Like many travelers, my biggest concern before visiting Daocheng Yading wasn’t the scenery—it was altitude sickness and whether my fitness level would be enough for the hike.
Let’s be honest: altitude sickness is very common here.
The long route reaches nearly 4,700 meters above sea level, and even healthy travelers may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or loss of appetite. If you rarely exercise or have limited hiking experience, think carefully before attempting the long route.
That said, the breathtaking beauty of Milk Lake, Five Color Lake, Mount Chenrezig, Mount Jampayang, and Mount Chanadorje makes every difficult step worthwhile.
If you’re planning your first trip to Daocheng Yading, this guide covers everything you need to know, including transportation, accommodation, altitude sickness prevention, packing tips, route options, and practical advice.
Daocheng Yading
Is Daocheng Yading Worth Visiting?
If I had to describe Daocheng Yading in one sentence, it would be:
“Your body suffers, but your eyes are in heaven.”
Often called the “Last Shangri-La,” Daocheng Yading is famous for its snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, grasslands, forests, and Tibetan culture.
The three sacred mountains are:
- Mount Chenrezig (6,032m)
- Mount Jampayang (5,958m)
- Mount Chanadorje (5,958m)
The park’s most famous attractions include:
- Pearl Lake
- Chonggu Monastery
- Luorong Pasture
- Gongga Tso
- Milk Lake
- Five Color Lake
Among them, Milk Lake and Five Color Lake are the ultimate highlights for most visitors.
What to Do Before Visiting Daocheng Yading
Stay in Shangri-La Town
Many travelers assume Daocheng County is the best place to stay, but if you’re entering the park the next morning, Shangri-La Town is a much better choice.
Reasons include:
- Closest accommodation to the park entrance
- Lower altitude at approximately 2,900 meters
- Better convenience for park visitors
The local clinic operates 24 hours a day and provides oxygen services, oxygen therapy, and blood oxygen testing.
If you’re worried about altitude sickness, you can check your condition the night before your hike.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Quality sleep significantly affects how your body adapts to altitude.
Before your hike:
- Sleep early
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid staying up late
- Avoid strenuous exercise
Many altitude-related problems are made worse simply because travelers arrive exhausted.
Avoid Washing Your Hair or Taking a Hot Shower
Temperatures drop significantly at high elevations.
Getting chilled after a shower can increase the risk of catching a cold, which often makes altitude sickness symptoms worse.
Many local guides recommend avoiding showers the night before your hike.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Daocheng Yading
This is one of the most common concerns among visitors.
Based on experience, staying warm is often more important than carrying oxygen.
Wear a Warm Hat
Strong winds are common, especially near the lakes.
Protecting your head helps reduce headaches and discomfort.
Recommended:
- Warm wool hat
- Windproof cap
- Neck gaiter
Keep Your Energy Levels Up
The hike burns a lot of energy.
Bring:
- Glucose drinks
- Chocolate
- Energy bars
- Snickers bars
- Coca-Cola
- Lollipops
Many hikers find lollipops surprisingly effective because they provide quick sugar while being easy to carry.
Bring Oxygen
Consider purchasing an oxygen pillow before your trip.
They generally hold more oxygen than standard portable canisters.
Several rest stations inside the park also provide oxygen refills.
Turn Back If Symptoms Become Severe
Never push yourself beyond your limits.
If you experience:
- Blue lips
- Blue fingernails
- Severe headaches
- Persistent nausea
- Difficulty standing
- Breathing problems
Stop hiking immediately and return to a medical station for assistance.
Your safety is always more important than reaching the summit.
Daocheng Yading
Essential Packing List
Whether you choose the long route or short route, these items are highly recommended.
Clothing
- 3-in-1 waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Windproof hat
- Gloves
- Hiking shoes
Mountain weather changes rapidly.
Do not rely entirely on weather forecasts.
You may experience sunshine, strong winds, rain, and sudden temperature drops all in one day.
Layering is the most practical approach.
Must-Have Items
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Oxygen canisters
- Glucose supplements
- Thermos bottle
- Trekking poles
- Power bank
- Energy snacks
Bright-colored clothing photographs beautifully, but warmth should always come first.
Daocheng Yading Long Route Guide
The long route is the park’s most iconic hiking trail.
Main attractions:
Luorong Pasture → Gongga Tso → King Kong Challenge Section → Milk Lake → Five Color Lake
Route Information
- Hiking distance: approximately 10–12 km
- Hiking time: 6–8 hours
- Maximum altitude: about 4,700m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested Schedule
Enter the park before 8:30 AM.
Take the sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng, then walk to the Chonggu Monastery shuttle station.
Ride the electric shuttle to Luorong Pasture.
Try to arrive before 11:00 AM.
Section 1: Luorong Pasture to Gongga Tso
Distance: approximately 1.9 km
Mostly flat boardwalks.
The left path offers better views and photography opportunities.
The right path is slightly shorter.
Section 2: Gongga Tso to the King Kong Challenge
This is where the climb begins.
Take time to replenish your energy with:
- Glucose
- Cola
- Energy bars
Many hikers start experiencing stronger altitude symptoms here.
Section 3: The King Kong Challenge
This section is often considered the toughest part of the entire route.
Expect long stair climbs and continuous elevation gain.
The best strategy:
- Walk slowly
- Take small steps
- Rest frequently
- Ignore other hikers’ pace
Section 4: Milk Lake
Altitude: approximately 4,600m
Its turquoise-blue water surrounded by snow-capped peaks is the signature image of Daocheng Yading.
For many hikers, reaching Milk Lake makes the entire journey worthwhile.
Section 5: Five Color Lake
Located above Milk Lake at around 4,700m.
The lake changes color depending on sunlight and weather conditions.
It is the highest point on the route.
If you’re feeling well, don’t miss it.
If altitude sickness symptoms become noticeable, return from Milk Lake instead.
Daocheng Yading Short Route Guide
The short route is ideal for:
- Casual travelers
- Families
- Senior visitors
- Those with limited fitness
Route
Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Monastery → Xinbao Lake → Pearl Lake → Mount Chenrezig Viewpoint
Route Information
- Hiking distance: approximately 4 km
- Hiking time: 3–5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Chonggu Monastery
One of the park’s most important religious sites.
With Mount Chenrezig rising behind it, the scenery is spectacular.
Pearl Lake
Also known as Zhuoma La Tso.
This is the highlight of the short route.
On calm days, the lake perfectly reflects Mount Chenrezig.
Many photographers consider it one of the most beautiful locations in the park.
Luorong Pasture
After visiting Pearl Lake, take the electric shuttle to Luorong Pasture.
The area is mostly flat and easy to explore.
Streams, grasslands, snow mountains, and grazing yaks create postcard-perfect scenery.
Even without hiking to Milk Lake, you’ll still experience some of Daocheng Yading’s finest landscapes.
Daocheng Yading
Transportation Inside the Scenic Area
Stage 1: Visitor Center to Zhaguanbeng
- About 1 hour
- Mountain road with many curves
Take motion sickness medicine if needed.
The left side of the bus often offers the best mountain views.
Stage 2: Zhaguanbeng to Chonggu Monastery
Approximately 500 meters on foot.
Stage 3: Chonggu Monastery to Luorong Pasture
Electric shuttle bus.
Approximately 30 minutes.
Ride directly to the final stop rather than getting off midway.
Important Tips & Common Mistakes
Arrive Early
Milk Lake often begins restricting access in the afternoon.
Entering the park before 9:00 AM gives you the best chance of completing the hike.
Horse Riding Is Not a Shortcut
Many visitors assume horses will take them all the way.
In reality, horses only cover part of the easier sections.
The steepest and hardest climbs must still be completed on foot.
Bring Your Own Lunch
While some rest stations provide hot water, queues can be long.
Recommended options:
- Self-heating rice meals
- Self-heating hotpot
- Bread
- Energy bars
Travel Light
At 4,600–4,700 meters, every extra kilogram feels much heavier.
Carry only essential items.
Should You Choose the Long Route or Short Route?
Choose the Long Route if:
- You exercise regularly
- You have no history of severe altitude sickness
- You want to see Milk Lake and Five Color Lake
Choose the Short Route if:
- Your fitness level is average
- It’s your first high-altitude hike
- You’re traveling with children or seniors
- You prefer a relaxed sightseeing experience
In fact, Pearl Lake, Mount Chenrezig, and Luorong Pasture are already among the most beautiful places in Daocheng Yading.
You should never feel disappointed if you don’t reach Five Color Lake.
The true beauty of Daocheng Yading lies not only in the destination but in the journey itself—from forests and grasslands to sacred snow-covered peaks.
Travel within your limits, return safely, and you’ll fully appreciate why Daocheng Yading is often called the last pure land on Earth.
Daocheng Yading
