‍♀️ Hiking Route｜Light Trek to Explore the Glacier Secret 📍 Route: Yulong Lacu Visitor Center → Lakeside Boardwalk → Que'er Mountain Glacier Viewing Platform (round trip about 4 km, 2 hours) • Difficulty: ★★☆ (mainly gentle boardwalk, last 300m gravel road requires caution) • Highlights: • Lakeside Boardwalk: Get close to the lake water, touch glacier meltwater (very cold, be careful!); • Glacier Viewing Platform: Overlook the glacier terminus, see the ice tongue extending into the lake, an awe-inspiring sight. ⚠️ Notes: • Altitude 4040m, avoid strenuous exercise, bring oxygen bottle/glucose; • No shade by the lake, strong UV rays, be sure to wear sunglasses and sunscreen; • Fragile ecology, do not trample meadows or litter (locals supervise). ------ 🏕️ Camping Recommendation｜Sleep at the Foot of the Snowy Mountain 📍 Campsite: Meadow on the east side of the lake (notify villagers in advance, ¥50/tent) • Gear: Bring your own tent/sleeping bag (night temps around 0°C, -5°C sleeping bag recommended); • Facilities: No water or electricity, bring your own food, water, power bank; • Experience: Watch the snowy mountain turn pink at dusk, gaze at the Milky Way at night, wake up to yak calls in the morning. 💡 Alternatives: • Tibetan homestay in Manigango Town (¥100-150/bed, breakfast included), experience Tibetan hearth; • Hotel in Garzê County (¥200-400/night, better conditions, 1.5-hour drive from the scenic area). ------ 🍜 Food Guide｜Tibetan Flavors, Soulful Bites 📍 Manigango Town: • Yak Meat Hotpot: The “Zhaxi Restaurant” in town offers delicious yak meat broth with firm meat (¥80/person); • Butter Tea + Highland Barley Cake: Available at Tibetan homestays, butter tea is savory, barley cake crispy and roasted (¥15/set); • Yak Milk Popsicle: Sold at the town’s convenience store, rich milky flavor, ¥3 each. 📍 Garzê County: • “Garzê Flavor” Restaurant: Recommended dishes include Tibetan fragrant pork bacon and ginseng fruit rice (¥50/person); • Sweet Tea House: Sit by the window drinking sweet tea, watch Tibetans spinning prayer wheels on the street, very healing atmosphere (¥10/pot). ----- ✅ Altitude Sickness: Take Rhodiola 3 days in advance, avoid bathing and alcohol upon arrival; ✅ Environmental Protection: Drones prohibited by the lake (disturbs birds), take all trash back to town; ✅ Respect Customs: Do not touch mani piles or prayer flags, circumambulate the lake clockwise; ✅ Clothing: Large temperature difference day and night, bring a windbreaker + quick-dry clothes, wear a hat by the windy lake. “The beauty of Yulong Lacu is the snow of Que'er Mountain, the blue of Xinlu Sea, the flowers of the grassland, and the wishes on the prayer flags—here there are no crowded tourists, only sacred mountains, holy water, and free souls.” This summer, escape the city and dream of snowy mountains and lakes at Yulong Lacu～ 🌿✨

If you are willing to travel to Western Sichuan for a lake, it must be Yulong Lacuo — it is not just a scenery, but a poem written by faith, tears, and glaciers. This might be the most stunning spot along National Highway 317 — Yulong Lacuo, a place whose name alone stirs the heart. It is not a "Little Switzerland," but a unique Tibetan emerald, so beautiful it takes your breath away. The lake water originates from the Que'er Mountain glacier. Under the sunlight, the dreamy reflection of Que'er Mountain’s main peak appears in the lake, surrounded by forested shores, creating a perfect fairyland composition that photography enthusiasts will love! Blessed by the legend of King Gesar: It is said that the lake was formed from the tears of Princess Zhumu, with mani stone piles scattered along the shore, where faith and nature coexist. - ✅ Best season: June to October, when the lake is the bluest! 📍 Yulong Lacuo Scenic Area, Dege County, Ganzi Prefecture 🎫 Admission: 80 RMB/person (half price with student ID!) 🚗 Road conditions: Accessible by sedan, recommended to depart in the morning for the best light and less altitude sickness. 🗺 Recommended activities 1️⃣ Lake circle photography: The best spot is on the east side of the lake, where you can capture snow mountain reflections with mani stone piles in the foreground. 2️⃣ Quiet sitting and daydreaming: Sit on the northwest lakeside lawn and watch clouds drift over the lake and snow mountains. 3️⃣ Wildlife encounters: Marmots are often seen near their burrows on the lakeside grass. 4️⃣ Hanging prayer flags for blessings: You can bring your own prayer flags and hang them in the prayer flag forest at the entrance, symbolizing good fortune (remember to secure them environmentally). 📸 Recommended photo spots: - Classic framed view: Mani stone piles + snow mountain lake view on the east side of the lake - Reflection shot: When there is no wind, crouch low to capture the mirrored snow mountain - Cultural vibe: Tibetan villagers around the lake, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and yaks quietly grazing

9-Day In-Depth Guide to the Ganzi Route 317 Loop (With Money-Saving and Pitfall-Avoiding Tips) Combining local expertise and the latest travel strategies to help you efficiently plan your journey to the secret snowy mountain paradise👇 🌄 Core Itinerary (9-Day Ultimate Route) D1: Chengdu → Kangding → Honghaizi → Xinduqiao Honghaizi: Entrance fee ¥10. The lake is azure on sunny days—arrive in the morning to avoid crowds. Xinduqiao accommodation: At 3,500m altitude, some may experience altitude sickness. Consider staying in lower-altitude Kangding (if time allows, acclimatize here for 1 night). D2: Xinduqiao → Tagong Grassland → Ganzi County Tagong Grassland: A quick stop along the way—no need for in-depth exploration. Ganzi County: The main destination, a town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Stay at Lamu Tibetan Homestay (traditional Tibetan-style rooms with mountain views). D3: Ganzi County → Kasa Lake → King Gesar’s City Kasa Lake: Photogenic on sunny days—skip if overcast (short visit if passing by). King Gesar’s City: Underdeveloped, but the wetlands behind offer reflections of snow mountains. D4: Ganzi County → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso (Xinluhai) Cuotong Emerald Lake: Free, but requires crossing a 4,600m pass. Fog may obscure views—start early. Yulong Lhatso: Entrance ¥100 + shuttle ¥50 (peak season prices inflated). Must-visit in Apr/May/Jun/Nov/Dec; other seasons, substitute with Dangzhen Lake (free). D5: Ganzi County → Manigango → Chola Mountain Viewpoint → Dege Chola Mountain Viewpoint: Free, where colorful roads frame snow peaks—wear bright clothing. Dege Printing Monastery: Entrance ¥50, a must for culture lovers—try traditional woodblock printing. D6: Dege → Ganbai Road (Yarchen Monastery → Lhalung Lake) Ganbai Loop: Navigate to Yarchen Monastery before returning to Ganzi County. Stunning views of Zhuoda Mountain Tunnel Canyon and ancient glacial boulders. Yarchen Monastery: Skip the interior—admire the red houses and Changtai Grassland flower fields from afar. D7: Ganzi County → Dawu → Luhuo Dawu Tibetan Houses: Traditional "Bongkhong" architecture. Stay at Jiarong Courtyard (wooden scent aids sleep). Luhuo: Visit Zongta Grassland (free, wildflowers everywhere). D8: Luhuo → Danba → Shuangqiao Valley, Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiao Valley: Drifting, "Potala Peak" road photos—perfect for relaxation. D9: Shuangqiao Valley → Chengdu Return tip: If time allows, stop at Balang Mountain for sea of clouds, or head straight back to avoid traffic. 🌟 Must-Visit Hidden Gems Cuotong Emerald Lake (free): Alpine triple lakes, untouched landscapes. Bring cash (no signal at the summit). Lhalung Lake Wetland (free): Summer flower fields and mountain reflections—paved roads ideal for camping. Manigango Grassland (free): Pika paradise under Chola Mountain—perfect for camping. Around Ganzi County: Visit Yuke Grassland (free) and Huxiang Mountain Hot Springs (¥20/person, outdoor sulfur pools). ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance & Tips Altitude Sickness Prevention: Stop aerobic exercise 1 week prior. Avoid washing hair/bathing on the first night. Ganzi County is at 3,300m—some hotels offer oxygen (e.g., Hanting ¥300/night with oxygen bar). Transport & Road Conditions: Paved roads throughout—suitable for cars/EVs, but use low gear downhill to prevent brake overheating. Ganzi Gesar Airport offers direct flights (2hr from Chengdu)—ideal for shorter trips (rent a car upon arrival). Cost Reference: Accommodation: County hotels ¥300–400/night (cheaper off-season), Tibetan homestays ¥200/night. Tickets: Yulong Lhatso ¥150 (includes shuttle), most other sites charge ¥20–30 for maintenance. Seasonal Advice: Jun–Aug: Flower-filled grasslands, emerald barley fields—cool summer escape. Sep–Oct: Pristine snow peaks, golden poplar forests—ideal for photography. Nov–Apr: Frozen landscapes—best for hot springs (e.g., Ganzi’s wild outdoor springs). 💡 Trivia & Bonus Experiences Yarchen Monastery hack: Skip the interior—picnic on flower-covered hillsides for panoramic red-house views. Off-peak travel: Ganzi County is crowd-free during May Day/National Day—enjoy solo mountain-lake vistas. Food Recs: Ganzi’s Lamu Tibetan Cuisine: Stone-cooked lamb, butter tea (¥50/person). Dege’s Old-School Tibetan Eats: Tsampa yogurt, air-dried yak meat (¥40/person). Photography Tips: Use telephoto at Chola Mountain Viewpoint to compress road and peaks. Wide-angle at Zhuoda Mountain Tunnel Canyon for dramatic shots.

Hey buddies👋, the breathtaking scenery of Western Sichuan always lingers in our dreams. Today, I’m sharing an ultra-niche gem—Cuotong Emerald Lake! It’s like a green jewel left on earth, so stunning it takes your breath away😍 **Cuotong Emerald Lake: The Mystical Allure of a Dreamy Tri-Colored Lake** Hidden in Dege lies a little-known paradise—Cuotong Emerald Lake, also called Cuotong Three-Linked Lakes. What makes it extraordinary is its trio of closely connected lakes, each with its own unique hue🌈. One shimmers with the vibrant green of peacock feathers, while another dazzles with deep Klein blue. When sunlight dances on the water, the dreamy colors create a real-life fairy tale, and every snapshot is postcard-worthy📸. 📍 **Navigation Tip**: Just search "Cuotong Emerald Lake" and follow the route to embark on this magical journey~ 🎫 **Ticket Surprise**: Free! Free! Free! Say it three times—top-tier beauty without spending a dime, what a steal🥰 🚗 **Road Guide**: Strongly recommend driving🚙. Without a drone, the experience might feel incomplete. After turning off National Highway 317, there’s an 18 km stretch to the lake: 4 km paved, the rest unpaved with potholes—rugged terrain best tackled by an off-road vehicle. Sedans, proceed with caution! The uphill drive takes about an hour, but the view at the top makes it all worth it! ⚠️ **Altitude Alert**: At 4,500+ meters, altitude sickness is a real risk. Prioritize your health if you’re prone to it~ **Stunning Western Sichuan Road Trip Itineraries from Chengdu🚗** **Route 1** **Day 1**: Chengdu → Kangding → S434 → Moya Temple → Tagong Start from Chengdu, head to Kangding, cruise along S434, admire the solemnity of Moya Temple, then soak in Tagong’s vast grasslands~ **Day 2**: Daofu County → Luhuo County → Garze King Gesar’s Royal City → Danxia Town Wander through Daofu and Luhuo, explore the ancient legends of King Gesar’s Royal City, and end in Danxia Town’s unique charm. **Day 3**: Danxia Town → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso (New Road Sea) → Dege The highlight! Marvel at Cuotong’s tri-colored lakes, unwind at Yulong Lhatso, then arrive in Dege. **Day 4**: Dege → Printing Monastery → Kathok Monastery → Baiyu Discover the cultural depth of Dege’s Printing Monastery, visit Kathok Monastery, then head to Baiyu. **Day 5**: Baiyu → Yarchen Monastery → Tsopu Valley Scenic Area Entrance Experience serenity at Yarchen Monastery, then prep for Tsopu Valley’s wonders the next day. **Day 6**: Tsopu Valley → Litang → Yajiang Adventure in Tsopu Valley, then enjoy the landscapes of Litang and Yajiang. **Day 7**: Yajiang → Xinduqiao → Kangding City → Chengdu From Yajiang, pass Xinduqiao and Kangding, then return to Chengdu—a perfect wrap! **Route 2** **Day 1**: Chengdu → Kangding → S434 → Moya Temple → Tagong **Day 2**: Daofu County → Luhuo County → Garze King Gesar’s Royal City → Danxia Town **Day 3**: Danxia Town → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso → Dege **Day 4**: Dege → Printing Monastery → Kathok Monastery → Baiyu **Day 5**: Baiyu → Yarchen Monastery → Xinlong Tsoka Lake **Day 6**: Xinlong Tsoka Lake → Litang → 18-Bend Sky Road → Yajiang → Jagenba **Day 7**: Jagenba → Zesangla Sky Garden → Riche Village → Chengdu **Route 3** **Day 1**: Chengdu → Rongchang Expressway → Sun Valley → Lover’s Lake Speed along Rongchang Expressway, bask in Sun Valley’s warmth, then feel the romance at Lover’s Lake. **Day 2**: Lover’s Lake → Guanyin Temple → Foot of Sertar Larung Gar Visit Guanyin Temple, embrace spiritual power, then await Sertar’s grandeur the next day. **Day 3**: Sertar Larung Gar → Kasa Lake → Garze King Gesar’s Royal City → Danxia Town (Royal City moved to Day 4) Immerse in Sertar’s red sea, explore Kasa Lake and Danxia Town. **Day 4**: Danxia Town → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso → Que’er Mountain Viewpoint → Dege Printing Monastery Chase beauty at Cuotong, visit Yulong Lhatso and Que’er Mountain, then delve into Dege’s culture. **Day 5**: Dege → Kathok Monastery → Baiyu → Yarchen Monastery **Day 6**: Yarchen Monastery → Xinlong Tsoka Lake → Larima Village → Zhongni Town → Daofu **Day 7**: Daofu → Bamei → Gunong Village → Balangshengdu → Moya Temple → Zhonggu Hot Spring Village (soak!) **Day 8**: Zhonggu Hot Spring Village → Kangding (stroll Liuliu Town) → Chengdu Buddies, with Cuotong’s beauty and these epic road trips, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embrace this dreamy Western Sichuan adventure🚀!

This summer, I took my dog on a road trip to Western Sichuan, taking the super niche 317 route and having a completely different experience. We set off from Chengdu, taking about 4 days to reach Dege. We were in a hurry to return, so we took the same route back, taking a total of 6 days to return to Chengdu. 🛣️Route recommendations: Day 1 Chengdu ➡️ Dujiangyan Scenic Area ➡️ Ruins of Xuankou Middle School from the Wenchuan Earthquake ➡️ Memorial Hall of the Wenchuan Earthquake Epicenter ➡️ Lixian County (altitude 1,870 m), stay at Lixian Muyunjian Hotel Day 2 Bipenggou ➡️ Miyaluo ➡️ Maerkang ➡️ Guanyinqiao (altitude 2,670 m), stay at Guanyinqiao Jinchuan Millennium Holy Land Hotel Day 3 Guanyin Temple ➡️ Wengda ➡️ Seda (altitude 3,870 m), stay at Seda Waxu Hotel Day 4 Larung Gar Buddhist Academy ➡️ Kasa Lake ➡️ Yulong Lhatso ➡️ Que'er Mountain ➡️ Dege (altitude 2,900 m), stay at Dege Shandi Hotel Day 5 Dege Parkhang Printing House ➡️ Return to Maerkang (altitude 2,600 m), stay at Maerkang Junhao Hotel Day 6 Maerkang ➡️ Chengdu 🏞️Must-see attractions: 1️⃣ Dujiangyan Scenic Area: This is the only remaining grand project of the five-dam water diversion system from ancient times, which embodies the wisdom of the ancients and made Sichuan the Land of Abundance. 2️⃣ Ruins of Xuankou Middle School from the Wenchuan Earthquake: I thought the Wenchuan Earthquake was long gone, but this place still retains the appearance of that year. When you come here, you will still be shocked. 3️⃣ Bipenggou: If you have been to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, I would still recommend Bipenggou. The beauty of Bipenggou is really amazing. No matter what season of the year, Bipenggou is irreplaceable and definitely deserves the title of Little Switzerland in Western Sichuan! 4️⃣ Guanyin Temple: Guanyin Temple is located in Guanyinqiao Town. It is a temple built on a cliff, where you can see the world's largest Sangha stove. 5️⃣ Larung Gar Buddhist Academy: Although the altitude here is relatively high, it is still a holy place in the hearts of many people. The red houses all over the mountains and the mysterious Tibetan Buddhism are all fascinating. 6️⃣ Que'er Mountain Glacier Viewing Platform: A viewing platform on the way to Dege, with stunning scenery and plateau pikas. 7️⃣ Dege Parkhang Printing House: Dege Parkhang Printing House is not as famous as Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, but I think it is more worth visiting than Larung Gar. It still retains the ancient art of printing, which is known as the "living fossil of Chinese movable type printing". 🌈Tips: ✔️This route can be visited all year round, with different scenery in each season. ✔️Dogs are not allowed in more cultural places, but there are many viewing platforms along the way where dogs can have fun.

Que'er Mountain on the 317 Sichuan-Tibet Northern Route, the cloudy snow mountain has another kind of beauty||Sichuan-Tibet Self-driving D2—D4 Route: Seda—Ganzi—Dege Pictures 1-5 Que'er Mountain and Yulong La Cuo on the way from Ganzi to Dege You can see it by the side of the 317 highway, it feels like entering a different world from afar Que'er Mountain, the first danger of Sichuan-Tibet, the main peak is 6168 meters above sea level, the fourth highest peak of the Hengduan Mountains. Although the weather is sometimes sunny and sometimes rainy, you can't see the top of the snow mountain, but the clouds and mist are more like a fairyland. In addition to Que'er Mountain, the scenery on the 317 is quite diverse, grasslands, lakes, mountains, canyons, and many types of mountains. Sometimes it feels like crossing the narrow and steep Three Gorges, sometimes it has the elegance of the deep autumn colored forest in the north, and the vastness and desolation of Xinjiang. There are many wild macaques on this road, and they are bold. When you stop the car, they will jump on the hood, and they will talk back when you say something to them.

Queer Mountain is located in Dege County, Ganzi Prefecture, Western Sichuan, with dozens of snow-capped peaks over 5,000 meters above sea level, hence the saying 'Climb up Queer Mountain, whip the sky'. Crossing Queer Mountain is like passing through the gate of ghosts, this is a proverb circulating in the Ganzi area, revealing the dangerous geographical environment of Queer Mountain. However, it is such a dangerous terrain that creates the beautiful natural scenery of Queer Mountain. Walking on Queer Mountain is like crossing a dangerous situation and facing the magnificent scenery of heaven. The main peak of Queer Mountain is 6,168 meters above sea level, towering and towering, like a natural moat, symbolizing the majesty and mystery of natural forces. In those dangerous mountains, there are magnificent glaciers hidden, pure and flawless, spectacular. When the sun shines on the glacier, the dazzling light seems to come from the guidance of heaven, leading the brave forward. When night falls, the starry sky of Queer Mountain is dazzling, and the dazzling stars embellish the night sky, as if it is the embellishment of heaven. Looking up at the starry sky, the soul wanders in the universe, bathes in the baptism of starlight, and feels the mystery of nature and life.

Destination for the fourth day: Shiqu. From Dege to Shiqu, driving on National Highway 317, 456, 345, passing through Queer Mountain Tunnel, Yulong La Wetland Park, Xiazha Temple, Sun Lake (Yalong River). The Queer Mountain Tunnel was opened to traffic in September 2017, and there is no need to cross the Queer Mountain Pass (this is the highest point on the northern line of Sichuan-Tibet, known as the "first danger of Sichuan-Tibet"), the tunnel entrance is 4300 meters above sea level, it is the highest altitude highway tunnel in the world, the tunnel is 7km long, and it takes 20 minutes to pass. The Queer Mountain Glacier Viewing Platform is next to National Highway 317, where you can see the main peak of Queer Mountain, which is covered with snow all year round, with grassland in front, glaciers in the distance, and a magnificent view from afar, shining brightly.