4 Days Daocheng Yading Photography Tour from Chengdu with Optional Horse Riding Experince

Day 1 Chengdu-Daocheng

At the designated time, your guide and driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to begin a smooth transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, where you will catch your flight to Daocheng Yading (approximately one hour). Upon arrival, your local Daocheng Yading guide will greet you warmly at the airport, holding a distinctive "Your Way Holiday" sign for easy recognition. From there, you’ll be escorted on a comfortable drive to your hotel in Daocheng County. Throughout the journey, your guide will be on hand to assist with logistics, provide local insights, and ensure you enjoy a seamless transition into the next stage of your adventure.

After a short rest, your journey continues with a visit to the historic Benbo Monastery, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple founded during the Southern Song Dynasty in 1179 A.D. Perched on the edge of Caoba—its Tibetan name reflecting this location—the monastery was established by the revered Buddhist master Gamaba Dusongqinba, who sought to spread his teachings, expand his influence, and create a place of worship for local devotees. He personally crafted a sacred Buddha statue, which has been carefully preserved within the monastery for centuries and remains an object of deep reverence today. As you explore the site, your guide will share stories of its founding, explain the monastery’s architectural features, and highlight its enduring role in the spiritual life of the community, ensuring a visit that is both culturally enlightening and spiritually enriching.

Next, your journey continues with a visit to the Sangdui Red Grassland, located near the charming Sangdui Town. Though modest in size, this scenic pond transforms into a striking red spectacle each autumn, when vibrant aquatic plants blanket its surface, creating what is widely regarded as the most stunning red grassland in Daocheng Yading. The vivid crimson hues contrast beautifully with the surrounding landscapes, offering an eye-catching scene that is particularly captivating for photography enthusiasts. This remarkable natural display lasts for only about ten days each year, making it a rare and memorable sight not to be missed. Throughout your visit, your guide will provide context on the ecological significance of the area, suggest the best vantage points for capturing the scenery, and ensure you experience this ephemeral wonder fully. (Please note that the exact timing of the red grassland’s peak colors may vary, so we recommend confirming the schedule with us before booking your trip.)

Your final stop takes you to the expansive Ten Thousand Acre Poplar Forest, a natural wonder that captivates visitors especially in the autumn months around October. During this season, the vast spread of poplar trees transforms into a breathtaking palette of orange and golden hues, standing out vividly against the frequent azure skies above. As you stroll along the forest paths, your guide will point out the most picturesque spots, ensuring you capture the perfect photographs of this seasonal spectacle. Beyond its visual appeal, the forest offers a serene environment where you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, enjoying the crisp autumn air, the rustle of leaves, and the tranquil atmosphere that makes this forest one of Daocheng Yading’s most charming and memorable destinations.

As your day of sightseeing concludes, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer back to your hotel. They will carefully manage the journey, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences while traveling in comfort. Along the way, your guide will be available to answer any lingering questions, offer local insights, or suggest ways to further explore the area at your leisure. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you can return to your hotel stress-free, carrying with you vivid memories of the landscapes, culture, and moments that made your day truly unforgettable.

Day 2 Daocheng Yading

Your day begins with an early breakfast before embarking on your Daocheng Yading Hiking Day tour. You will first drive to the tourist center, where you’ll board a sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours through stunning alpine landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to a battery-powered vehicle at Chonggu Monastery for a scenic 30-minute ride to Luorong Pasture. Nestled amidst the majestic Daocheng Yading peaks, Luorong Pasture offers sweeping grasslands, diverse vegetation, sparkling streams, and towering snow-capped mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. Under the attentive guidance of your professional guide, you’ll have at least an hour to explore and hike, with expert tips on the best viewpoints and photo opportunities, ensuring a rich and memorable experience in this pristine alpine wonderland.

Next, you will embark on a scenic hike of approximately three hours to reach the enchanting Milk Lake, known as "E Rong Cuo" in Tibetan. Due to the unique landscape of Daocheng Yading, access to this pristine area is limited to hiking or riding a horse, offering a truly immersive experience in nature. Nestled in the depression of the majestic Yangmaiyong Snow Mountain, Milk Lake is an ancient glacier lake, characterized by its drop-like shape and striking contrast of deep blue waters at the center surrounded by milky white edges. The surrounding scenery is equally breathtaking, with towering snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and crystal-clear streams creating a serene and photogenic environment. Your guide will share insights into the natural and geological features of the lake, suggest the best viewpoints for capturing its beauty, and assist with navigation, ensuring you fully appreciate this awe-inspiring alpine gem. For those wishing to explore more leisurely, optional horse rides around the lake are available at your own expense, providing a unique perspective of this spectacular landscape.

Next, you will take a short walk of about half an hour to reach the stunning Five Color Lake, known as "Danzengcuo" in Tibetan. This remarkable alpine lake gets its name from the way sunlight refracts on its surface, creating a captivating display of colors that change with the time of day and angle of light. Nestled between the towering peaks of Xiannairi and Yangmaiyong Snow Mountains, the lake sits at an impressive altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Its circular surface reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush vegetation, making it a perfect spot for photography and quiet reflection. Throughout your visit, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the lake’s natural formation and significance in Tibetan culture, point out the best angles for capturing its unique beauty, and ensure you have ample time to take in this extraordinary landscape.

As your day of exploration comes to a close, your guide will ensure a smooth and well-organized return journey. You’ll descend from the mountain and board the public bus, traveling comfortably back to your hotel. Along the way, your guide will be available to answer any last-minute questions, share practical travel tips, or simply allow you to relax and reflect on the day’s remarkable sights. With every detail thoughtfully managed, you can return to your hotel stress-free, cherishing the unforgettable scenery, serene landscapes, and memorable experiences of your day.

Day 3 Daocheng Yading

After breakfast, you will start in the same way and visit Chonggu Monastery, a famous Buddhist Monastery at the foot of Xiannairi Snow Mountain. Chonggu Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Different from the temples in eastern China, the colors of the temples are mainly white, red, yellow and black. According to legend, the eminent monk Chajie gongjuegacuo dedicated himself to the holy mountain for life, and want built a temple here. He angered the gods by digging. The disaster hit the local people around, and leprosy was prevalent. And Xiannairi Snow Mountain is like a giant Buddha sitting quietly. The monk prayed day and night. Not long after that, the people were cured, but the master died of serious illness. People buried him on the grassland and built a Chonggu Monastery by the lake in memory of him.

Next, you will embark on a scenic 30-minute hike to reach the serene Pearl Lake, a pristine body of water formed from the melting snow of the sacred Xiannairi Snow Mountain. Surrounded by dense, verdant forests, the lake offers a tranquil setting where the crisp mountain air and the gentle sounds of nature create a peaceful retreat. As you wander along its sparkling shores, your guide will point out the best vantage points to capture the lake’s ethereal beauty and share insights into its formation and significance in local Tibetan culture. With the towering holy peaks reflected in the clear waters, Pearl Lake provides not only a stunning natural panorama but also a deeply calming atmosphere, leaving visitors with a sense of spiritual renewal and connection to the majestic mountains.

As your day draws to a close, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and timely transfer back to your hotel. They will carefully manage the journey so you can relax and reflect on the experiences of the day without any rush or stress. Along the way, your guide remains available to answer any final questions, provide travel tips, or simply share stories about the sights you’ve explored. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you can arrive at your hotel comfortably, unwind, and carry with you the vivid memories of your day’s adventures.

Day 4 Daocheng-Chengdu

After breakfast, our professional driver will ensure a comfortable transfer to Daocheng Yading Airport for your flight back to Chengdu. Every detail of the journey is carefully managed, allowing you to relax and reflect on your experiences without any stress. Your guide will accompany you to the airport, offering any final insights about the trip and answering any last-minute questions you may have. Upon arrival at the airport, they will assist with check-in procedures and ensure you are fully prepared for departure. With everything thoughtfully arranged, you can board your flight with ease, taking with you unforgettable memories of your time in Daocheng Yading.

Price Per Person in US Dollars