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The Merduo Mountains, known as Maqu Shi Beijia Mo Merduo, lie at the border of Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, and Xiaojin and Jinchuan Counties in Aba Prefecture, northwest of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. The mountain range, originating from the Partridge Mountain in Aba Prefecture, winds its way for thousands of miles, with its main peak at 5,000 meters, towering over the confluence of the Greater and Lesser Jinchuan Rivers in Danba County.
It is one of the thirteen famous sacred sites of the Bon religion in the snowy Tibetan Plateau and has been the headquarters of Bon religion in eastern Tibet for thousands of years. The renowned Bon Laxiang Monastery, one of the Four Imperial Temples of the Qing Dynasty, is located at the foot of Mount Meldo.
Standing on the top of Mount Merduo, you can see the Golden Summit of Emei Mountain in the east, the Gangdise Snow Mountain in U-Tsang in the west, and eight silver rivers in the territory, like eight white hadas, winding around the 56 beautiful mountains of the sacred Mount Merduo. The 56 magnificent peaks symbolize the unity and friendship of the 56 ethnic groups in the motherland.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. The weather is more suitable and it is easier to see the true appearance of the sacred mountain. On the tenth day of the seventh lunar month, a grand temple fair and circumambulation activities are held at the sacred mountain to commemorate General Moduo.
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Mordor Mountain, located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is a sacred mountain in Tibetan culture. The area is rich in natural beauty and has been a place of spiritual significance for centuries. It serves as a retreat for Tibetan Buddhists and a symbol of strength and endurance.
Mordor Mountain is located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China. The closest city is Kangding, which can be reached by bus or car from Chengdu. From Kangding, visitors can take a taxi or private vehicle to reach the mountain area. The terrain can be rugged, so it is best to travel with a local guide or a tour group.
Mordor Mountain is open year-round for visitors. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer is the peak tourist season, while winter can be harsh and cold.
There is no entrance fee to visit Mordor Mountain itself, but fees may apply for specific trekking routes or guided tours. Tickets for nearby attractions can be purchased at the entrance or through local tour operators.
For general visits to Mordor Mountain, tickets do not need to be booked in advance. However, it is advisable to book guided tours or special treks at least 1-2 days in advance, particularly during the peak seasons.
To fully explore Mordor Mountain and its surroundings, you should plan for at least one to two days. This allows time for hiking, photography, and visiting nearby attractions. For a more leisurely experience, you could extend your stay by camping in the area.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. Some tours may also offer English-speaking guides. It’s recommended to book tours in advance, especially if you require an English-speaking guide.
Start by visiting the Tibetan villages to experience the local culture. Then, hike up to the summit of Mordor Mountain for panoramic views. Afterward, explore the nearby lakes and glaciers. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can choose shorter trails or spend more time in the villages.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Mordor Mountain. However, the clear skies make it an excellent location for stargazing at night, especially away from city lights.
Mordor Mountain is less crowded compared to other popular tourist destinations in Sichuan. It can get busier during summer and holidays, so it is best to visit in spring or autumn for fewer crowds.
The terrain around Mordor Mountain can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to its rugged nature. However, children can enjoy visiting the Tibetan villages and some of the lower trekking routes.
Cash is the primary method of payment in the area, particularly in local villages. Mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) may be accepted in larger towns like Kangding, but it is best to carry cash for smaller purchases.
There are small Tibetan restaurants and cafes in the nearby villages, offering traditional food. For more variety, you can visit Kangding, which has a broader selection of dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as many Tibetan dishes are plant-based. Halal food is not commonly found in this region, but vegetarian options are widely available.
Accommodation near Mordor Mountain is limited to guesthouses and simple hotels in nearby Tibetan villages. For more comfortable options, visitors can stay in Kangding, which offers a wider range of hotels and resorts.
Souvenir shops in the region offer traditional Tibetan handicrafts such as jewelry, textiles, carpets, and prayer wheels. You can also find locally made art and trinkets.
After visiting Mordor Mountain, you can take a bus or taxi back to Kangding. From Kangding, you can travel further to Chengdu or other destinations in Sichuan by bus or private car.
