This place is truly as stunning as Daocheng Yading~
by ElizabethHolmes
Nov 5, 2025
🏔️Western Sichuan Secret Realm | Yala Snow Mountain Hiking Guide! Wild Photo Spots 99% of people don't know about!
🌈Western Sichuan's Top Destination! A divine combination of snow-capped mountains + colorful forests + sacred lakes!
Known as the "Oriental Alps," the colorful forests and snow-capped mountains in autumn are breathtaking!
🚗Transportation Tips:
📍Address: S303, Daofu County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
👉Driving Route: Chengdu - Kangding - Daofu (approx. 7h), SUV recommended
💡Tips: Navigate to "Yala Snow Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot," the last 30 kilometers are gravel roads.
🎫Scenic Area Information:
⏰Opening Hours: 8:30-15:30 (latest entry)
💰Ticket Price: 150 RMB/person
🌄Highlight Routes:
1️⃣ Visitor Center → Yala Youcuo
An easy 3km hike! The emerald sacred lake reflects the snow-capped mountains, and you can capture the 'Golden Mountain at Sunrise' from the first viewing platform.
2️⃣ Yala Youcuo → Taizhangou
A must-do for advanced hikers! Trek through primeval forests, where you might encounter marmots and blue sheep.
3️⃣ Taizhangou → Sister Lakes
Hidden gem route! The twin lakes are like sapphires embedded at the foot of the snow mountain.
📸Epic Photo Spots:
▶️Eastern slope of Yala Youcuo (at sunrise)
▶️Second bend of Taizhangou (snow mountain + prayer flags in frame)
▶️Large rock on the south bank of Sister Lakes (drone takeoff/landing point)
🍴Food & Accommodation:
▪️Daofu County: Recommend the yak hotpot at "Zangjia Yan" (Tibetan Family Feast)
▪️Inside the scenic area: Only simple Tibetan meals available, it's recommended to bring your own dry food.
▪️Accommodation: Yala Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (soak in hot springs while stargazing)
⚠️Important Reminders:
1. Altitude 4000m+, be sure to bring oxygen tanks and glucose.
2. Fog often appears in the afternoon, it's recommended to enter before 10 AM.
3. Hiking requires trekking poles, some sections have gravel.
4. Download offline maps in advance, there is no signal within the scenic area.
Post by ElizabethHolmes | Nov 5, 2025












