Yana Qingbo Pature in Shangri-La, Diqing
Overview
Yana Qingbo (亚那青波) is one of the best pastoral areas in the Jiantong (建瑭) region of Shangri-La (香格里拉), situated on the slopes of Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山). Travelers heading to Shika Snow Mountain must pass through Yana Qingbo Pasture.
Natural Beauty
Yana Qingbo Pasture is at an elevation of 3,746 meters. The pasture is surrounded by dense alpine willow shrubbery, mixed forests dominated by mountain oaks, and rhododendron bushes. The western hillside is home to a lush, primeval forest of long-cone firs. From the summit of Shika Snow Mountain, the entire pasture resembles a green gem embedded in the forest. In July and August, the meadows are covered with leaves resembling banana leaves, known locally as “guyuhua” (酥油花), which perfectly complement the elegant, umbrella-shaped willow trees, adding an endless poetic charm to Yana Qingbo Pasture. This pasture is famous for its high-quality grass, resulting in premium butter and cheese from the local yaks (耗牛).
Transportation
Yana Qingbo Pasture is located on the slopes of Shika Snow Mountain, and visitors must take a cable car to reach the summit. It is one of the better pastures in the area, known for its high-quality grass and robust yaks. Unfortunately, I don’t enjoy autumn, but I plan to return in the summer when I have the time.
Despite winter having arrived and the grass turning yellow, many yaks are still seen grazing. This area has been inhabited by Tibetan people (藏民) for centuries, with small wooden cabins scattered throughout.
Local Delicacies
In the small wooden cabins, we tasted homemade yak milk (牦牛奶) and roasted yak meat (烤牦牛肉). The milk was rich and creamy, while the meat was delicious. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate it, but later I found myself longing to try it again. I wonder if the elderly owners will still be around years later, and whether the taste will remain as pure.
Seasonal Insights
We visited in April, when the snow on the mountaintop had not yet completely melted, and the pasture grass was not in full bloom. The guesthouse owner mentioned that it becomes especially beautiful when the entire area is covered in flowers around May and June. We booked our tickets through the guesthouse for 180 yuan per person, which included entrance fees, a round-trip cable car ride, and transportation from the hotel to the scenic area.
The cable car service is divided into two segments: the first segment goes from the base of the mountain to the mid-level pasture, while the second segment takes you from the mid-level pasture to the summit. Yana Qingbo Pasture sits at an elevation of about 3,800 meters, and it’s advisable to rest here for a while to acclimate before ascending to the summit, which is over 4,000 meters high to avoid altitude sickness (高反). Our visit was not at the ideal time, as the pasture grass was sparse and not much was blooming, but we did spot many unique local black pigs (小黑猪). For the best experience at the big pasture, it’s recommended to visit after May, although the mountaintop will be snow-free then.
How to Get There
- By Car:
- Route: Xiangbala Avenue (香巴拉大道) → Dawa Road (达娃路) → Lakeside Highway (环湖公路) → Destination.
Opening Hours
- Time: 09:00 – 21:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)
Location
- Address: Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山), Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省迪庆藏族自治州香格里拉县石卡雪山的山腰).
Travel Tips
- Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually acclimatize to the high altitude, as sudden elevation changes can lead to altitude sickness.
- Seasonal Timing: Plan your visit during late spring or summer to enjoy the blooming meadows and lush greenery.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to taste local yak milk and meat when visiting the area.
- Transportation Booking: It is advisable to book transportation and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
This stunning location offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Happy travels! ???
