Nianbaoyuze?(Also known as: Nianbaoye Sheze) “Golog Mountain”The birthplace, located in Suohurima Township and Baiyu Township, Jiuzhi County, Qinghai Province. The main peak of Nianbaoyuze is covered in snow all year, with an area of approximately8square kilometers of highland glaciers. The main peak has an elevation of5369meters. The spectacular ice formations, magically steep cliffs, and180lakes veil Nianbaoyuze in an air of mystery. Nianbaoyuze is the birthplace of the Three Golog Tribes. The mountains are home to rapid streams and crystal-clear waters, where trickling brooks flow through the rocks and cascade over boulders, foaming white. Waterfalls from the horizon descend like white curtains or as if the Milky Way is pouring down to earth.
Since the tectonic movements of hundreds of millions of years ago gave rise to the Tibetan Plateau, a famous mountain peak gradually emerged in the southeastern part of the Bayan Har Mountains — that is Nianbaoyuze, the sacred mountain located within Jiuzhi County, revered as the birthplace of Golog and deeply respected by the people.——Nianbaoyuze.
1Climate Characteristics
This region lies on the edge of the subtropical monsoon plateau high-mountain climate zone. The foothills are covered with centuries-old spruce and pine forests that stretch for miles, with ancient towering trees. The slopes are home to precious herbs such as caterpillar fungus, fritillaria, and rhubarb. At the foot of the mountains, rare animals such as wild asses, wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes, blue sheep, white-lipped deer, and black bears roam the forests and grasslands in herds. The lakes contain20varieties of fish unique to the plateau. One can truly feel as if they have returned to nature upon arriving here.
Nianbaoyuze is a sacred mountain on the grasslands of Golog, Qinghai, with its main peak reaching an elevation of5369meters. The most mysterious aspect of Nianbaoyuze is its ever-changing weather. Even in July and August, one can experience the transitions of all four seasons. Mornings may start with a starry sky and a sudden snowfall, bringing a bone-chilling winter-like atmosphere, while the rising red sun soon fills the peaks with thick fog. Before long, golden sunlight bathes the land under a clear blue sky. By mid-morning, dark clouds gather and torrential rain pours. At noon, the skies clear, the sun blazes, and the heat returns like midsummer. In the afternoon, fierce winds, thunder, lightning, and hailstorms may suddenly strike. As evening falls, the sun sets, the grasslands return to their usual tranquility, and Nianbaoyuze unveils its mysterious veil — standing gracefully, with a gentle and kind face revealed once again. The sacred mountain of Nianbaoyuze is famed for its overlapping ridges, silver-covered snowy peaks, thunder in the depths of winter, snowfall in the height of summer, stones that ring in the wind, and moonlit star-studded skies.
2Legends
The Battle with the Black Yak
The magic of Nianbaoyuze lies in the many legends it holds.——It is said that long ago, a brave, kind-hearted, handsome, and highly skilled young hunter from Jianggukelongwa by the Jinsha River abandoned his home and livelihood to settle alone at the foot of Nianbaoyuze. Drawn by the enchanting lake scenery and lush pastures, he made hunting his way of life. One day, he saw an eagle flying overhead carrying a small white snake — who was actually the third daughter of the mountain deity of Nianbaoyuze. The eagle was a demon in disguise, often harming living beings. Later, the mountain deity of Nianbaoyuze transformed into a white yak and battled the demon who tried to seize the sacred mountain — in the form of a black yak — for seven days and nights. Seeing the white yak exhausted, the young hunter courageously joined the fight and helped defeat and slay the demon. To repay the hunter for saving his family, the mountain deity married his youngest and most beautiful third daughter to him. They had a son, who later had three grandsons named Angqianben, Ashijiangben, and Banma Ben. Each of them was hardworking, brave, intelligent, and kind. To survive and thrive, they expanded their territory, went their separate ways, and established lineages, forming what people today call the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gologs. To this day, it is said that herders living around Nianbaoyuze Lake can still see the white yak emerging from the lake’s blue waters, playing along the shore and lingering there. Beneath the main peak of Nianbaoyuze stands a small mountain peak resembling a beautiful maiden — legend says she is the incarnation of the mountain deity's third daughter.——The black yak fought fiercely for seven days and seven nights. A young hunter, seeing the white yak exhausted, bravely joined the battle and together they defeated and killed the demon. In gratitude for saving their family, the mountain god of Nianbaoyuze bestowed his youngest and most beautiful third daughter in marriage to the young hunter. They later had a son, who in turn had three grandsons named Angqianben, Ashijiangben, and Banmaben. Each of them was hardworking, brave, wise, and kind. To survive and thrive, they expanded their territory, went their separate ways, and multiplied, eventually giving rise to what people today commonly refer to as the Upper, Middle, and Lower Guoluo. To this day, legend has it that herders living around Nianbao Lake can still see the white yak emerging from the blue waters, wandering and playing along the lakeshore, reluctant to leave. Beneath the main peak of Nianbaoyuze stands a small mountain peak that resembles a beautiful maiden—said to be the incarnation of the mountain god’s third daughter.
Nianbaoyuze is known for its towering mountains and abundant lakes. It is said that there are 3,600 peaks and 360 lakes. Legend has it that one of the beautiful lakes was formed from the blood drops of the mountain deity of Nianbaoyuze, which splattered after a battle with a demon. There is also a tale that the Heavenly Pool’s water spilled down when the Monkey King overturned it during his rebellion in heaven, landing in Nianbaoyuze. Among them, two particularly beautiful lakes located at the northwestern foot of Nianbaoyuze are the most famous. Their shapes resemble a pair of clear, beautiful eyes, spanning approximately10square kilometers. The two lakes are connected by a river. The larger lake is called“Ximucuo”(meaning Fairy Lake). It is said that shepherdesses often bathed and groomed by its waters, becoming extraordinarily beautiful as if descending from the heavens, hence the name“Ximucuo”. After the demon was slain, it turned into“Yaonv Hu (Demoness Lake),”named so because the demon’s spirit is said to have transformed into a beautiful maiden who often came ashore to seduce young men.
Divine Manifestations
All around the great mountain lie legendary sacred relics: the footprint of the Lotus-Born Buddha, as large as a winnowing basket, with each of the five toes clearly visible and embedded three inches into the stone—proof of boundless divine power. There’s the stone throne where King Gesar mustered and drilled his troops, standing proudly on the snow-capped peak platform, as if one could still hear the earth-shattering roars of battle from those days and see the majestic thousands of soldiers. The blood-stained pool where King Gesar’s consort, Zhumu, fought bravely still bubbles forth with fragrant waters. General Jiaza of King Gesar hacked at the rock with his sword, leaving visible blade marks on the two- to three-zhang-deep cliff face. The stone block where General Xianba butchered meat still lies quietly. The hermit cave of the mountain deity Lalong Huade is deep and mysterious. The main peak of Nyainqêntanglha, along with six peaks to its east, west, south, north, and both sides, make up the legendary Six Mountain Guardians.“The Six Gate Guardians”: The left guardian of the main gate is called Layegawu, the right guardian is Jashidamawu, the eastern gate guardian is Lawentog, the southern gate guardian is Kecainaqian, the western gate guardian is Zhayisaicha, and the northern gate guardian is Pawenghejueyu. Each is named after the shape of the mountain—some majestic, some towering, some lofty, some heroic, each with a unique posture. There’s also a rock formation that, from afar, strikingly resembles Zhu Bajie crouching atop a peak, lifelike and endearingly silly. Legend says that when Master Tang and his disciples returned from obtaining Buddhist scriptures in the West, Zhu Bajie, enchanted by the wondrous scenery of Nyainqêntanglha, turned into this stone statue and refused to return to Chang’an to be a deity.
On the cloud-covered stone ledges bloom wildflowers called“Rendulawagarou,”which have nine petals, grow about two feet tall, and boast lush foliage and an elegant yet enchantingly gorgeous posture. Yet their toxicity is terrifying—birds and beasts passing within two or three meters of them can die from poisoning. It’s said these flowers were sent by heaven specifically to guard the sacred mountain and lake.…….
This is also the famous area of scattered boulders. Perhaps it was a volcanic eruption millions of years ago that caused the rocks to radiate outward across the northern side of the mountain? Or maybe this was once an ancient sea, and as the earth’s crust rose and the seawater receded, it left behind these oddly shaped, egg-like rolling stones? Or perhaps they are meteorites from outer space, dotting this vast grassland and green waters? The mystery awaits uncovering.
With 3,600 peaks, Nyainqêntanglha has given rise to over 3,600 stories; its 360 lakes each ripple with endless poetic charm and legends.
3Mountain Form
The mighty Kunlun Mountains divide into western and eastern sections on the Tibetan Plateau. The southern branch of the Eastern Kunlun is called the Bayan Har Mountains. Nyainqêntanglha is the highest peak of the Bayan Har Mountains, located in the eastern section of the range, within Jiuzhi County, Qinghai Province. Nyainqêntanglha stands at an elevation of5369meters, at longitude101.1°,and latitude33.3°. Its summit consists of3perennially snow-capped peaks, while the mountain itself comprises several ridges and corresponding valleys. Viewed from above, it resembles a flower with petals. The valleys mainly host valley glaciers and hanging glaciers. When the ice and snow melt, they gather into dozens of large and small lakes in the valleys surrounding the snow peaks, creating a breathtaking scene of snow mountains mirrored in crystal-clear lakes. Local herders regard it as a160 Numerous lakes form a breathtaking landscape where snow-capped mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear waters, creating a scene of diverse and stunning natural beauty. The local herders regard it as“sacred mountain”, likely because of its serene beauty. Of course, the jagged, bizarre surrounding peaks also add to the allure of this mountain, whose altitude is not particularly striking.
4Terrain
The ruggedness of Nyainqêntanglha rivals that of China’s Huashan in Shaanxi or Huangshan in Anhui. According to research, there are twenty to thirty peaks over5000meters high, most encircling the main peak in a ring and known as the Thirty-Two Heavenly Generals. These peaks not only boast towering, cloud-piercing grandeur and steep, jagged cliffs like axe-carved ridges, but also house unfathomably deep caves and gullies in the valleys. Waterfalls thunder through the gorges before vanishing, only to re-emerge elsewhere as clear, beautiful lakes.
The weather here is the most unpredictable—within a single day, one may experience all four seasons, feeling the sudden shift from snow to rain characteristic of alpine climates. During the golden season of July and August, the weather shifts unpredictably: one moment the sky is bright and cloudless, the next moment dark clouds gather as if countless dragons lurk in the valleys, sending up towering plumes of mist from cracks and marshes. In an instant, the entire mountain range is shrouded in fog, chaotic and eerie. Winds whistle through mountain passes, mingling with the howls of wolves, sending chills down your spine and making you feel as though you’ve returned to prehistoric times. It’s common to lose one’s way in the mountains for two or three days due to sudden weather changes. Even on clear days, the jagged peaks, labyrinthine river networks, and winding paths are so deep and remote that without a knowledgeable local herder as a guide, it’s absolutely impossible to find your way out.
In the morning light, you might witness a Buddhist halo rivaling that of Mount Emei’s Golden Summit. Seeing the halo gives you a transcendent feeling, as if your soul has been uplifted. Legend says some have even seen the spectacular sight of a white dragon soaring into the sky. No wonder the simple herders living around the mountain regard Nyainqêntanglha as their deity who blesses them with favorable weather. The magic, peril, and countless hidden mysteries and natural wonders of Nyainqêntanglha forever captivate explorers.
5Scenery
The beauty of Nyainqêntanglha lies in its myriad forms and shapes. On clear days, the blue-green mountains stand gracefully, like arms holding up the blue sky and white clouds—strong and powerful; like stone monkeys crouching on cliffs, playing with the sky; like a white divine ox (Layegawu) lying peacefully in the heavens; like a red divine tiger (Jashidamawu), ready to leap forth; like a wife longing for her husband’s triumphant return, gazing into the distance with tenderness and shyness; or even like King Gesar clad in battle armor, fighting valiantly on the battlefield.……“Who wielded the sword against heaven, carving out these sheer cliffs and peaks?”Let your imagination run wild, and you’ll marvel at nature’s miraculous craftsmanship, which created this magical landscape. On cloudy days, Nyainqêntanglha is veiled in mist, like the bold strokes of a master painter—sometimes thick, sometimes light—splashing out freehand ink paintings full of poetic charm and musical rhythm. Suddenly, the sea of clouds churns, and flakes of snow drift down. The snow-dusted peaks and stones transform into lotus blossoms, pure and inspiring reverie. Then the clouds part, revealing a moonlit night with twinkling stars, flowers swaying with smiles, fish playing in the emerald waters, eagles singing overhead, and mountain goats dancing joyfully. A gentle breeze blows, the air is fresh, and you’ll find yourself lingering, reluctant to leave. As you approach Nyainqêntanglha, you’ll see numerous pebbles forming natural bridges over valley streams, each pebble’s top glistening with dewdrops, crystal clear and breathtakingly beautiful.“Unknown to those living in deep chambers,”Nyainqêntanglha is a pristine land untouched by modern civilization, shaped by nature—a place where everything retains the primeval and ancient character of millennia past.
Waterfalls
Here you can find“the Falling Flowers Lake Waterfall, with its cascading waters like "a three-thousand-foot rush of water, as if the Silver River fell from the Ninth Heaven"”—its layered falls resembling gossamer skirts woven among towering cliffs and precipices; tiny streams converge to form a shimmering curtain of water, playing a touching and enchanting melody as it plunges down. Though it may lack“the thunderous might of Niagara Falls,“it possesses the majestic grandeur akin to”Huangguoshu Waterfall. The lakes here reflect verdant peaks and myriad blooming flowers—it’s hard to tell whether the mountains are lush because of the water, or the water is beautiful because of the mountains. Mountains cradle the lakes, and lakes nestle within the mountains; every lake connects to another, every river flows into the next, evoking the feeling that this place rivals“"Guilin’s scenery is the finest under heaven." Above the snowline, rare modern glaciers and cirque glaciers formed beneath planation surfaces can be found—scenery seldom seen outside the polar regions and the Himalayas—covering an area of approximately”a sense of awe. Above the snow line here are rare modern glaciers outside the polar regions and the Himalayas, as well as cirque and hanging glaciers developed beneath the piedmont surface, covering an area of approximately5square kilometers. Lush green meadows stretch at the foot of the mountain, while snow-capped peaks glisten at the summit, creating a striking contrast. Gazing into the distance, it’s as if a Milky Way flows from the depths of heaven, suspended between the mountains and the sky. Its folded ice formations seem like a history book recording geological changes over millions of years, inviting close study.
Water Sources
Here you’ll find mineral water of exceptional quality,——rich in beneficial trace elements for the human body such as silicon, selenium, and zinc,20with a total of several types. It’s pure, sweet, and refreshingly invigorating. There are also hot springs emerging from beneath snow-capped peaks draped in silver, shrouded in mist. With water temperatures around60degrees Celsius, these springs contain a variety of minerals and are highly effective in treating rheumatism and skin conditions. Coupled with the pristine and fresh natural surroundings, they become the ideal spot for therapeutic hot spring bathing.
Rare Birds and Animals
This is a paradise for rare birds and animals, home to more than twenty species of nationally protected wildlife, including first and second-class protected species. Musk deer, red deer, white-lipped deer, brown bears, otters, marmots, snow leopards, lynxes, blue sheep, Mongolian gazelles, snowcocks, black-necked cranes, and red-crowned cranes……are often spotted in the forests and snowy fields. Wild ducks, bar-headed geese, and vultures play among the blue skies and crystal-clear waters, forming a beautiful tableau of harmony between humans and nature. This is also a kingdom of plants, with over450species of wild flora. High-value medicinal herbs like cordyceps, Sichuan fritillary bulb, fingerroot, snow lotus, and rhodiola are renowned both in China and abroad for their efficacy and purity. Juniper, alpine dense-branch willow, and highland rhododendron……brave frost and snow, showcasing life’s resilience in the face of a harsh, wintry world. In May, when Gesang flowers and dense-branch rhododendrons bloom in competition, herders from the surrounding mountains bring their families to the foot of the sacred mountain to burn juniper for blessings. On this day, you can witness some of the world’s most unique yak races, sandbag-hugging contests, and sprawling tent cities stretching for miles. You can experience the harmony, grace, strength, and boldness radiated by hundreds of colorfully dressed young men and women dancing“Guozhuang dance.”You can listen to the tender and melodious“La’iyi (meaning love songs)”sung by youths expressing their affection. You can smell the special aroma of milk-tea boiled over cow-dung fires and Tibetan-style grilled meat. You can feel the happiness, warmth, simplicity, and cheerfulness radiating from the bronze-tanned faces of the Tibetan people, caressed by mountain winds at the foot of the snow mountains.
Nianbaoyuze serves as eternal inspiration for poets, a timeless painting bestowed by nature upon humanity, the song of water-fetching girls along their journey, and the ever-turning prayer flags in the hearts of the Tibetan people, symbolizing blessings.……
6Transportation
To get to Nianbaoyuze from Xining, first take a bus to Guoluo, then to Jiuzhi, and transfer to a passing vehicle
to reach your destination. From Chengdu, first travel to Aba. From Aba, you can head to Nianbao Yeshe within Sichuan, or to Nianbaoyuze Scenic Area within Jiuzhi County. If coming from Gansu, start in Lanzhou, then go to Maqu or Luqu, transfer to Jiuzhi, and then proceed to either Nianbaoyuze or Nianbao Yeshe.
To reach Nianbaoyuze, you must first arrive in Jiuzhi County, Guoluo Prefecture, Qinghai Province. There is no direct bus from Jiuzhi County to the Nianbaoyuze scenic area—you’ll need to hire a private car or take a taxi. It’s recommended to take a taxi with metered fare,200approximately [price] yuan, as drivers are unlikely to offer discounts due to potential fines. Private car hire prices are higher than taxis, usually starting at300[price] yuan or more.
7Travel Tips
The Nianbaoyuze area is an undeveloped scenic zone, so you must hire an off-road vehicle or truck from Jiuzhi County to get there. The round-trip cost for an off-road vehicle to the scenic area is approximately1200yuan.
Nianbaoyuze generally cannot be visited as a day trip, so you’ll need to bring high-altitude camping and hiking gear. A windproof mountaineering tent and a down sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures of-15°C are essential. Also pay attention to preventing altitude sickness—you can bring oxygen tablets to take upon arrival at high altitude, or start taking Rhodiola rosea a week before visiting Nianbaoyuze.
Attraction Introduction
Nianbaoyuze Main Peak
Nianbaoyuze, with its main peak at an elevation of5369meters, is a5000meter-grade technical mountain. It is located in Suohurima Township and Baiyu Township, Jiuzhi County, Qinghai Province, and is the highest peak of the Bayan Har Mountains. Situated in the eastern section of the Bayan Har Mountain Range, it consists of countless peaks over4,5000meters high, stretching40kilometers in length and25kilometers in width. The summit comprises3perennially snow-covered summits, while the mountain body is formed by several ridges and corresponding valleys. Viewed from above, it resembles a flower petal. The valleys mainly feature valley glaciers and hanging glaciers. When the ice and snow melt, they form more than160lakes of various sizes in the valleys surrounding the snow-capped peaks, creating a scenery of snow mountains mirrored in lakes. It is said to be the birthplace of the Golok Tibetan people.
Fairy Lake
Fairy Lake is the first lake you see when entering the Nianbaoyuze scenic area through the main gate and following the wooden trail. The road has been extended to the Fairy Lake scenic area. The water of Fairy Lake is crystal clear, allowing you to clearly see the highland fish beneath the surface. Mornings and evenings are often shrouded in thick mist, giving the lake a graceful and tranquil atmosphere. Tibetans often throw agate stones, silver coins, and prayer flags into the lake to pray for good fortune. On the southeast side of Fairy Lake stands a huge rock with a deep groove running straight into the lake. Legend has it that this is where the youngest daughter of the Nianbao Mountain God married a hunter. Therefore, a incense-burning platform has been built under the rock, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and continuous incense offerings. From the scenic area entrance to the Fairy Lake horse-rental area4km, vehicles can drive in.
Wencuo Lake
Wencuo Lake is located southwest of the Nianbaoyuze scenic area and is divided into Upper Wencuo Lake and Lower Wencuo Lake. Upper Wencuo Lake lies to the east, while Lower Wencuo Lake is slightly to the west. Hiking from the western entrance and traversing north-south allows you to reach the two lakes by walking eastward along the Xijiu Highway at the Longge Temple junction in Baiyu Township, after traveling about13km. Generally, visitors who enter through the main gate and do not plan to hike for more than2days will not reach Wencuo Lake. For specific itineraries, please refer to“Itinerary Recommendations”. The mountain forms around Wencuo Lake resemble the mountains of Mordor in the movie“The Lord of the Rings”, untouched by human hands. The area is rich in wildlife and diverse fish species in the lake. On the western shore of Lower Wencuo Lake, there are numerous hot springs of various sizes. Every morning, the area is covered in thick mist, resembling a sea of clouds and a fairyland.
Climate Conditions
Located on the edge of the subtropical monsoon alpine peak climate zone. The average temperatures here in7and8are around10approximately ℃, with a maximum of27℃, and large diurnal temperature variations. The average annual precipitation is764.4millimeters.
Mountain access routes
Scenic area entrance---Fairy Lake---Demoness Lake (base camp is set up here). Horse caravans are available for transport.
Best travel time
Best travel time:6-7The months are the flowering season of the Yearning Jade Mountains, when the hills are covered with yellow and pink wildflowers, and also when temperatures are most pleasant throughout the year. During other periods, temperatures generally stay below zero, making it too cold. However,6-7is also the rainy season in the mountains, and the highland weather is highly changeable—with microclimates varying over short distances—so be prepared for cold and rain.
Climbing history
5000As a technical peak, climbing expeditions have historically been few due to remote access and language barriers, resulting in incomplete statistical records.
2013In8, the full team of Chengdu Donkey Joining Station (now Sangxue Mountaineering), consisting of13members, successfully summited the Yearning Jade Mountains.
Climbing routes
D1: Depart from Chengdu---Wenchuan---Lixian County---Longriba Grassland---Aba County
Depart at7am, take a chartered vehicle via the post-earthquake Duwen Expressway, passing through Wenchuan and Lixian County, with lunch en route. Cross the Zhuohu Mountain Tunnel, pass through Longriba Grassland, and arrive in Aba County (altitude3290meters) in the afternoon. Overnight in Aba town. The total driving time is about9hours.
D2: Aba County---Jiuzhi, Qinghai---Yearning Jade Mountains (scenic area gate)---BC(4050M)
Depart in the morning; the drive takes2hours to reach the Nianbaoyuze Scenic Area. Along the shores of Fairy Lake and Witch Lake, enjoy summer wildflower scenery, then hike lightly equipped5hours to the base camp.
D3:BC(4050M)
At the base camp, altitude acclimatization training and basic mountaineering technical instruction are arranged. Overnight stay atBC.
D4:BC---C1(4050M-4800M)
Set off fromBC, carrying only your personal gear toC1for high-altitude acclimatization. All equipment and group gear will be carried by support staff. The day’s journey takes approximately7hours. Overnight atC1camp.
D5:C1---Summit push---C1(4800M-5369M-4800M)
C1Depart, with the latest allowable summit time being noon1. After reaching the summit, return toC1camp.
D6:C1---BC---Scenic area entrance gate---Aba County
Return toBCfor rest and recuperation, then hike lightly back to the scenic area entrance gate. Board the chartered van waiting for us there, with an optional stop to visit Tibetan monasteries. Return to Aba County in the evening for a celebratory feast. Overnight in Aba town.
D7:Aba County----Chengdu
After breakfast, return along the same route taken to get here, have lunch en route, and arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon.
Fairy Lake-The crossing route via Heihe Bridge is the most spectacular hiking trail in the Nianbaoyuze area. It involves walking around Fairy Lake and Yao’niu Lake, photographing the main peak of Nianbao, crossing4600the Miannianbao Pass, reaching the idyllic Riganco Lake, and ending at the pristine pasture landscapes near Heihe Bridge. Combined with elements of Amdo Tibetan culture, religious beliefs, and other humanistic features, this journey leaves an unforgettable impression on all who experience it.
Sangxue Outdoor Nianbaoyuze Hiking & Trekking Itinerary:
D1: Chengdu---Wenchuan---Li County---Longriba Grassland---Aba County (3290M)
Depart at7am, travel via the post-earthquake Duwen Expressway, pass through Wenchuan and Li County, have lunch en route, go through the Zhuokeji Mountain Tunnel, cross Longriba Grassland, and arrive in Aba County in the afternoon. After resting, you can visit temples near the county town. Overnight stay in Aba County. Total driving time for the day is approximately9hours.
D2: Aba County---Jiuzhi, Qinghai---Nianbaoyuze---Fairy Lake---Yao’niu Lake (4000M)
Depart in the morning,2hours of driving to reach the Nianbaoyuze scenic area. All gear is transported by horse caravan while participants hike lightly. After a rest and packed lunch at the campsite between Fairy Lake and Yao’niu Lake, continue to the campsite located at the base of Nianbao’s main peak, deep within Yao’niu Lake, where you will set up camp. Total hiking time for the day is about5hours. Overnight in tents at the campsite (2shared tent per person, no need to bring your own tent).
D3: Yao’niu Lake---Nianbao Pass---Riganco (42000M)
After breakfast, after capturing the morning light at the camp, continue the journey toward Riganco.2After arriving at the platform for photographing the main peak of Nianbao, proceed to cross the Nianbao Pass at an altitude4600of [altitude number missing]. After descending the pass, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views, including the full panorama of the large and small Rigan Cuo lakes. Arrive at the Rigan Cuo campsite to set up camp. The total hiking time for the day is about7[time number missing] hours, with rest stops and a packed lunch along the way.
D4: Rigan Cuo---: Xidatan---: Heihe Bridge---: Aba County
After breakfast, finish capturing the morning light at the campsite and continue along the shore of Rigan Cuo Lake toward Xidatan. The route offers scenic pasture landscapes throughout the day. The total travel time is about9[time number missing] hours, with breaks and a packed lunch en route. Cross to the final destination at Heihe Bridge, where our pre-arranged chartered vehicle will be waiting. Return to Aba County in the evening and enjoy a celebratory feast together. Overnight in Aba town.
D5: Aba County---: Chengdu
After breakfast, retrace your journey along the way you came, have lunch on the road, and arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon.
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