Enter from Diebu and cross the Rock Road

In 1925, botanist John Locke made three expeditions to Gannan to collect specimens. Struck by the land's "snow-capped mountains, grasslands, blue skies, and cattle and sheep grazing on the pastures," he wrote in his notes, "If the author of Genesis had seen this beauty, he would have placed the birthplace of Adam and Eve here." Nearly a century later, this scientific expedition route has evolved into an epic scenic corridor that traverses the Dieshan Mountains, connecting snow-capped mountain passes and pristine Tibetan villages, awaiting the bravest explorers.

A breathtaking natural gallery of wonders
The Locke Trail is a three-dimensional geology textbook, boasting a breathtaking array of scenery. Rising dramatically from 2,800 to 4,200 meters above sea level, travelers will experience a dramatic shift in landscape from lush forests to alpine meadows to glacial relics. The Chebagou section, following the Cheba River, a tributary of the Tao River, reveals Tibetan villages dotted in the gently rising valley, where golden rapeseed fields contrast beautifully with the verdant mountains. The true climax lies in the Guanggai Mountain section, where jagged black glacial boulders and exposed rock faces, sculpted by knives and axes, create a magical landscape reminiscent of "The Lord of the Rings." The 3,941-meter-high pass is the highest point of the entire route, offering a bird's-eye view of a "ten-thousand-foot city wall" of stone peaks. When shrouded in mist, it resembles an alien landscape.

A Cultural Corridor Through Time and Space
Locke Road is not only a natural scenic avenue but also a living cultural museum. Along the way, Niba Village is a well-preserved century-old Tibetan village, with houses built into the mountainside, embodying the traditional architectural wisdom of "no wood on the outside, no earth on the inside." Villagers maintain a pristine lifestyle, with Mani flags fluttering in the wind and prayer wheel corridors documenting their devout faith. In Daogao Township, nomadic culture and agricultural civilization intersect, and the weather is as varied as the diverse ethnic cultures of the region.

Culinary experiences are an important window into local culture. During the journey, Tibetan yak hotpot is a must-try feast. The highland yak is tender and the broth is rich. Handmade tsampa paired with butter tea has been a source of energy for Tibetans for thousands of years. Tibetan yogurt captivates the palate with its rich flavor and balanced sweet and sour notes. During festivals, you might even witness Tibetan women making highland barley wine and experience the traditional ritual of "three sips, one cup."

The Rock Trail dates back to the ancient Silk Road and was once a vital passage connecting Han and Tibetan areas. In the 1920s, Joseph Rock made three in-depth expeditions to this region, writing for National Geographic and introducing the world to this "Garden of God's Browsing." Interestingly, Rock once befriended the Muli chieftain by offering a gold coin as a token of his access to secure passage through bandit-controlled territory. While those thrilling adventures are now a thing of the past, the spirit of adventure lives on along the trail.

As one traveler put it, "Rock Road isn't a tourist attraction, but a ritual of dialogue with nature. As your wheels roll over ancient glacial gravel, and you roll down the car windows to breathe the crisp air, you'll understand—true freedom lies where the signals disappear." This legendary road, steeped in both natural wonders and cultural heritage, beckons travelers with its pristine wildness and breathtaking beauty. Set off, and let Rock Road reshape your understanding of the "faraway"!
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Post by “踏上奇妙之旅，探索世界每一个角落。我是极地之光，热爱旅行分享、带你领略别样风景，发现旅途惊喜。 | Aug 19, 2025