Trekking From Muli to Yading in Kham
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
.Trek following Joseph Rock's track from Muli to the holy mountains in Yading
. Traditional Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan culture
. The most beautiful mountains of Sichuan. Mt. Chenrezig (6032m), Mt. Jampayang (5958m) and Mt. Chenadorje (5958m).
. Litang and Tagong grasslands filled with yaks and local nomadic families
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: Arrival in Chengdu – Xichang
Day 2: Xichang – Muli – Changhai Lake – Grand Muli Monastery. 353 km / 8 hours 30 minutes
After breakfast drive via Yanyuan and Muli to Changhai (Long Lake). The barrier lake surrounded with natural pasture was made of volcanism. In June and July, here is a world of flowers. The Kangwu Monastery nearby Changhai is the third one of the three big monasteries of Muli. The large pictures taken by Rock preserved in this temple are worthy of watching. The three monasteries of Muli built in the 17th century were praised as “real jewel box” by Rock. Among them, “the Muli Grand Monastery is composed of 340 rooms and halls; there are 700 monks in the monastery. The secondly important monastery is Waerzhai 18 kilometers to the north of Muli with 270 monks. The third monastery is Kangwu 25 kilometers to the southeast of Muli with 300 monks. Muli King with his government lived one year in turn in the three monasteries.” Afterwards go to Muli Grand Monastery. The original Muli Grand Monastery had been completely destroyed. Now what you see was rebuilt in 1986, and there are 50 monks in the temple. Behind the splendid hall are the broken walls and ruins, telling you its past glory. By then Rock presented one riffle, 250 bullets and 3 soaps to Muli King, and the king presented Rock some special local products in return. Some pictures taken by Rock are treasured up in the monastery.
Day 3: Muli Grand Monastery – Dulu Village. 112 km 3 hours 50 minutes
Overnight in the local people’s house
Day 4: Dulu –Dora family - Mancuo(4000m) 7-8hrs / 17km
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 5: Mancuo – Zangbie – Wakazhe pasture (4100m) 12km / 5hours
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 6: Wakazhe - Zambala Pass(4600m) – Daduyo-la (4300m) –Chanyong (4200m) 19km/ 8-9hours
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 7: Chanyong – dorje-yudre pass(4700m) – Black lake - Jadu-la(4600) Serin-tso (4300m) 15km/ 6-7hours
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 8: Serin-tso –Sambala Pass -Five-colored lake - Luorong Pasture –Yading Village (3800m) Trekking about 15 km/ 7hours
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 9: Yading Village - Daocheng - Lithang grassland 260km / 5hours
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.
Day 10: Litang grassland - Yajiang - Tagong monastery 225km/ 4-5hours
Today you drive to Tagong town and visit the Lhagang Monastery of Sayka School that is surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Bodhisattvas. It is said that the blessing of a reserved Jowo Shakyamuni image in this monastery to the pilgrims, which resembles that of seeing the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image itself. And then visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall. From the hillside next to the Minya Golden Pagoda, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Zara Lhatse (5.820 m, also Jara or Yala), when the weather is good, the scenery at sunset is especially spectacular.
11: Tagong - Kangding - Luding – Chengdu 360km/ 5-6hours
If the weather is good, enjoy the beautiful landscape of sunrise of Yala Mountain. Cross over Gyeduo Pass (4298 m) to Kangding, where you will have a great beautiful views of Minya Konka. Keep driving to Luding and crossing through the 4.1 km long tunnel of Mt. Erlang Shan. Luding Chain Bridge. Luding Chain Bridge (Iron Chain bridge) on the Dadu River is a treasure of Tibetan ancient architecture. Afterwards drive to Chengdu city.
Day 12: Leave Chengdu
Enjoy Chengdu leisurely daily life, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park. In the afternoon transfer to the airport, fly back home or travel to next destination. Service ends.
Map coming soon...
