Muli to Yading Trek
A trek from Muli to Yading in the footsteps of Joseph Rock to be captivated by the primitive Tibetan villages, magnificent valleys, virgin forests, highland pastures, snow-capped mountains and ancient glaciers, and thrown definitely back to thousands of years ago into the world of splendid beauty and purity as if in the fairyland.
Muli to Yading trek route became famous after it was introduced to the world by Joseph Rock, an American botanist explorer. In 1928, Joseph Rock trekked from Muli to Yading. The unparalleled marvelous scenery in Yading surprised and deeply attracted Rock. When he returned to America, he published an article about Yading with the pictures of its remarkable sceneries in National Geographic Magazine. After that, Yading is well- known as “Tibet Shangri-La Soul” and “the last piece of pure land on the blue planet”. And trekking in Yading becomes popular all over the world.
Hightlights:
. On Joseph Rock's track
.Trekking following Joseph Rock's track from Muli to the holy mountains in Yading
. Traditional Tibetan Buddhist mountains and Tibetan culture
. Holy Lakes and Holy 3 peaks
Best Time to Trek from Muli to Yading
The best time to trek in Yading is from later April to early June and from September to November. During those periods of time, the road is in good condition and the weather is clear that you can enjoy the scenery with dramatic view. And from late June to August, it is rainy too much in Yading. The rainy days will affect your trekking a lot. The road becomes muddy and slimy. There might be so foggy that you can’t see the mountain peaks clearly. From December to the next early April, the road will be covered with ice and snow. It is not suitable for trekking.
Day 1: Xichang – Muli
One day ride from Xichang to Muli. Arrive in Muli in late afternoon.
Day 2: Muli - Luodou Village –Dora family 2700m
Hire a jeep or take public bus from Muli to Luodou. Muli monasteryz is worth a stop if you hire a jeep, where you may overlook the 3 holy peaks of Yading. After visiting the temple, through Wachang of the Old Muli along the river, turn over Longsha meadow (4090m),Dora family, which is the starting point of the trek. Family homestay.
Day 3: Dulu –Dora family - Mancuo(4000m) 7-8hrs / 12km
Upstream the White River("Baishui He" in Chinese), we set off following the Zambe River, go through the virgin forest in dim light, along with streams, waterfalls, withered trees and sprouts, singing birds. When reaching the relatively flat valley-bottom, the view is getting broader and Channa Dorje sacred peak comes in sight.Camp
Day 4: Mancuo – Zangbie – Wakazhe (4100m) 10km / 6hrs
The journey is much easier than crossing the forest on day 2 Marching along the south face of Chana Dorje, splendid alpine lakes, rivers and meadows are the only things you can see on route. Mancuo to Zangbie or Wakazhe: 5-6 hours. Camp
Day 5: Sa’u - Zambala Pass(4600m) – Daduyo-la (4300m) –Chanyong (4200m) 12km/ 7-8hrs
Starting from Sa’u, the view is getting more enchanting. This is the first scenic climax of the journey. You can slow down your strides to enjoy the picturesque scenery comprised of Jampelyang and Chana Dorje Peaks, small but turquoise alpine lakes, meadows. In October, yellow and red leaves describes the yet warm autumn here.
After crossing over the 4600m high Zambala Pass, the virgin glacier is now visible. Down from the Pass to Daduyoo-la under the cliff, which is a typical high mountain pasture with two stone cowsheds to be used for overnight camping.
Day 6: Chanyong – Dalacon – dorje-yudre pass(4700m) – Jadu-la(4600) Serin-tso (4300m) 15km/ 8-9hrs
From Chanyong to Gari Pasture in the west of Jampelyang, marching in the canyon between the steep mountains. Turn over the high chine along the rugged way of sinuosity. The ridge is full of Mani Piles. The most exciting place is Black Lake, which is glistening like black pearls while seen in distance. On the two sides are Jampelyang and Chana Dorje facing each other Buddhist pagodas, huge butterfly-shaped rocks and thousands volumes of Buddhism seen on the way add mystery and reasons for being worshiped. Camp
Day 7: Serin-tso –Sambala Pass -Five-colored lake - Luorong Pasture –Yading (3800m)
From Serin-tso to Luorong Pasture, you have 2 Passes to conquer, exhausted body is rewarded by one joyful surprise after another. This is the 2nd scenic climax of the route.
The 3 sacred mountains lie on the three points of a triangle. Turning over the first pass, Jampelyang and Chana Dorje are just under your nose. A little further is the Milk Lake, set among the holy peaks, offers indescribable tranquil beauty. Overlook from the Sambala pass of 4800m by Five-Colored Lake, the holy peaks reflects clearly in the Milk Lake.
After walking through Milk Lake, you finally reach Luorong Pasture in Yading Reserve. Lodging is not officially allowed here any more, but you can still find some offers under the table.
Day 8: Daocheng - Lithang - Lhagang 380km / 6-7hrs
This morning set out to drive up Litang grassland to the nomadic trading village of Litang which sits at 13,860 ft (4200m). Weather permitting you will see the peak of Gong-gar Mountain along the way, the highest peak in China outside of the Himalayas. This high altitude grassland region is home to many nomadic families who spend their days herding yaks. Stop along the way for photo opportunities as you like. The warmth of Tibetan hospitality awaits you at a local homestay tonight in Tagong. Enjoy time with your hosts as you learn more about their way of life.
Day 9: Tagong Monastery-Bamei-- Danba (Zhonglu) 150km/ 3hrs
This morning visit Lhagong, the monastery in Tagong wrought with an interesting history. Learn the ancient lore here about a Chinese princess who played a big role in introducing Tibet to Buddhism 1300 years ago. Learn about the history of Buddhism and this monastery before you set out for the 3 hour drive to Danba. The rugged beauty of this region provides stunning views of the most beautiful mountains in Eastern Tibet such as Yala mountain. Follow the seemingly endless mountain canyon down to the tucked away town of Danba at 6200 ft (1900m). High up on one of the hills lies your destination for the next two nights, the quaint Tibetan village of Zhonglu. Your gracious host invites you into their home and show you many cultural relics from hundreds of years ago and introduces you to the history of the area and their traditional way of life.
Day 10: Zhonglu Village hike to Suopo Watchtowers
Today you set out for a relaxing hike on the surrounding slopes that offering beautiful views of the valley below with its terraced farms that the Tibetans have been cultivating for hundreds of years. Again you may make this a light or challenging hike depending on your preference on this day. This area is also well known for many ancient towers that sit in ruins dating back to hundreds of years during the warring period between Tibetan clans. A section of one 700 year old tower is used as part of the home where you are staying!
Day 11: Danba - Four Maiden's Mountain--Chengdu 3700km 7-8 hours
In the early morning drive to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, if the time allowed then you can pay a visit the Four Maiden’s Mountain valleys. There are 3 different beautiful valley for tourists to explore, but since you time is limited then you will only have time to explore one of these valley. Afterwards, continue drive to Chengdu. Once arrive your hotel in Chengdu, say a goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver. Ended your pleasant journey in Tibet.
Map coming soon...
