5 Days In-depth Daocheng Yading Trekking Tour from Chengdu

Day 1 Chengdu-Daocheng Yading

Meet your professional guide and driver at the designated time in your hotel lobby, where your journey will begin smoothly and comfortably. You will be transferred to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your flight to Daocheng Yading, a scenic flight of approximately one hour. Upon arrival, your local Daocheng Yading guide will warmly welcome you, holding a distinctive "Your Way Holiday" sign for easy identification. From there, you will be escorted to your hotel in Shangri-La Town, with every aspect of the transfer carefully arranged for a seamless and stress-free experience. Your guide will be on hand to provide insights, answer questions, and make the journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Your journey continues with a visit to Bangpu Monastery, a historic Tibetan Buddhist site located approximately 32 kilometers northwest of Daocheng County, near Sangdui Town. As one of the oldest monasteries in the region, Bangpu has a rich history spanning over 900 years, offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Daocheng. Perched on a mountainside, the monastery’s modest scale belies its significance, while its distinctive architectural style and vibrant colors create a striking visual impression. Your guide will lead you through the temple grounds, sharing fascinating insights into the monastery’s history, religious practices, and the role it has played in the local Tibetan community. Throughout the visit, your guide will highlight key features, point out the best vantage points for photography, and ensure you gain a deep appreciation of this sacred and picturesque site.

Day 2 Daocheng Yading

Your day begins with a visit to the historic Benbo Monastery, a remarkable site founded during the Southern Song Dynasty in 1179 A.D. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the serene monastery grounds, where you can admire the intricate Tibetan-style architecture and soak in the spiritual ambiance. The monastery, whose name “Benbo” in Tibetan means “the edge of Caoba,” was established by the Buddhist master Gamaba Dusongqinba to expand his teachings and preach the sacred scriptures. Within its halls, you will find the master’s personally crafted Buddha statue, which has been carefully preserved for centuries and continues to inspire devotion among visitors. Throughout your visit, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the monastery’s history, its religious significance, and the cultural practices that have been maintained here for generations, ensuring a deep and enriching experience.

Next, you’ll visit the Ten Thousand Acres Poplar Forest, a breathtaking natural wonder that truly comes alive in autumn, typically around October. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you along the pathways lined with countless poplar trees, their leaves transformed into a dazzling tapestry of golden and orange hues that shimmer under the crisp, azure sky. As you stroll through this expansive forest, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs, with sunlight filtering through the vibrant canopy and reflecting off the forest floor. Your guide will share insights about the ecology of the poplar forest, its seasonal changes, and the local legends that surround this picturesque landscape. Throughout your visit, they will point out the best vantage points, ensure you make the most of your time here, and help you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of nature’s most charming autumnal displays.

As your day of exploration winds down, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel. Throughout the afternoon, your guide will offer helpful suggestions for capturing the best photo opportunities and making the most of the local scenery, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The return journey will be carefully planned to ensure a relaxed drive back, giving you time to reflect on the day’s experiences. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you can unwind at your hotel, taking with you memorable snapshots and cherished impressions of the region.

Day 3 Daocheng Yading

Next, your adventure continues with a scenic hike of approximately three hours to reach the breathtaking Milk Lake, known in Tibetan as "E Rong Cuo." Due to the unique terrain of Daocheng Yading, access within this area is limited to either hiking or horseback riding, adding an element of adventure to your journey. Nestled in the depression of Yangmaiyong Snow Mountain, Milk Lake is famed for its striking contrast of colors—milky white waters encircle a central pool of brilliant blue, creating a stunning natural palette. This ancient glacier lake, shaped like a delicate drop of water, is framed by majestic snow-capped peaks, cascading glaciers, and clear, sparkling streams. The pristine surroundings offer a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for capturing unforgettable photographs. If you wish, you also have the option to explore the area on horseback at your own expense, allowing you to take in the lake and its surroundings from a different perspective. Throughout your visit, your guide will point out the most scenic spots, share insights into the natural and cultural significance of the area, and ensure you fully appreciate this alpine wonder.

Next, you’ll make your way to the spectacular Five Color Lake, a short walk of about half an hour from your current location. Known in Tibetan as "Danzengcuo," the lake earns its name from the remarkable way sunlight refracts across its waters, creating a dazzling array of colors that shimmer and change throughout the day. Situated between the majestic Xiannairi and Yangmaiyong Snow Mountains, Five Color Lake rests at an impressive altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Its perfectly circular surface mirrors the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and sky, producing a serene and almost magical scene. As you explore the area, your guide will point out the most photogenic spots, share fascinating insights into the lake’s natural formation, and ensure you fully immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this alpine gem.

As your day of exploration comes to a close, your guide will ensure a smooth and well-coordinated transfer from the mountain down to the valley. You’ll take the public bus back to your hotel, with your guide on hand to assist with directions, answer any last-minute questions, and offer tips for the remainder of your stay. Along the way, you can relax and reflect on the stunning alpine landscapes, the pristine lakes, and the unique cultural experiences you’ve encountered throughout the day. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you can return to your hotel with ease, carrying unforgettable memories of Daocheng Yading’s breathtaking natural beauty and serene mountain scenery.

Day 4 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.

Then, continue your hike for approximately 30 minutes to reach the serene Pearl Lake, a pristine body of water formed from the melting snow of Xiannairi Snow Mountain. Surrounded by dense forests and framed by majestic peaks, the lake offers an enchanting landscape that seems almost untouched by time. As you stroll along its shores, your guide will share insights into the natural and cultural significance of the area, highlighting how the sacred mountains and crystal-clear waters have inspired awe and reverence for generations. This tranquil setting provides the perfect opportunity for photography, reflection, or simply soaking in the serenity, allowing the beauty of the holy snow mountains to leave a lasting impression on your journey.

As your day of adventure comes to a close, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and timely return to your hotel. They will carefully manage the journey so you arrive comfortably, with plenty of time to settle in and unwind. Along the way, your guide will be available to answer any last-minute questions, offer travel tips, or simply allow you to relax and reflect on the experiences of the day. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you can return to your hotel stress-free, carrying with you unforgettable memories of the day’s sights, culture, and natural beauty.

Day 5 Daocheng-Chengdu

After breakfast, your guide and driver will ensure a timely and comfortable transfer to Daocheng Yading Airport for your flight back to Chengdu. They will carefully plan the journey to allow plenty of time for check-in and security procedures. Along the way, your guide will be available to answer any last-minute questions, provide travel tips, or simply let you relax and reflect on the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences of Daocheng Yading. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you can board your flight stress-free, taking with you cherished memories of the sacred mountains, pristine lakes, and serene pastures that defined your adventure.

Price Per Person in US Dollars