Travel Tips for Yunnan and Sichuan Hiking Tour from Shangrila to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

Introduction

A hiking tour from Shangrila in Yunnan to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve in Sichuan offers an unforgettable journey through some of China’s most stunning and remote landscapes. This trek provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Tibetan Plateau, including high-altitude terrains, lush forests, and traditional Tibetan villages.

Preparation

Physical Fitness

• Training: Engage in regular cardio, strength training, and hiking practice to build stamina and strength.
• Altitude Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Shangrila to acclimatize to the high altitude before beginning your hike.

Gear and Clothing

• Footwear: Invest in comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.
• Clothing: Use a layering system, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
• Accessories: Bring sunglasses, hats, gloves, and a sturdy backpack with a rain cover.

Essentials

• Navigation: Carry maps, a compass, or a GPS device.
• First Aid Kit: Include altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, bandages, and any personal medications.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Carry sufficient water and high-energy snacks.
• Camping Gear: If camping, pack a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove.

  

Route Highlights

Shangrila

• Songzanlin Monastery: Visit this impressive Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
• Napa Lake: Explore this seasonal lake surrounded by picturesque grasslands, a haven for birdwatching and photography.

Hike to Daocheng Yading

• Scenery: Enjoy views of snow-capped mountains, alpine forests, and meadows.
• Tibetan Villages: Experience the unique culture and hospitality of local Tibetan communities.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as yaks, blue sheep, and various bird species.

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

• Chonggu Monastery: Located at the entrance of Yading, this monastery offers a peaceful introduction to the reserve.
• Pearl Lake (Zhuomalacuo): A stunning alpine lake with reflections of the surrounding peaks.
• Five Color Lake and Milk Lake: Two breathtaking glacial lakes known for their vivid colors and stunning settings.
• Mount Jampayang, Mount Chanadorje, and Mount Chenrezig: The three sacred peaks of Yading, revered in Tibetan Buddhism and offering challenging hiking routes with rewarding views.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April to June): Mild weather, blooming flowers, and clear skies.
• Autumn (September to October): Crisp air, vibrant fall foliage, and less crowded trails.

Permits and Regulations

• Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits for hiking in both Yunnan and Sichuan regions.
• Regulations: Respect local customs, wildlife, and environmental regulations to minimize your impact.

Accommodation

• Guesthouses: Available in larger villages and towns along the route.
• Camping: Be prepared to camp in more remote areas; practice Leave No Trace principles.

Health and Safety

• Altitude Sickness: Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
• Weather: Prepare for sudden changes in weather, especially at higher altitudes.

Cultural Sensitivity

• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local traditions, dress modestly, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
• Language: Learning a few basic phrases in Tibetan can enhance your interactions with locals.

Itinerary

D1: Lijiang Arrival

• Explore Lijiang on your own.
• In the afternoon, group dinner and introduction to the itinerary and important notices.

Accommodation: Hotel in Lijiang
Meals: Group dinner

D2: Lijiang – Shangri-La (3280m) – Luoji Township – Niru (2705m)

• After breakfast, take a bus to Shangri-La and buy vegetables and other supplies.
• After lunch, take a private vehicle to Niru Village.

Accommodation: Shared room in a Tibetan house in Niru Village
Meals: Group breakfast, lunch, and dinner

D3: Niru Village (2705m) – Yakou (4100m) – Selie Lake (3949m) – Nanbao Pasture (4013m) – Xinzhai River Pasture (3700m)

• After breakfast, start the hike along the Niru River.
• After 2 hours of flat hiking, start ascending.
• Cross the Yakou pass at noon and hike through the open plateau past Selie Lake, Nanbao Lake, and Nanbao Pasture.
• Continue downhill to Xinzhai River Pasture and set up camp.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Group camp breakfast and dinner

D4: Xinzhai River Pasture (3700m) – Sela Yakou (4300m) – Rida Yakou (4500m) – Yala Pasture (4200m)

• Cross the river into Sichuan Province and start ascending to Sela Yakou.
• Continue downhill to Sela Pasture and then ascend again to Rida Yakou.
• If the weather is good, you can see the three sacred peaks of Yading.
• Continue downhill to Yala Pasture and set up camp.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Group camp breakfast and dinner

D5: Yala Pasture (4200m) – Yala Sacred Mountain – Nigong Village (2100m) – Dongyi District – Kasi Village (2822m)

• Hike downhill to Yala Sacred Mountain with views of the three sacred peaks.
• Continue downhill to Nigong Village and end the first phase of the hike.
• Take a vehicle from Nigong Village to Kasi Village, staying with the local village chief and experiencing Tibetan culture and hospitality.

Accommodation: Shared room in a Tibetan house in Kasi Village
Meals: Group camp breakfast, dinner with the local Tibetan family
Note: Travel from Dongyi District to Kasi Village by private vehicle.

D6: Kasi Village (2822m) – Kasi Hell Valley – Kasi Cow Shed – Camp at the Foot of Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain (4450m)

• Enter the legendary Hell Valley and head towards the three sacred peaks.
• The valley is well-preserved with ancient trees.
• After 4 hours of ascent, the view opens up with clear sights of the sacred peaks.
• Continue ascending past Kasi Cow Shed to the camp at the foot of Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain.
• Camp on a meadow with melting snow streams, and witness the stunning evening sunlight on the mountains.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Group breakfast at the Tibetan family in Kasi Village, simple dinner at the camp due to high altitude

D7: Camp – Resongcuo – Songduo Yakou (4680m) – Snake Lake – Milk Lake – Five Color Lake – Luorong Pasture – Chonggu Monastery – Pearl Lake – Yading – Daocheng (3900m)

• Depart early and pass Resongcuo, a small colorful lake.
• Reach the highest point of the trek at Songduo Yakou (4680m), with views of Snake Lake.
• Enter the developed Yading Scenic Area, passing Five Color Lake and Milk Lake, with views of the sacred mountain Xiannairi.
• Continue to Luorong Pasture, take an eco-car to Chonggu Monastery, and then head to Pearl Lake.
• Take a bus from Yading to Riwa Town and then a private vehicle to Daocheng, ending the trek.

Accommodation: Self-arranged
Meals: Group camp breakfast

Return Options:

1. Take a bus from Daocheng to Shangri-La (around 10 hours).
2. Take a bus from Daocheng to Kangding, then to Chengdu (2 days, overnight stay in Kangding).
3. Fly directly from Daocheng to Chengdu.

Included Costs:

1. Transportation during the trip: buses and private vehicles from Lijiang to Shangri-La, Shangri-La to Niru Village, Dongyi District to Kasi Village, and Riwa to Daocheng; eco-cars and shuttle buses within Yading Scenic Area.
2. Fees for packhorse services during the hike.
3. Accommodation: Lijiang (Baifangzi International Youth Hostel, shared standard rooms), Niru Village and Kasi Village (Tibetan-style shared rooms).
4. Group meals: 1 dinner in Lijiang, 1 breakfast in Shangri-La, 1 dinner in Niru Village, 1 breakfast in Kasi Village, 3 camp breakfasts, and 3 camp dinners. Participants should bring their own trail snacks.
5. Personal outdoor insurance for the entire trip.
6. Entrance fee for Yading Scenic Area.
7. Fees for the guide, shared equipment, and medical supplies.

Excluded Costs:

1. Transportation to and from Lijiang and Daocheng.
2. Personal trail snacks and meals not included in group meals.
3. Single room supplement due to personal reasons (snoring, cleanliness, privacy) and personal expenses like horse riding and shopping.

   

Equipment List:

• Hiking Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants, quick-dry clothing, fleece jacket, down jacket, high-top waterproof hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, trekking poles, knee pads, moisture-wicking underwear, raincoat.
  Note: Cotton underwear is prohibited.
• Tableware: Personal utensils, thermos.
• Camping Gear: Sleeping bag (-10°C), tent, backpack (60L+), sleeping pad.
• Lighting: Headlamp or flashlight.
• Important Documents: ID, cash.
• Personal Hygiene: Toiletries, trash bags, toilet paper.
• Electronics: Camera, phone, batteries, power bank.
• Medications: Personal medications.

Service Standards and Notices:

1. Transportation: Mainly by car.
2. Physical Requirements: Moderate hiking intensity with the option to rent horses. Daily hiking of 6-8 hours, suitable for healthy individuals without major illnesses.
3. Accommodation: Basic Tibetan guesthouses in Niru Village and Kasi Village, with shared bathrooms and limited hot water. Camping along the hike.
4. Meals: Group meals during the hike (participants bring their own trail snacks).
5. Cultural Respect: Respect local customs and beliefs in Tibetan areas.
6. Phone Signal: No signal during the hike; signal available in villages.
7. Climate: High altitude with significant temperature differences. Strong UV rays; bring sun protection. Maximum altitude around 4680m. Take altitude sickness medication if necessary.
8. Personal Responsibility: Each participant carries their own gear. Follow safety rules, no open flames, and protect the environment by carrying out all trash.
9. Special Notes: Participants agree to follow the guide’s arrangements, including itinerary changes. Fees are non-refundable for self-initiated changes or early departure. Be prepared for unexpected situations like traffic jams or vehicle breakdowns. Emphasize team spirit and mutual help.

Special Reminders:

1. Follow safety regulations and the guide’s instructions; no risky actions or leaving the group.
2. Follow environmental protection principles.
3. Adjust plans according to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters); follow the guide’s decisions.
4. Responsibility for personal damage due to undisclosed health issues lies with the individual.
5. Participants will be insured, and compensation will be according to the insurance policy limits.