Located in a remote area of south western Sichuan, Yading Nature Reserve is a scene of incomprehensible natural beauty. Fortunately the long and treacherous journey to reach the reserve deters the hordes and ensures the area remains unspoilt.
Three snow-capped peaks dominate the landscape, rising from a lush carpet of green forest and iridescent lakes. The trio of peaks, blessed in the 8th century by Buddha Padmasambhava, are widely known as an important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Tibetan pilgrims travel from far away to complete a khora - a Tibetan ritual involving circling a holy peak. The arduous trip around the holy mountains can involve ten days of trekking and bedding down in cowsheds.
Six hours of trekking is rewarded with a vista of the awesome Five Color Lake and Milk Lake; however, Pearl Lake is much more accessible, taking 45 minutes to reach without climbing. The park area consists of deep forests, sacred lakes and a small monastery. Chong Gu Temple was built 800 years ago during the Yuan Dynasty.
A handful of isolated villages are dotted around the area but most of the area’s inhabitants live 83kms north, in the main town of Daocheng. The residents of this two-street town are warm and hospitable towards visitors, and readily offer a smile.
Getting There & Away
Daily flights from Beijing take 2 hours, 25 minutes to reach Chengdu. From here, buses to Daocheng depart from the bus station at 06:30 every morning and take two days. Once in Daocheng it is a one-day bus trip to Yading.