Daocheng Yading: 7-Day Last Shangri-La
Glaciers · snow peaks · holy lakes · Tibetan culture
Trip Highlights
- Hailuogou glacier and Mt. Gongga views
- Xinduqiao — the 'photographer's paradise' of light and shadow
- Litang, the world's highest town, and Changqingchunkeer Monastery
- Yading's three sacred peaks: Chenrezig, Chanadorje, Jambeyang
- Pearl Lake, Milk Lake and Five-Colour Lake
- Moshi Park 'badlands' stone forest on the way back
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Chengdu → Luding → Hailuogou → Moxi
Moxi- Drive over Erlang Mountain (approx. 280 km / 5 hrs); visit Luding Bridge
- Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park — ancient glacier and Mt. Gongga
Stay: Hotel in Moxi
Moxi → Mugecuo → Xinduqiao
Xinduqiao- Mugecuo (Wild Love Lake) — alpine lake, forest and meadows (approx. 230 km / 6.5 hrs)
- Arrive Xinduqiao, the 'photographer's paradise' at dusk
Stay: Hotel in Xinduqiao
Xinduqiao → Yajiang → Litang → Daocheng
Daocheng- Cross Gaoersi and Jianziwan, over Kazila Mountain (approx. 354 km / 8 hrs)
- Litang Old Town, Changqingchunkeer Monastery, Haizi Mountain
- Red Grassland; arrive Daocheng at dusk
Stay: Hotel in Daocheng
Daocheng → Yading → Shangri-La Town
Yading- Enter Yading core area (approx. 110 km / 2 hrs)
- Worship Chenrezig, Chanadorje and Jambeyang sacred peaks
- Chonggu Monastery and Pearl Lake
Stay: Hotel in Shangri-La Town
Yading In-Depth Day
Yading- Return to Yading; reach Luorong Pasture amid the three peaks
- Optional trek to Milk Lake and Five-Colour Lake (high altitude)
Stay: Hotel in Shangri-La Town
Yading → Xinduqiao
Xinduqiao- Long scenic return via Litang and Yajiang (approx. 450 km / 9 hrs)
- Plateau grassland, snow peaks and Tibetan villages
Stay: Hotel in Xinduqiao
Xinduqiao → Moshi Park → Chengdu
Chengdu- Moshi Park — rare mylonite stone forest, 'China's geological Bermuda'
- Return to Chengdu along National Highway 318 (approx. 435 km / 8 hrs)
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What's Included
- Comfortable private vehicle throughout
- 6 nights hotel (twin-share): Moxi, Xinduqiao, Shangri-La Town, Yading area
- Daily hotel breakfast (1 per adult per day)
- Excellent English-speaking guide service
- First-gate tickets: Luding Bridge, Hailuogou, Mugecuo, Yading, Litang Old Town, Moshi Park
- Driver/guide meal & lodging allowance, bottled water
Not Included
- Park shuttles & cableways: Hailuogou ¥70 + cable ¥135; Mugecuo ¥90; Litang ¥35; Yading ¥120 + ¥60 + cart ¥80; Moshi ¥20
- Lunches and dinners (self-arranged), personal spending
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip suitable for older travellers?
It's an active high-altitude journey with long drives and optional treks above 4,000 m. Travellers in good health who acclimatise well manage fine; those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor first.
How cold does it get?
Mornings, evenings and high passes are cold year-round. Pack a windbreaker, warm layers, hiking shoes, sun protection and rain gear.
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