Secret of Western Sichuan: Majia Valley October Advanced Autumn Viewing and Summit Guide

🏔️🍂Secret of Western Sichuan: Majia Valley October Advanced Autumn Viewing and Summit Guide (Part 2)🗺️

Majia Valley—A hidden colorful forest secret in Western Sichuan. The first part revealed a family-friendly wooden plank trail for leisure hiking and key scenic spots. This part focuses on the undeveloped wild trail beyond the end of the plank trail, unlocking the ultimate bonus: an expedition to Dawa Yongcuo (Moon Lake) at an altitude of 4,250 meters.

📍Dawa Yongcuo (Moon Lake) Field Exploration

🔸Location: A glacial lake hidden deep in Majia Valley’s mountain peaks. Start from the end of the plank trail at Qumei Cuo Lake shore (swing spot in photo 2), cross the single-plank bridge, then follow the primitive dirt path trodden by footsteps uphill. One-way hike about 1.5 hours; return the same way.

🔸Trail Conditions Warning:

• Initial section: Subalpine coniferous forest with vibrant autumn colors reflecting beautifully with the lake;

• Middle section: Golden colorful forest dusted with white snow, red shrubs scattered like a fairy tale;

• Summit section: Snow-covered path, only wooden signs and prayer flags guide the way, requiring hands and feet to climb, faint footprints visible in the thick snow.

✅Exclusive Experience for Advanced Hikers

🔸Scenic Layers: From lush green fir forests to icy snowfields, seasonal landscapes condensed into one day. On a clear day at the summit, the reflection of snow-capped mountains on the lake is breathtaking (photos 3-13).

🔸Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆ (Suitable for physically fit young people and experienced beginner hikers)

• Advantages: No cliff or steep rock faces, relatively safe;

• Challenges: Continuous steep ascent (trekking poles essential), slippery descent on mixed snow and mud sections (gloves for protection, gaiters for moisture, spare shoes and socks necessary).

❌Casual Hikers Beware

🔸Summit Reality: Extremely desolate, small lake area, visual impact on rainy or overcast days far less impressive than the colorful forest below (photos 13-16).

🔸Harsh Realities:

• Sliding down on your butt, grabbing trees to crawl, frozen pant cuffs, mud-covered shoes... the photographer’s dignity shattered in thick snow;

• High altitude sickness caution! If headache or shortness of breath occurs, turn back immediately.

💡Lessons Learned the Hard Way

1️⃣Gear List: Hiking boots (non-slip!), gaiters, gloves, dual trekking poles, windbreaker (large temperature difference at the summit);

2️⃣Time Management: Recommended to start before 9 AM, allow 4 hours round trip;

3️⃣Team Setup: At least two people, carry walkie-talkies and emergency supplies;

4️⃣Environmental Advocacy: No trash bins in undeveloped areas, please bring your own trash bags.

📸Photography Golden Hours

10 AM to 12 PM offers soft light, and the lake’s reflection of snow mountains is most beautiful when there is no wind.