Stunning 5-Day Secret Trekking Guide in Western Sichuan to Encounter the Golden Autumn at Dangling

‍♂️Who says Western Sichuan is only about Daocheng Yading? This hidden trekking route is the ultimate autumn bucket list for photography pros and city workers! The best autumn colors at Dangling peak in mid to late October feature colorful forests, snow-capped mountains, and alpine lakes perfectly framed together—every shot is a masterpiece! 📸 Here’s the most comprehensive guide, presented with both hands～

⛰️【5-Day Itinerary】
📍Day 1: Arrive in Maerkang
✨Highlight: Altitude acclimatization at 2700m
🏨Accommodation: Mijiuxika Hotel (No.128 Tuanjie Street, Maerkang City)
🌃Evening Activity: Stroll along Binhe Road, don’t miss the yak yogurt from street shops!

📍Day 2: Maerkang → Kasa Lake → Kaerza
🚗Drive time: 4 hours
💦Must-visit: Jiayila Lake, a sacred lake backed by snow mountains and glaciers
🏠Accommodation: Jiayulacao Mountain Lodge (near Jiayila Lake, Kaerza Township)
📸Must-shoot: The "Glacier Reflection" at sunset is breathtaking!

📍Day 3: Kaerza → Danba
🌲Core Experience: Secret hiking at Dangling Hulu Lake
🌟Seasonal Highlights:
June-August alpine flower seas / October golden autumn colorful forests
🍵Specialty: Danba homestay with Tibetan tea tasting and stargazing

📍Day 4: Danba → Gurgou
🛣️Scenic Route: Check in at Lixiaolu, the "Western Sichuan Duku Highway"
♨️Ultimate Relaxation: Xikangya Hot Spring Hotel (No.88 Hot Spring Road, Gurgou Town)
💆🏻‍♀️Tips: Rooms with private hot springs are recommended!

📍Day 5: Return
🛏️Sleep in naturally, head home full of beautiful memories～

🚙【Transportation Guide】
⚠️Must-read! Recommended to team up with 4WD off-road vehicles
Regular sedans not advised (some sections have gravel)
Recommended charter: Drivers familiar with the roads for safety

🏨【Accommodation Package】
💰1780 RMB/person includes:
✔️4 nights boutique lodging
✔️4 specialty meals
✔️Professional guiding service
✔️High-altitude travel insurance

🧳【Gear Checklist】
✅Life-saving essentials: Windbreaker + Sunscreen + Sunglasses
✅Trekking must-haves: Hiking poles + Non-slip shoes
✅Bonus: Drone (perfect for panoramic shots)

📸【Photo Tips】
✨Late October at Dangling: The golden trio of colorful forests + snow mountains + alpine lakes
✨Jiayila Lake: God’s view of the glacier-reflecting sacred lake
✨Lixiaolu: Road shots of snow mountains and forests through the car window

⚠️【High Altitude Warning】
Prepare oxygen tanks for sections above 3000m!
Consult your doctor in advance if you have underlying conditions
Avoid washing hair or bathing in the first 2 days to reduce altitude sickness

🙅‍♀️【Taboos】
❌No photography inside temples
❌Don’t snap photos too close to Tibetan elders
❌Do not touch prayer flags or mani stone piles casually

💬Real Experience:
This route has fewer people and more beautiful scenery than Daocheng! Our guide took us to many wild viewing platforms, so no need to compete with tourists for the perfect shot～When the colorful forests cover the hills in October, it’s truly breathtaking😍