How to Plan Daocheng Yading Tours from Lijiang and Shangri La

Yunnan travel without visit to Daocheng Yading is not complete for trekking lovers and photographers. Located in southwestern Sichuan where the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains joint together, Daocheng Yading is about 860 km away from Chengdu. Honored as the “last pure land on our blue planet”, Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve was first introduced to the world when the famous American adventurer Joseph F. Rock published an article and photographs of Daocheng in the National Geographic in 1928. Picturesque natural landscape and religion & culture are the highlights of Daocheng Yading Tours. Daocheng Yading is most featured in its natural scenery which makes it worthy of its nick name – the Paradise for Photographers. Moreover, there are numerous monasteries like Gonggar Langjiling Monastery, Bangpu Monastery and Xiongdeng Monastery, all of which have a long history of several hundred years. We offer Daocheng Yading Travel Packages themed on hiking tours, adventure tour and overland tours, which are usually planned with Sichuan and Lijiang Shangri-la Tours.  Join our Daocheng Yading Tours to enjoy its impressive natural landscape and mysterious religion culture.

Yading Nature Reserve, located in Daocheng County, Sichuan Province, is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, including three sacred snow-capped peaks: Chenrezig (6032m), Chana Dorje (5958m), and Jampelyang (5958m). Here’s a suggested hiking route and tour plan for Yading Nature Reserve:

Yading Nature Reserve Hiking Route and Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Daocheng

  • Arrive in Daocheng: Fly into Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY) from Chengdu or take a bus from Kangding.
  • Transfer to Shangri-La Town: Stay overnight in Shangri-La Town to acclimatize.

Day 2: Shangri-La Town to Yading Nature Reserve

  • Drive to Yading: Early morning departure for Yading Nature Reserve (about 1.5 hours drive).
  • Check-in and Acclimatization: Check into a guesthouse or lodge in the Yading Village area.
  • Short Hike: Depending on arrival time, explore the nearby trails and enjoy the scenery.

Day 3: Yading Nature Reserve – Luorong Pasture

  • Luorong Pasture Hike: Hike to Luorong Pasture, starting from Yading Village.
  • Chonggu Meadow: Visit Chonggu Meadow and enjoy views of Chenrezig Peak.
  • Five-Color Lake (Wuse Hai): Explore the beautiful Five-Color Lake.
  • Return to Yading Village: Return to Yading Village for overnight stay.

Day 4: Yading Nature Reserve – Milk Lake and Pearl Lake

  • Milk Lake and Pearl Lake: Hike to Milk Lake and Pearl Lake, another stunning alpine lake.
  • Views of Chana Dorje: Enjoy panoramic views of Chana Dorje Peak.
  • Return to Yading Village: Return to Yading Village for another night.

Day 5: Yading Nature Reserve – Sacred Peak Base Camp (optional)

  • Sacred Peak Base Camp Hike (optional): For experienced hikers, trek to the base camp of one of the sacred peaks.
  • Explore the Valley: Alternatively, explore the valley and enjoy the pristine nature.
  • Return to Yading Village: Return to Yading Village for the night.

Day 6: Yading Nature Reserve – Return to Daocheng and Departure

  • Return to Daocheng: Drive back to Daocheng.
  • Visit Tagong Grassland (optional): If time allows, visit Tagong Grassland on the way to Daocheng.
  • Departure: Fly out from Daocheng Yading Airport or continue your journey.

This itinerary allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Yading Nature Reserve and its sacred peaks while enjoying moderate to challenging hikes in one of China’s most scenic alpine regions.

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve
Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

Yunnan – Sichuan Tours with Daocheng Yading

Shangri-La and Daocheng Yading Tours

Travel Tips for Daocheng Yading Tours