A Relaxing 2-4 Hour Hiking Guide in Daocheng Yading

💎Route Overview
Route Name: Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain Short Trail

Starting/Ending Point: Zha Guanbeng

Main Path: Zha Guanbeng → Chonggu Monastery → Pearl Lake (Zhuomalacuo) → Return via the same route

Hiking Distance: Approximately 3 km round trip

Hiking Duration: Including slow walking, photography, and breaks, the entire journey takes about 2-4 hours

Maximum Altitude: Around 4100 meters (near Pearl Lake)

Difficulty Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner-friendly, suitable for most people)

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

🏔️Entering the Scenic Area:

From the visitor center in Shangri-La Town (Riwa), take the scenic area shuttle bus for about 1 hour. The journey crosses Niulangshen Mountain, reaching Zha Guanbeng (altitude 3800 meters). This winding mountain road has many turns, so those prone to motion sickness should prepare in advance.

After getting off the bus, walk uphill for about 500 meters to reach Chonggu Meadow (altitude 3900 meters). This location, featured in the movie "I Belonged to You," is also the junction for both short and long trails.

🚶Visiting Chonggu Monastery:

From Chonggu Meadow, head right (east) uphill. A 15-20 minute walk will take you to Chonggu Monastery (altitude 3880 meters). This ancient monastery, located at the foot of Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain, offers a prime spot for capturing reflections of the mountain and an aerial view of Chonggu Meadow. It is recommended to enter and experience the tranquility of Tibetan Buddhism.

Hiking to Pearl Lake:

Behind Chonggu Monastery, follow a well-paved wooden boardwalk uphill. The path is gentle, winding through forests and streams, making it an easy hike.

After about 40 minutes to 1 hour of hiking, you will reach the destination, Pearl Lake (Zhuomalacuo) (altitude 4100 meters).

Highlight Moment: Pearl Lake is a crystal-clear alpine lake, resembling an emerald embedded in the mountains. The majestic Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain (altitude 6032 meters) is perfectly reflected in the lake, creating one of the most iconic and sacred scenes in Yading.

✨Returning:

Retrace your steps back to Chonggu Meadow, then walk to Zha Guanbeng and take the shuttle bus down the mountain.