Not in Switzerland! Western Sichuan in July-August is indescribably beautiful!

A pilgrimage to snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and faith!

* **🚗Transportation:**
* **🚘Self-drive:** Depart from Chengdu, SUV or off-road vehicle recommended (some rugged sections like Zheduo Mountain, Tagong Grassland)
* **🚌Private/Shared Car:** Suitable for those who don't want to drive themselves; local travel agencies can arrange
* **🚌Public Transport:** Buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Kangding, Danba, etc., but transfers between attractions are inconvenient
* **Essentials:** Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV at high altitude), warm clothing (large day-night temperature differences), common medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, altitude sickness remedies like Rhodiola), camera (stunning scenery)
* **⚠️Altitude Sickness:** Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, drink plenty of water, prepare oxygen bottles (available locally)

**🚌II. Classic Itinerary (7-10 days)**

* **Day 1-2: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao**
* Experience Tibetan-Han cultural fusion in Kangding "Love Song City," overlook the city from Paoma Mountain
* Distant view of snow-capped mountains from Zheduo Mountain Viewpoint (4,298m altitude)
* Xinduqiao "Photographer's Paradise," capture Tibetan houses and pastoral scenery in changing light
* **🚌Accommodation:** Tibetan-style guesthouses in Xinduqiao (local experience)

* **Day 3-4: Xinduqiao - Tagong Grassland - Danba**
* Classic view of Tagong Monastery's golden roof framed by Mount Yala
* Horse riding and Tibetan costume photos on Tagong Grassland, chance marmot sightings
* Otherworldly terrain at Mo'ersi Park (great for drone shots)
* Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village (one of China's most beautiful villages), overnight stay
* **Food Recommendations:** Yak meat hotpot, butter tea, barley cakes

* **Day 5-6: Danba - Siguniang Mountain - Xiaojin**
* Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain (well-developed, easy hiking)
* Changping Valley trek (close-up view of Yaomei Peak)
* **Hiking Tip:** Choose routes based on fitness level, bring trekking poles

* **Day 7-8: Xiaojin - Barkam - Sertar (Optional)**
* Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (awe-inspiring red monastic city, requires advance booking)
⚠️* Sky burial ceremony (respect local customs, maintain silence)

* **Return:** Sertar - Chengdu (or return directly from Siguniang Mountain)

**III. Hidden Gems (For In-Depth Travel)**

* **Cuoka Lake:** Fairyland with mirror-like water reflecting snow mountains and temples
* **Dangling:** Hiking to Hulu Lake, stunning autumn foliage
* **Mosika:** Isolated paradise for marmot interactions
* **Yarchen Monastery:** Sacred female monastic island

**⚠️IV. Important Notes**

* **Respect Beliefs:** No photography inside temples, rotate prayer wheels clockwise
* **Environment:** No littering - high-altitude ecology is fragile
* **Road Conditions:** Check traffic info before departure (landslides common in rainy season)
* **Border Permit:** Required for Sertar/Yarchen (apply at hometown police station)

**V. Travel Tips**

* Weak signal in some Tibetan areas - download offline maps
* Carry cash (some places don't accept mobile payment)
* Purchase travel insurance (medical coverage important at high altitude)

Western Sichuan's beauty lies along the journey - slow down and feel the serenity beneath snow mountains and the power of faith.