Reverse travel is amazing! Hidden autumn activities in Zhagana that 90% of people don’t know about

While northerners are crowding Kanasi, I discovered the true secret spot in Zhagana! There are no noisy tour groups here, only the sound of herders’ bells and mountains covered in red leaves. The name alone is enchanting, but what I want to share are the in-depth experiences even locals praise!

【Theme Route: Immersive Tibetan Experience】
🌾 Cultural Exploration Line:
Visit a Tibetan village home → Learn to make butter tea → Go with herders to the alpine pasture to milk cows (advance booking required)

🍁 Natural Scenery Line:
Dongwa Village → Yeri Village → Darri Viewing Platform circular hike (6 km total, gentle slopes)

✅ Hidden Activities Confirmed
Nighttime Star Gazing: Wake up at 3 a.m., use your phone at Darri Viewing Platform to capture the Milky Way arch, don’t forget your tripod!
Helping Herders Harvest Highland Barley: October is harvest season; after helping, you’ll be invited to drink fresh barley wine, heartwarmingly emotional.
Secret Waterfall Picnic: Avoid the main road, walk 40 minutes up Runwu Valley to find a small waterfall, spread out your picnic mat, and enjoy eating tsampa under the apple trees—super healing.

🏡 Recommended Accommodations
► Scenic Homestay: “Zhagana Yunju,” floor-to-ceiling windows facing the snow-capped mountains, open the curtains at dawn to see the golden sunlight on the peaks.
► Best Value: “Yeri Village Tibetan Home,” 100 RMB/person including breakfast and dinner, the owner will take you to pick wild sea buckthorn.

⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance Tips
→ After National Day is the off-season, accommodation prices are cut in half!
→ Fog tends to form after 3 p.m., so hike in the morning.
→ Big temperature difference in the mountains, thin down jacket + windbreaker is a life-saving combo.

If you’re tired of the crowds, try this guide to unlock a different autumn in Zhagana!