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Geletuo Leqiong is a majestic sacred mountain in the snow-covered plateau, located in Geletuo Township, Sichuan. "Leqiong" means "holy land" in Tibetan. It is one of the four sacred mountains in the snow-covered plateau.
Leqiong is named after the "Shenxian Rock" which has a unique shape, resembling a goose head. It is covered with lush vegetation such as aromatic cypress and bamboo. It also has unique landscapes such as natural bodhi trees, karst caves for spiritual practice, the residence of dakinis, and rock gates.
In summer, Leqiong receives abundant rainfall, and the crystal-clear water cascades down the cliffs, creating a fairyland on earth; pilgrims flock here in droves. In midwinter, "the mountains dance like silver snakes, and the plains gallop like wax figures," creating a truly northern landscape.
Continental plateau monsoon type, the best time to travel is from May to October.
2 hours
free
All day
Gele Tuoleqiong is located in the heart of the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is significant for its cultural and ecological diversity. It is known for its Tibetan heritage, including monasteries, local festivals, and traditional nomadic life. The area is also important for its role in the preservation of the natural environment, including alpine meadows and wildlife.
Gele Tuoleqiong is located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan. The most common way to get there is by bus or taxi from the nearby city of Kangding. As the area is quite remote, private transportation or a guided tour is recommended. There are no metro services in the area.
Gele Tuoleqiong is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during late spring and summer (May to September) when the weather is more temperate, and the grasslands are lush. The mornings and late afternoons are ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
There is generally no entrance fee for the Gele Tuoleqiong region, as it is a natural and cultural area. However, some local attractions or festivals may charge a small fee. Tickets can be bought onsite or via local travel agencies for special events.
Booking in advance is not required for general visits to Gele Tuoleqiong, but if you plan to attend local festivals or special events, it’s recommended to book at least a week in advance.
To fully explore Gele Tuoleqiong, you would need 3 to 5 hours. This allows enough time to visit the local villages, explore the natural surroundings, and take part in some of the available outdoor activities. If you plan to engage in trekking, you may need a full day.
Guided tours are available, primarily in Chinese, but English-speaking guides can be arranged with advance notice. Audio guides are not commonly available in this remote region.
Start by visiting the Tibetan monastery, then head to the local villages to explore the culture. Afterward, take a hike across the grasslands for the best views of the surrounding peaks. End the day by visiting a viewpoint for sunset photography.
Night visits are not available, but there may be special cultural events or performances during Tibetan festivals. Check the local schedule before visiting.
Gele Tuoleqiong is not generally crowded, but it can get busier during Tibetan festivals or national holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during the off-season, such as autumn or early spring.
Basic facilities like public toilets and rest areas are available. Food stalls or small local restaurants offer Tibetan dishes, and there are some souvenir shops. It’s advisable to bring water and snacks if you plan to spend more time in the area.
Some areas of Gele Tuoleqiong, especially the grasslands and trekking routes, may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the main villages and monastery are accessible to visitors of all ages.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted in more remote areas.
Vegetarian dishes are available, particularly in the form of barley, vegetables, and dairy products. Halal food is not commonly available, but vegetarian options are common in Tibetan cuisine.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling Tibetan crafts such as prayer beads, woolen shawls, traditional clothing, and hand-carved wooden items.
Private taxis or buses are the best options for continuing your trip. For further travel, buses from Kangding to other cities in Sichuan like Chengdu are available.
