Daocheng Yading, dubbed as the Shambala of Tibet, promises an uncharted world of unparalleled natural beauty. While its charm has always been a crowd magnet, the remoteness of the location often compelled visitors to consider alternative plans. However, the upgraded roads and the availability of an airport now offer safer and faster travel options. Hiking the picturesque trails of Yading presents a thrilling experience in the stunning Tibetan highlands. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes pepper the valleys, setting the perfect backdrop for a leisurely day walk in Yading Nature Reserve or an intensive week-long trek. Learn more about the different hiking options at Yading below.

Treking Traill on the Big Slide of Yading

How to Reach Yading

Located south of the Tibetan town of Daocheng, Yading village is accessible via a two-day drive from Chengdu. Chengdu, being the popular stopover for international travelers, offers various transportation options, including ground and air transfer. The Yading Nature Reserve is situated 75 km south of Daocheng, which is 430 km west of Kangding town and 700 km west of Chengdu city. Typically, the driving journey from Chengdu includes overnight stays at Xinduqiao or Yajiang on the first night and either Daocheng or Riwa, the entrance to Yading, on the second night. Alternatively, one can opt for a one-day drive from the Shangrila Town in Yunnan. Check out more information on bus routes from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading.

For those who prefer air travel, direct flights to Yading are available from Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, and other cities during peak travel seasons. The Daocheng Yading airport is located 120 km north of Yading and 50 km north of Daocheng town.

We Offer Car Rental Service around Daocheng Yading

The Optimal Time to Hike in Yading

The best season to hike through the higher region of Yading is between May and October, although the lower part of the park is accessible from November until April of the following year. The ideal time to visit Daocheng Yading is during the months of June, July, August, September, and October. During July and August, Yading experiences warm weather, while October is the perfect month to see the area's picturesque golden hues. From December to March, Yading is in the grip of winter, making camping treks impossible. This type of trek involves camping at high elevations and hiking through passes that are over 4600 meters high. The climate in Yading is usually dry and windy. Due to the availability of an airport, Yading is gaining in popularity. If you plan to travel during the busy season, which is typically July, August, and October, it is better to plan early. For more information on Daocheng Yading's climate and weather, please refer to our comprehensive guide.

Yading Weather in October - Mount Yampayang

Planning a Hiking Trip to Yading: Tips and Recommendations

Hiking is an inevitable part of a visit to Yading, but it's not like walking in the city or hiking at lower altitudes. Due to its high altitude, Yading Park is not for everyone. It is a challenging destination that requires physical fitness and acclimatization. Therefore, it is essential to plan your hiking trip to Yading in advance. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you plan a successful hiking trip to Yading.

Duration and Transfer

Yading is located far away, even for domestic travelers in China. It takes about an hour's flight from Chengdu to Yading airport. From there, it takes about an hour's drive to the nearest accommodation place, and another hour's drive to the entrance of Yading. From the entrance, you can take a tourist site bus to the golf car station for 30 km and use the golf car for another 20 mins to reach the park's walking trails. Therefore, it's recommended to plan a minimum of three days for your Yading trip: one day for acclimatization, one day for hiking, and one day for transfer or flying out to another destination.

1-2 Days Visit/Hike

If you have limited time, you can do a classic 1-2 day visit/hike to Yading. The park has two main valleys to explore. The first valley, towards the south and west, leads to Milk Lake and Wuse Lake, where you can see south face of Chenrezig, north face of Chenadorje and Jampayang. The walking trail is about 5km long one way. The second valley takes you to Pearl Lake and the north face of Chenrezig, and the walking trail is about 2km long one way. If you have an extra day, you can also do a 1-2 day camping trek that involves a loop connecting the two valleys. It's a 25km hike over two main passes over 4600 meters, which can be done in one day by experienced hikers. However, camping is the only option available for an overnight stay.

7-10 Days Yading Middle Kora Trek

For those seeking a more challenging trek, the Yading Middle Kora Trek is a seven to ten-day camping trek that goes around the mountains and lakes in Yading. It is a multiday trek that requires physical fitness, acclimatization, and preparation. The trek is about 55km long and involves hiking over four main passes over 4600 meters. Please read our 10-Day Yading Middle Kora Trek for more details.

In conclusion, Yading is a beautiful yet challenging destination that requires careful planning and preparation. It's recommended to acclimate to the high altitude for at least one day before hiking, bring appropriate gear and supplies, and follow the park's guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking trip.

Mount Chenadorje

Useful Yading Trekking Tips

Elevation and Walking Distance

The airport is at an elevation of 4400 meters, while the town of Daocheng is at 3750 meters. The starting point for hiking is at Chonggu Monastery at an elevation of about 3900 meters. There are two valleys to choose from, with the north valley leading to Mt. Chenrezig and Pearl Lake (2km of walking, elevation rise within 200 meters) and the south valley leading to Five Color Lake (10-12 km of walking, elevation up to 4500 meters). If you want to see views from different locations, consider a middle kora trek.

Terrain and Trails

The walking trails are well-paved boardwalks, and electronic cars are available to cover the first 7km of the south valley to Milk Lake. Beyond the park area, the trails become more primitive and wild.

Mountain Sickness

There is a high chance of getting mountain sickness in Yading due to the high elevations. It is recommended to acclimate for one or two nights before going into the park, drink plenty of water, keep warm, and eat healthy.

Luggage and Porter

For a day trip, you only need to carry your day pack, but for multi-day trekking, you will need to hire packhorses and take everything with you. 

Camping

Camping in Yading is complicated, so be sure to read up on the details before attempting it.

Suggested Packing List

Hiking boots, hiking hat, jacket/windbreaker, base layer/t-shirt, walking trousers, thermals, fleece, socks, daypack, waterproof, sunglasses, sun block.

Eat, Drink, Accommodation

There are no restaurants inside the park, so bring your own lunch and drinking water. There are many options for accommodation in Daocheng Town, Riwa Town, and Yading Village.

Safety Tips

Hiking in Yading comes with potential hazards to health and safety, with mountain sickness being the most prevalent risk. Previous experiences within the park reveal that most of the rescue efforts conducted were for individuals who suffered from mountain sickness. These rescue operations can be time-consuming, complicated, and poorly managed due to inadequate training among park workers.

In case of an emergency, the sick person must make their way to the tourist bus station, which is accessible by ambulance from outside the park. However, waiting for an ambulance at the station may take a longer time than taking a tourist bus out. Additionally, getting to the bus station requires either a walk or hiring a horse, which can be expensive since horses inside the park are reserved for tourist riding.

Although ambulance rescue is slow, it has been improving. When an ambulance is called, it is free of charge, but it takes time to arrive. It's advisable to avoid rescue if possible and take necessary precautions to prevent sickness or injury.

Another hazard to be aware of is the risk of wildfire. Within Yading, campfires are prohibited, and cooking must be done within huts or at a safe distance from trees and bushes. During dry seasons or winter, hikers spending the night inside the park must be extra cautious while cooking. Smoking is not allowed anywhere within the park, and any mistake that causes a wildfire will face severe consequences under Chinese laws.