Daocheng Yading Classic Discovery

Classic Panoramic Journey of Daocheng Yading

3 Days Overview of Yading's Three Sacred Mountains, Milk Lake, Pearl Lake, and Tibetan Culture

3 Days 2 NightsDaocheng900 – 1,260 USD

3Days

2Nights

1Destinations

900From

ClassicNatural SceneryTibetan CultureFirst-Timer

Overview

Trip Overview

This classic itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Daocheng. Over three days, you'll witness the most iconic landscapes of Yading Nature Reserve: the three sacred peaks—Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xiaruoduoji—as well as Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, and Pearl Lake. Immerse yourself in Tibetan villages and highland pastures with expert guides, ensuring a memorable journey.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

✓Pilgrimage to Yading's Three Sacred Mountains: Chenresig, Jampelyang, and Chanadorje
✓Visit the Plateau Lakes Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake
✓Stroll around Pearl Lake and Capture the Reflection of Chenresig
✓Explore Tibetan Villages and Experience Butter Tea and Tsampa
✓Horseback Riding Experience on Plateau Pastures (Optional)
✓Professional Guide Explaining Geology and Tibetan Buddhist Culture Throughout the Journey
✓Sunset at Daocheng White Pagoda and Sela Grassland

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYDaocheng

Arrive in Daocheng, Acclimate to the Altitude, and Get a First Glimpse of Tibetan Culture

BreakfastNot included

MorningArrive at Daocheng Yading Airport, private transfer, enjoy the ancient ice cap relics of Haizi Mountain along the way, and head to Daocheng County.

LunchIncluded · Daocheng Tibetan family restaurant · Simple Tibetan meal

AfternoonCheck into the hotel and take a short rest to acclimate to the altitude. Then visit the Daocheng White Pagoda, circumambulate for blessings, stroll on the Sela Grassland, and photograph the plateau scenery.

DinnerIncluded · Daocheng Yak Hot Pot Restaurant · Specialty yak hot pot

EveningEnjoy a Tibetan dinner in the county town, taste butter tea and yak hot pot, and admire the night view of the Tibetan village.

TransportPrivate transferStay4-star hotel in Daocheng city center

2DAYDaocheng

Core Area of Yading Scenic Area: Chonggu Monastery - Pearl Lake - Luorong Pasture

BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel

MorningAfter breakfast, drive to the Yading Visitor Center and transfer to the sightseeing bus to enter the scenic area. Hike to Chonggu Monastery, visit this century-old temple, then head to Pearl Lake to capture the reflection of the sacred mountain Chenresig.

LunchIncluded · Restaurant in Yading Scenic Area · Simple meal

AfternoonAfter lunch near Chonggu Monastery, take the electric cart to Luorong Pasture, gaze at the sacred mountains Jampelyang and Chanadorje in the distance, and feel the magnificence of the alpine pasture.

DinnerIncluded · Tibetan restaurant in Shangri-La Town

EveningReturn to Yading Village or Shangri-La Town for accommodation, enjoy dinner, and rest.

TransportPrivate car + scenic area sightseeing bus + electric cartStayCharacteristic guesthouse in Yading Village or 4-star hotel in Shangri-La Town

3DAYDaocheng

Challenge of Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, Return Journey

BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel

MorningDepart early from Luorong Pasture, hike or ride a horse to Milk Lake (altitude 4,600 meters), and admire the blue lake surrounded by snow mountains. If energy permits, continue to Five-Color Lake and overlook the changing colors under different lights and shadows.

LunchIncluded · Restaurant in Shangri-La Town

AfternoonDescend back to Luorong Pasture, take the electric cart and sightseeing bus out of the scenic area. Have lunch in Shangri-La Town, then drive back to Daocheng County.

DinnerNot included · According to flight schedule

EveningTransfer to the airport according to flight time, ending the unforgettable Daocheng Yading journey.

TransportHiking + electric cart + sightseeing bus + private airport transferStayNone

Hotels

Hotel Reference

Destination	Hotel	Rating	Room type	Nights
Daocheng	Daocheng Snowy Sunlight Hotel or equivalent	4-star	Standard twin room	1 night
Shangri-La Town	Yading Risong Gongbu Hotel or equivalent	4-star	Standard Twin Room	1 night

Activities

Recommended Activities

Yading Scenic Area

Known as "the last pure land on the blue planet", it features three sacred mountains and several alpine lakes.

Milk Lake

A glacial lake at an altitude of 4,600 meters, with milky-blue water surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Five-Color Lake

At an altitude of 4,700 meters, the lake shows five colors in the sunlight and is a sacred lake in Tibetan Buddhism.

Pearl Lake

A lake at the foot of Mount Chenrezig, with picturesque reflections, ideal for photography.

Chonggu Temple

A Tibetan Buddhist temple within the Yading Scenic Area with a long history, serving as the starting point for hiking.

Add-ons

Add-on Services

Item	Destination	Details	Currency	Fee	Remark
Horse Riding Experience	Daocheng	One-way horse ride from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake, saving energy.	CNY	300-500	Advance reservation required, subject to weather and road conditions
Professional Photography Follow-Shoot	Daocheng	A local photographer follows you all day and retouches 30 photos.	CNY	1,500	Book 3 days in advance

Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

Full-trip private car transfers and driver service
2 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
Yading Scenic Area admission ticket and sightseeing bus ticket
Meals marked in the itinerary (2 lunches, 2 dinners)
Professional Chinese/English guide service
1 oxygen cylinder per person for high altitude
Travel accident insurance

Not Included

Round-trip major transportation to Daocheng (air/train tickets)
Meals and drinks not marked in the itinerary
Optional paid items such as horse riding and electric carts
Single room supplement
Personal expenses and tips
Additional expenses due to force majeure

Notes

Good to Know

This itinerary involves high-altitude areas. It is recommended to acclimatize in advance. People with severe heart or lung disease should not participate.
The hiking route in Yading Scenic Area is relatively long. Please choose according to your physical strength; horse riding is available at your own expense.
The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, and other reasons. Thank you for your understanding.
Accurate identity information is required for booking to purchase insurance and tickets.

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