Chengdu-Daocheng Yading Self-Drive 5-Day Tour Itinerary Sharing

Yading is known in Tibetan as 'the land facing the sun,' symbolizing a 'holy place.' It is home to one of the most intact and pristine high-mountain ecosystems, showcasing the world's beautiful high-mountain valley natural scenery. Sacred snow mountains, colorful forests, vast meadows, and crystal-clear lakes all converge here, making it a place where one lingers and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. ❤️❤️❤️ On a whim with friends, we decided to take a 5-day self-drive trip to Daocheng Yading. Through the 'Daocheng Yading Bar,' we connected with a couple who drove from Chongqing and a guy who shared the ride, so our group of six embarked on this journey. 📖Itinerary: D1: Chengdu-Ya'an-Kangding (overnight stay) D2: Kangding-Xinduqiao-Yajiang County-Litang-Shangri-La Town (overnight stay) D3: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area-Daocheng Shangri-La Town (overnight stay) D4: Daocheng-Litang-Yajiang County-Xinduqiao (overnight stay) D5: Xinduqiao-Kangding-Ya'an-Chengdu 🖼Daocheng Yading Guide 1⃣️Opening hours: 7:00-16:40 (April 1 - November 30) 8:20-15:50 (December 1 - March 31) 2⃣️Ticket + Sightseeing bus ticket: 266 yuan; 3⃣️Recommended visiting time: 1-2 days; 4⃣️It's advised to go early in the morning. After entering the scenic area, take a 40-minute bus ride to Zhaguanbeng, then walk to Chonggu Temple. Those with enough stamina can opt for the longer route, which is to take the electric sightseeing car to Luorong Pasture first, then hike for 3-4 hours to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake. Be cautious and walk slowly on the uphill trek, and if necessary, you can pay locals to carry you. The round-trip sightseeing car ticket is 80 yuan per person. 5⃣️By mid-November, the grass at Luorong Pasture turns yellow, which is particularly beautiful under the setting sun, but Milk Lake is already frozen, presenting a vast expanse of white. It's recommended to choose the right time to visit; 6⃣️Accommodation: It's recommended to stay in Shangri-La Town, which is at an altitude of 2,000 meters, relatively lower. ✏️Practical Tips: 1⃣️Purchase self-heating hot pots, ready-to-eat rice, bread, and snacks online in advance; 2⃣️Prepare trekking poles, oxygen cans, and Rhodiola oral liquid in advance; 3⃣️Pay attention to sun protection, prepare sunglasses, umbrellas, and sufficient clothing; 4⃣️Prepare several boxes of chewing gum, which can help with altitude sickness-related tinnitus; 5⃣️The last sightseeing bus in the scenic area is at 7 pm, so be mindful of the time and descend the mountain early; 6⃣️No-drone signs are posted at the entrance of the scenic area, but some people still fly them.