Daocheng Yading Easy Travel Guide: Beat Altitude Sickness & Is It Worth It? Find Answers Here!

Want to visit Daocheng Yading but worried about altitude sickness ruining your trip? Don't panic! This carefully crafted 5-day itinerary covers practical anti-altitude sickness tips, breathtaking attractions, and local delicacies to help you comfortably explore "the last pure land on the blue planet"!

1. Detailed Ticket Information

- Entrance fee: ¥150 (mandatory) - grants access to Yading Scenic Area's magnificent landscapes.
- Sightseeing bus: ¥120 (mandatory) - takes you directly from the visitor center to Zhaguanbeng, saving long walking distances so you can save energy for the scenic spots.
- Electric cart: Round trip ¥80 (optional) - recommended for quick transport from Chonggu Meadow to Luorong Pasture, conserving energy for hiking.
- Horse riding: ¥300 - not highly recommended due to relatively short distance and potential variable riding conditions.

2. Recommended Classic Routes

(1) Yading Short Route (Half day)
Visitor Center → Sightseeing Bus → Yading Village → Sightseeing Bus → Zhaguanbeng → Walk → Chonggu Temple → Walk → Zhuoma Laco (Pearl Lake). This easier route features ancient Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake nestled among mountains, reflecting the sacred Mount Chenrezig.

(2) Yading Long Route (Full day)
Visitor Center → Sightseeing Bus → Yading Village → Sightseeing Bus → Zhaguanbeng → Walk → Chonggu Meadow → Electric Cart → Luorong Pasture → Walk → Milk Lake → Walk → Five-Color Lake. This comprehensive route showcases vast pastures at Luorong, turquoise Milk Lake, and color-changing Five-Color Lake - each spot worth lingering.

3. Complete Altitude Sickness Prevention Guide
With average elevation over 3,000m, proper preparation is crucial:

- Clothing: Pack 3-in-1 windproof jackets for large temperature swings, plus hats, neck gaiters, sunglasses, and gloves for warmth and sun protection.
- Gear: Comfortable hiking boots and trekking poles reduce leg strain; carry disposable raincoats and emergency blankets for unpredictable weather.
- Food: Bring high-energy snacks like tsampa pancakes and beef jerky for long hikes, with chocolate for quick energy boosts and hot water for warmth.
- Pre-trip adjustment: Start drinking cola daily when planning your Sichuan trip for sugar intake, supplemented with glucose to aid acclimatization.
- Medication: Take Gaoyuan'an (3 pills, 3 times daily after arrival) to enhance oxygen adaptation - no need for pre-trip consumption.

4. 5-Day Highlight Itinerary

D1: Chengdu → 434 Airport Road → Honghaizi → Yuzixi → Xinduqiao
Depart Chengdu along scenic 434 Airport Road. Stop at mirror-like Honghaizi lake reflecting snow mountains, then enjoy panoramic sunset at Yuzixi before staying in "photographer's paradise" Xinduqiao with Tibetan village views.

D2: Xinduqiao → Tianlu 18 Bends → Litang Letong Ancient Town → Shangri-La Town
Navigate dramatic Tianlu mountain switchbacks, explore Tibetan culture in Litang's ancient streets and Renkang Old House, then rest in Shangri-La Town for next day's Yading adventure.

D3: Shangri-La Town → Yading Scenic Area → Daocheng County
Full-day Yading exploration (choose short/long route). Savor local yak meat hotpot and butter tea in Daocheng.

D4: Daocheng County → Litang → Tagong Grassland → Moshi Park → Bamei/Danba
Return via Litang to vast Tagong Grassland with sacred Yala Mountain views, then otherworldly stone forests at Moshi Park. Overnight in Bamei/Danba.

D5: Bamei/Danba → Shuangqiao Valley (Mt. Siguniang) → Maobiliang → Chengdu
Explore Shuangqiao Valley's snow peaks and lakes by shuttle bus, capture Four Sisters Mountain panorama at Maobiliang, then return to Chengdu.

Daocheng Yading's beauty deserves slow appreciation. Follow this guide to prevent altitude sickness while deeply experiencing Western Sichuan's magic - start your dream journey now!