Mt.Yala trekking

It’s an immersion into pristine wilderness, offering breathtaking vistas of glacial lakes, ancient forests, vast pastures, and soaring snow-capped peaks. You’ll find solace in serene landscapes, and challenge yourself on high mountain passes, culminating in a deep connection with both nature and the spiritual heritage of the Kham region.

Yala Snow Mountain Trek: A Sacred Journey Through Kham Tibet

Overview:
Embark on a profound 7-day pilgrimage and adventure around one of Tibet's most sacred peaks. This trek is more than a hike; it's an immersion into pristine wilderness, offering breathtaking vistas of glacial lakes, ancient forests, vast pastures, and soaring snow-capped peaks. You'll experience the timeless rhythm of nomadic life, find solace in serene landscapes, and challenge yourself on high mountain passes, culminating in a deep connection with both nature and the spiritual heritage of the Kham region.

Highlight of the trekking:

  • Transitioning from the Sichuan basin to the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
  • The first true immersion into the open, pastoral beauty of the Yala foothills.
  • Summiting the Yala Pass and the awe-inspiring first view of the holy mountain and its glacial lakes
  • The therapeutic bliss of the natural hot springs amidst rugged mountain scenery.
  • The supreme effort and reward of crossing the high pass, standing face-to-face with Yala.
  • Cultural immersion in Tagong and the moving gratitude shared with the local support team.
  • Reflecting on an unforgettable journey through sacred landscapes.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu & Journey to the Plateau (Kangding - Zhonggu Village)

  • Morning: Depart from your Chengdu hotel for a scenic 4-5 hour drive along the G318 highway, traversing the dramatic Erlangshan Tunnel and following the Dadu River upstream.
  • Afternoon: Arrive in Kangding (2,560m), the historic gateway to the Kham region. Enjoy a local lunch and take a short stroll to feel the energetic pulse of this mountain town, known for its famous love song.
  • Evening: A further 1.5-hour drive takes you to the trailhead at Zhonggu Village (3,000m). Meet your guide and support team. Settle into your guesthouse, enjoy a welcome dinner, and begin acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 2: Gentle Acclimatization: Into the Flower Pastures (Zhonggu Village to Xindianzi Grassland)

  • Trek: ~12 km | 4-5 hours | Ascent: 600m
  • Morning: After breakfast and packing our duffels for the porters/yaks, we begin our trek with a gentle ascent out of the village. The trail winds through patches of forest and opens into beautiful "Flower Pastures" (seasonal), alive with color in summer.
  • Afternoon: Continue upwards through serene landscapes, with chances to spot grazing yaks and Tibetan sheep. The day's effort is rewarded as we crest a small ridge to see the expansive Xindianzi Grassland (3,600m) spread before us.
  • Evening: Arrive at our first campsite by mid-afternoon. Help set up camp or simply relax, soaking in the panoramic views and the quiet vastness of the highlands.

Day 3: Over the Yala Pass to the Sacred Lakes (Xindianzi to Yala Yongtso Lake)

  • Trek: ~14 km | 6-7 hours | Ascent: 700m | Descent: 500m | Max Alt: ~4,300m
  • Early Morning: Optional early rise to witness a spectacular sunrise over the grassland (weather permitting).
  • Morning: Embark on the day's main challenge: a steady 2-hour climb to the Yala Pass (4,120m). The effort is punctuated by ever-improving views behind you. The final push brings you to the prayer-flag-adorned pass, where the vista of the Yala massif unfolds.
  • Afternoon: Descend from the pass, traversing alpine slopes. Pass by the stunning turquoise Sister Lakes (4,200m), perfect for photography. The trail then leads through fragrant rhododendron and fir origin forests before the majestic Yala Yongtso Lake (3,800m) appears. A final 1.5-hour walk brings us to its shores.
  • Evening: Camp directly beside the lake. The reflections of the sacred peak on the calm evening waters are a sight to behold.

Day 4: Pastoral Valleys & Soothing Hot Springs (Yala Yongtso Lake to Hot Spring Camp)

  • Trek: ~8 km | 3-4 hours | Descent: 400m
  • Morning: A relatively relaxed day. We trek along the lake and descend into the beautiful Zara Valley (3,400m), passing under the gaze of the distinct Zara Holy Mountain.
  • Afternoon: The trail leads us to the much-anticipated natural hot springs. Here, you can soak your muscles in the geothermally heated pools, an incredible luxury in the remote wilderness, believed by locals to have healing properties.
  • Evening: Set up camp near the hot springs area, allowing for another optional soak under the stars.

Day 5: The High Challenge: Crossing the Tagong Pass (Hot Springs to Tailai Valley)

  • Trek: ~10-12 km | 7-9 hours | Ascent: 1,400m | Descent: 800m | Max Alt: 4,800m
  • Note: This route is subject to weather and season. From September to May, snow often closes the pass. An alternative route retraces steps to Yala Park (8km trek) followed by a drive to Tagong.
  • Pre-Dawn Start: An early breakfast for the trek's most demanding day. We ascend steadily through a side valley, tackling "three big terrains" – a series of steep, switchbacking moraines.
  • Mid-Morning: The relentless climb is rewarded with ever-closer, more dramatic views of Yala Snow Mountain's formidable west face.
  • Afternoon: Reach the summit of the Tagong Pass (approx. 4,800m). Celebrate this major achievement amidst a whirl of prayer flags, with unparalleled 360-degree views of Yala and the endless Tagong Grassland below. The descent is long and steep; trekking poles are essential. After 2-3 hours down, we reach our camp in Tailai Valley (4,000m) by a bubbling stream.

Day 6: Nomadic Encounters & Spiritual Lhagang(Tagong) (Tailai Valley to Tagong)

  • Trek: ~3-6 km | 2-3 hours | Easy walking
  • Morning: A gentle farewell trek across the open Lhagang Grassland. Follow a meandering river, encountering herds of yaks and perhaps nomadic herders in their traditional black tents.
  • Late Morning: Meet our vehicle. A short drive brings us to the spiritual center of Lhagang. We visit the golden-roofed Lhagang Monastery, an important site of the Sakya school. Explore the surrounding Anigongma Village, its nunnery, and the immense, intricately carved Mani Stone Pile.
  • Afternoon: Emotional farewell to our porter team. Check into a local guesthouse for a well-earned hot shower. Enjoy a final celebratory dinner with your guide and group.

Day 7: Return Journey & Reflections (Tagong - Kangding - Chengdu)

  • Morning: After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Chengdu. The route offers final glimpses of the plateau.

 

Map coming soon...