Poetic Retreat in the Mountains of Zhagana: A Healing Journey at Aban Homestay

When the morning mist gently flows through the mountains of Zhagana, the wooden Tibetan-style houses in Yeri Village awaken under the first rays of golden sunlight. Opening the intricately carved wooden door of Aban Homestay feels like stepping into a three-dimensional painting of Gannan's charm—here, the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and grasslands blends seamlessly with the warmth of daily life, making it the coziest stop on my exploration of this "Eastern Eden." The mountain-view room I stayed in featured a color palette of deep blue and creamy white. The thangka hanging on the wall complemented the rustic wooden furniture, while the auspicious patterns on the carpet offered a soft touch underfoot. In the distance, the snowy peak of Guangai Mountain was bathed in golden-red sunlight, and the sea of clouds surged through the valleys. From the comfort of the bed, I could take in this visual feast. The Thumb Scenic Restaurant is the perfect spot to savor Tibetan cuisine. At 8 a.m., a steaming bowl of yak bone soup paired with barley bread was served, its rich aroma mingling with the scent of grass and trees outside the window, awakening my taste buds. The restaurant's glass windows face the mountains, and during lunch, I ordered hand-grabbed lamb with a special chili powder dip. Looking up, I saw mist-shrouded cliffs, as if sharing a feast with nature. For a change of flavor, the area around the homestay offers authentic Tibetan hot pot, and at the Mukjiale Tibetan Bar, you can enjoy homemade barley wine. During an evening stroll, I stumbled upon Stone City Impression BBQ, where the smoky aroma of charcoal-grilled yak meat filled the alley. Paired with local yogurt tea, it was an unexpected culinary delight. During my three-day stay, I adapted to waking with the sunrise and strolling under the glow of the setting sun. I visited Fairy Beach, 2.24 kilometers away, where wildflowers blanketed the meadows; Lasang Monastery, 1.18 kilometers away, to hear the echoing chants; and Runwu Valley, just 505 meters away, to play by the streams. As night fell, the homestay's communal area lit up with warm yellow lights, and travelers from all over gathered to chat and share their snapshots of Zhagana. On the morning of my departure, I watched the sunrise once more. As the sunlight climbed the snowy peaks, I suddenly understood why Rock called this place "God's Eden." And Aban Homestay is undoubtedly the haven in this secret paradise that truly understands the needs of travelers. Next time I visit Zhagana, I will surely choose this place again to continue writing stories of snow-capped mountains, villages, and starry skies.