A Peaceful Trek to Gongga Lake (贡嘎措) in Daocheng Yading

If you’re short on time or unable to trek all the way to Milk Lake (牛奶海) or Five-Colour Lake (五色海) in 稻城亚丁due to bad weather or fitness, don’t worry — Gongga Lake (贡嘎措) is a beautiful alternative that’s much more accessible that’s also along the “long route”

🗺️ Starting from Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) at around 4,150m, the trail to Gongga Lake is relatively short and easy. It takes less than an hour if you are fit, or at most 1.5 hours with gentle inclines and open views of misty meadows and surrounding peaks.

🌊 Gongga Lake has a large service centre for you to refill hot water. The platform is also a popular place for people to stop by to prep to lunch if they want to advance further to Milk Lake (牛奶海) or Five-Colour Lake (五色海). Also, if you reached here at 1.30pm or later, you are advised not to proceed further and turn back from here. Same if you are already suffering from bad altitude sickness

👣 Why Gongga Lake is perfect:
– Great for those who can’t or don’t wish to do the full high-altitude trek
– A relatively low-effort walk with rewarding alpine views
– Ideal if you’re managing altitude sickness or bad weather
– Even if you can’t make the trek from Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) you can ride a horse from there- horse tickets (RMB 200 per person, one-way only),
then ride to Gongga Lake (贡嘎措). However ride at your own risk as your tour group insurance typically won’t cover any accident arising from horse riding here

💼 Essentials to bring:
✅ Light waterproof jacket (weather changes fast)
✅ Portable oxygen canister (altitude is still above 4,100m!)
✅ Chocolate or glucose tablets for a quick energy boost, or packed lunch if you intend to eat lunch here.
✅ Thermos for warm water or tea

#summervacay #贡嘎措 #gonggalake #稻城亚丁 #luorongpasture #highaltitudetrek