Summer Travel Plan for a Week in Daocheng Yading

Daocheng Yading in summer is like an overturned palette, with snow-capped mountains, meadows, and alpine lakes filling your vision. A week is just enough time to leisurely explore this "earthly paradise." Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure a perfect trip! Itinerary (7 Days, 6 Nights) Day 1: Arrive in Daocheng County, Acclimatize to Altitude • Morning: Fly to Daocheng Yading Airport (elevation 4,411m!). Take a bus or private car to Daocheng County (~1.5-hour ride), passing by Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap—stop briefly for panoramic photos. • Noon: Check into a hotel in the county (choose lower elevation to avoid altitude sickness). Have a light lunch like porridge or noodles—don’t overeat. • Afternoon: Stroll around the county, visit Daocheng Cultural Square to admire Tibetan architecture, and stock up on oxygen cans and chocolate (altitude sickness remedies). Avoid strenuous activity! • Evening: Rest early. Skip showering (to prevent altitude sickness) and inhale oxygen for 30 minutes before bed for peace of mind 😴. Day 2: Explore Around Daocheng County • Morning: Visit Xingyicuo (the largest glacial lake in Haizi Mountain). Its gem-blue waters and black gravel shores make for stunning wilderness photos. • Noon: Return to the county for Tibetan-style meals—try butter tea with tsampa to ease into local flavors. • Afternoon: Relax at Rubuchaka Hot Spring Village. Soak in a Tibetan-style hot spring (keep water temperature moderate, limit to 20 minutes) to unwind. • Evening: Dine at the "High Altitude Reaction" restaurant for a warming yak meat hot pot. Day 3: Daocheng County → Yading Village (Short Route) • Morning: Take a 2.5-hour ride to Yading Scenic Area. Buy tickets (¥266 for 3-day access) and board the shuttle, enjoying views of Chitu Valley, barley fields, and Tibetan villages. • Noon: Arrive at Yading Village. Check into a homestay and enjoy lunch there, like barley pancakes with yogurt. • Afternoon: Take the shuttle to Zhaguanbeng, then walk 10 minutes to Chonggu Temple for panoramic shots of the temple under snow-capped peaks. Visit Chonggu Meadow, where summer wildflowers and mountain reflections create breathtaking scenes. • Evening: Stay in Yading Village (higher altitude). Keep oxygen cans handy and sleep early. Day 4: Yading Long Route Hike (Challenge Yourself!) • 5:30 AM: Have a hearty breakfast and take the first shuttle to Zhaguanbeng. • 6:30 AM: Start the hike via Luorong Pasture (photograph Gongga River and mountains) → Milk Lake (emerald-green, framed by peaks) → Five-Color Lake (colors shift with light—capture from higher ground). • Noon: Eat packed snacks (chocolate, energy bars, hot water) near Milk Lake. Pack out trash! • Afternoon: Begin descent by 1 PM. Rest back in Yading Village—use oxygen if needed. Day 5: Yading Village → Shangri-La Town • Morning: Sleep in, then revisit Chonggu Temple in the serene morning light. • Noon: Take the shuttle to Shangri-La Town. Check into a lower-elevation hotel and enjoy a hearty lunch. • Afternoon: Browse Tibetan shops for yak jerky or stroll by the river. Day 6: Around Shangri-La Town • Morning: Return to Xingyicuo or visit Sela Grassland for summer herds and horseback photos. • Noon: Savor Tibetan hot pot with fresh ingredients. • Afternoon: Try thangka painting—a mindful cultural experience—and take your artwork home. Day 7: Departure • Morning: Wake naturally, pack, and depart based on your flight/schedule, ending your perfect Daocheng journey. Must-Visit Spots • Milk Lake: A turquoise alpine lake cradled by peaks—worth every step 💦. • Five-Color Lake: The highest lake, shifting hues like a palette 🎨. • Luorong Pasture: Summer greens dotted with yaks, framed by mountains—a Windows desktop come to life. • Chonggu Temple: An ancient monastery beneath peaks, ethereal at dawn. • Daocheng County: Rubuchaka Hot Spring, Xingyicuo, and Sela Grassland offer quieter beauty. Accommodation Tips • Daocheng County (Days 1-2, ~3,700m): "Daocheng Yading Hot Spring Hotel" (onsen) or "Fanyinhai Hotel" (Tibetan-style, budget-friendly). • Yading Village (Days 3-4): "Yading Rock Culture Theme Hotel" (mountain-view rooms) or "Yading Tibetan Homestay" (friendly, with oxygen). • Shangri-La Town (Days 5-6, ~2,900m): "Shangri-La Jiayong Hotel" (near transit) or "Holiday Inn Express" (reliable chain). Photography Guide • Milk Lake: Wear white/red dresses for contrast. Shoot low-angle with a phone’s wide lens. • Luorong Pasture: Frame with a dead tree foreground and yaks against mountains. • Chonggu Temple: Capture backlit silhouettes at dawn or use telephoto for compressed mountain-temple shots. • Outfits: Light or bold colors (vs. green/blue landscapes). Add a ethnic shawl and sturdy shoes—no heels! • Timing: Soft light at 7-8 AM or 5-6 PM. Seek shade at noon to avoid overexposure. Food Picks (No-Regret Edition) • Yak Meat Hot Pot: A must! Tender yak with local potatoes and greens 🥘. • Butter Tea: Start sweet—pairs perfectly with tsampa. • Barley Pancakes: Crispy outside, soft inside. Eat plain or with honey. • Highland Cod: Steamed for freshness—few bones, great for all ages. • Tibetan Yogurt: Ultra-tart—add honey/sugar. Aids digestion. • Yak Skewers: Street snack with chili powder—irresistible 🍢. ⚠️ Tips: Pack for changeable weather (sun protection, layers, sunglasses). Avoid overexertion; rest and use oxygen if needed. Respect Tibetan customs (no photos/noise in temples). Enjoy your trip! 😊