The Off-the-Beaten-Path Route 317 in Western Sichuan! Like Summer in a Miyazaki Anime!

9-Day In-Depth Guide to the Ganzi Route 317 Loop (With Money-Saving and Pitfall-Avoiding Tips)
Combining local expertise and the latest travel strategies to help you efficiently plan your journey to the secret snowy mountain paradise👇

🌄 Core Itinerary (9-Day Ultimate Route)
D1: Chengdu → Kangding → Honghaizi → Xinduqiao
Honghaizi: Entrance fee ¥10. The lake is azure on sunny days—arrive in the morning to avoid crowds.

Xinduqiao accommodation: At 3,500m altitude, some may experience altitude sickness. Consider staying in lower-altitude Kangding (if time allows, acclimatize here for 1 night).

D2: Xinduqiao → Tagong Grassland → Ganzi County
Tagong Grassland: A quick stop along the way—no need for in-depth exploration.

Ganzi County: The main destination, a town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Stay at Lamu Tibetan Homestay (traditional Tibetan-style rooms with mountain views).

D3: Ganzi County → Kasa Lake → King Gesar’s City
Kasa Lake: Photogenic on sunny days—skip if overcast (short visit if passing by).

King Gesar’s City: Underdeveloped, but the wetlands behind offer reflections of snow mountains.

D4: Ganzi County → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso (Xinluhai)
Cuotong Emerald Lake: Free, but requires crossing a 4,600m pass. Fog may obscure views—start early.

Yulong Lhatso: Entrance ¥100 + shuttle ¥50 (peak season prices inflated). Must-visit in Apr/May/Jun/Nov/Dec; other seasons, substitute with Dangzhen Lake (free).

D5: Ganzi County → Manigango → Chola Mountain Viewpoint → Dege
Chola Mountain Viewpoint: Free, where colorful roads frame snow peaks—wear bright clothing.

Dege Printing Monastery: Entrance ¥50, a must for culture lovers—try traditional woodblock printing.

D6: Dege → Ganbai Road (Yarchen Monastery → Lhalung Lake)
Ganbai Loop: Navigate to Yarchen Monastery before returning to Ganzi County. Stunning views of Zhuoda Mountain Tunnel Canyon and ancient glacial boulders.

Yarchen Monastery: Skip the interior—admire the red houses and Changtai Grassland flower fields from afar.

D7: Ganzi County → Dawu → Luhuo
Dawu Tibetan Houses: Traditional "Bongkhong" architecture. Stay at Jiarong Courtyard (wooden scent aids sleep).

Luhuo: Visit Zongta Grassland (free, wildflowers everywhere).

D8: Luhuo → Danba → Shuangqiao Valley, Siguniang Mountain
Shuangqiao Valley: Drifting, "Potala Peak" road photos—perfect for relaxation.

D9: Shuangqiao Valley → Chengdu
Return tip: If time allows, stop at Balang Mountain for sea of clouds, or head straight back to avoid traffic.

🌟 Must-Visit Hidden Gems
Cuotong Emerald Lake (free): Alpine triple lakes, untouched landscapes. Bring cash (no signal at the summit).

Lhalung Lake Wetland (free): Summer flower fields and mountain reflections—paved roads ideal for camping.

Manigango Grassland (free): Pika paradise under Chola Mountain—perfect for camping.

Around Ganzi County: Visit Yuke Grassland (free) and Huxiang Mountain Hot Springs (¥20/person, outdoor sulfur pools).

⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance & Tips
Altitude Sickness Prevention:
Stop aerobic exercise 1 week prior. Avoid washing hair/bathing on the first night.
Ganzi County is at 3,300m—some hotels offer oxygen (e.g., Hanting ¥300/night with oxygen bar).

Transport & Road Conditions:
Paved roads throughout—suitable for cars/EVs, but use low gear downhill to prevent brake overheating.
Ganzi Gesar Airport offers direct flights (2hr from Chengdu)—ideal for shorter trips (rent a car upon arrival).

Cost Reference:
Accommodation: County hotels ¥300–400/night (cheaper off-season), Tibetan homestays ¥200/night.
Tickets: Yulong Lhatso ¥150 (includes shuttle), most other sites charge ¥20–30 for maintenance.

Seasonal Advice:
Jun–Aug: Flower-filled grasslands, emerald barley fields—cool summer escape.
Sep–Oct: Pristine snow peaks, golden poplar forests—ideal for photography.
Nov–Apr: Frozen landscapes—best for hot springs (e.g., Ganzi’s wild outdoor springs).

💡 Trivia & Bonus Experiences
Yarchen Monastery hack: Skip the interior—picnic on flower-covered hillsides for panoramic red-house views.
Off-peak travel: Ganzi County is crowd-free during May Day/National Day—enjoy solo mountain-lake vistas.

Food Recs:
Ganzi’s Lamu Tibetan Cuisine: Stone-cooked lamb, butter tea (¥50/person).
Dege’s Old-School Tibetan Eats: Tsampa yogurt, air-dried yak meat (¥40/person).

Photography Tips:
Use telephoto at Chola Mountain Viewpoint to compress road and peaks.
Wide-angle at Zhuoda Mountain Tunnel Canyon for dramatic shots.