Reverse travel is awesome! Easy ways to enjoy Daocheng Yading in autumn without hiking and still see stunning scenery

Heard you must hike to Milk Lake in Yading? No! For those with limited stamina or tight schedules, there’s an easy and beautiful “relaxing” route that lets you experience the essence of Yading in autumn. Reverse travel is the way to go for an amazing time!
【Itinerary Planning: Pace Comparison (Fast Mode VS Relaxed Mode)】
Fast Mode (Challenge the long route): Luorong Pasture → hike to Milk Lake/Five Color Lake. Pros: See the sacred lakes. Cons: Extremely physically demanding, risk of altitude sickness.
Relaxed Mode (My recommendation): Park shuttle bus → Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Temple → electric cart to Luorong Pasture → deep exploration of the pasture and surroundings → return the same way. Pros: Easy, core scenic spots, high safety.
【Highlights: Suitable for Different Groups】
【Must-go for Photographers】Luorong Pasture: This is the essence of Yading itself, surrounded by the three sacred mountains. The autumn grasslands are golden, streams meander, and every shot looks like a masterpiece—no need to climb higher.
【Cultural Explorers Don’t Miss】Chonggu Temple: An ancient temple located beneath Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain, appearing even more peaceful and sacred against the autumn colors. You can feel the atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism here.
【Top Choice for Family Trips】Pearl Lake (Zhumala Cuo): A gentle half-hour hike from Chonggu Temple, with a mild slope. You can see Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain and its perfect reflection in the lake. Great value for effort.
【Check-in Tips: Hidden Experiences】
Daydream at Luorong Pasture: Don’t rush to take photos or check in. Find a bench, watch the majestic Yangmaiyong Snow Mountain, feel the sunshine and breeze, and see horses grazing leisurely. This is the right way to enjoy your vacation.
Explore Chonggu Meadow: The electric cart passes through Chonggu Meadow, an excellent spot to admire Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain. In autumn, wetlands, streams, forests, and snow-capped peaks form a harmonious picture.
Take environmental portraits: On the wooden boardwalk at Luorong Pasture, with vast meadows and snow mountains as the backdrop, walk or glance back for natural and grand photos.
【In-depth Experience Story】
I chose the “relaxed mode.” At Luorong Pasture, I didn’t head toward Milk Lake but walked a short distance along the gentle boardwalk toward the foot of the snow mountain. By a small stream, I took off my shoes and dipped my feet into the icy snowmelt water (quickly took them out), watching the sunlight make the opposite mountain peak shine. At that moment, there was no goal to summit, no rush against time, only pure relaxation and enjoyment. I even lay down on the grass for a nap and woke up feeling refreshed. This suited my travel mood better than exhausting challenges.
【Practical Info: Pitfall Avoidance Guide⚠️】
Know your limits: Don’t be trapped by the saying “If you don’t reach Milk Lake, the trip is wasted.” High-altitude hiking carries risks; enjoying the scenery itself is more important.
Electric cart is worth it: The distance from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture is not short. Taking the electric cart saves a lot of energy and time, giving you more strength to explore the core area.
Horse riding: There are horse caravans at Luorong Pasture that can carry you to the foot of Milk Lake, but they are limited in number, expensive, and not 100% safe. Choose carefully.
Accommodation choices: For an easier stay, stay in Shangri-La Town (lower altitude). For a stronger experience and if you’re not afraid of altitude sickness, stay in Yading Village (higher altitude), convenient for next-day tours.
【Food & Accommodation🍽️🏡】
Accommodation: Shangri-La Town has many distinctive Tibetan-style guesthouses with good conditions, a great place to rest.
Food: Try yak meat hot pot, nutritious and warming, helpful for adapting to the plateau.
Autumn in Yading offers many ways to explore. Choose what suits you best for the perfect trip.