Reverse travel is amazing! This absolutely off-the-beaten-path valley in Western Sichuan takes over the entire golden autumn

Just the name alone is enchanting—Muni Valley. But this time, we’re not taking the usual tourist route; instead, we’re uncovering a hiking trail that even many locals might not know about, truly “claiming” the autumn colors on the mountain peaks. This is a journey of exploration and discovery.

"Theme Route: Secret Wilderness Hiking Adventure"
If you’re not satisfied with scenic boardwalks and crave a wilder autumn, this “secret wilderness hiking trail” is perfect for you.
Theme: Following the footsteps of autumn, delving deep into the undeveloped back mountain area of Muni Valley.
Route: Starting from the end of Erdao Lake Scenic Area, find a small path guided by local herders to climb up, pass through the primeval forest, reach the alpine meadows, and overlook the panoramic autumn scenery of the entire Muni Valley. This route is moderately challenging, but the views are definitely worth it.

"Hidden Experience: Be a Local for a Day"
Beyond sightseeing, the most authentic experience is to blend in with the locals. ✅ Visit the Tibetan village at the valley entrance: don’t just glance through, but try chatting with the warm Tibetan aunties, drink a bowl of butter tea, and listen to legends about this land and water. ✅ Bonfire under the starry sky: if you stay at a Tibetan homestay, you might have the chance to join a small bonfire party at night. Though simple, dancing around the fire under the dazzling stars is a heartwarming experience unimaginable in the city.

"Photo Outfit/Props Guide"
In such a wild natural environment, your outfit should balance comfort and style.
Recommended outfit: workwear jacket, hiking boots, wool hat to create an outdoor mountain girl look. Colors like khaki, army green, and orange earth tones blend perfectly with the surroundings.
Essential props: a vintage binoculars, a notebook with a kraft paper cover (pretend to record nature observations), or a leather water bottle—all can instantly enhance the storytelling of your photos.

"Practical Info: Pre-trip Checklist"
□ ID card, some cash (signal may be unstable in the mountains)
□ Windproof warm jacket, fleece, quick-dry underwear (layering to handle temperature changes)
□ Non-slip hiking shoes, trekking poles (back mountain trails are primitive, better safe than sorry)
□ High-calorie snacks, thermos (to replenish energy and warmth promptly)
□ Power bank, camera, spare batteries (too many beautiful scenes, don’t want to run out of power)
□ Sunscreen, lip balm, common medicines (strong UV on the plateau, dry climate)

"Food & Accommodation: Scene-based Recommendations"
[Must-try deep experience] Stay at a Tibetan family homestay at the valley entrance, where you can enjoy authentic tsampa and yak meat, and get first-hand insider tips on hidden nearby spots from the host.
[Comfortable vacation option] If you prefer better accommodation, you can stay in Songpan County hotels, but you’ll need to commute daily to the scenic area, which may reduce some of the experience.

Avoid the crowded famous spots; this seriously underrated treasure can truly let you feel the purest joy of travel. This exclusive guide helps you start a different autumn chapter in Muni Valley.