An Alpine Journey from Zhonglu Village to the Heart of Kham
Route:
Zhonglu Tibetan Village → Yala Snow Mountain → Longden Grassland → Kasa Lake → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso Lake → Derge → Baiyu Gato Monastery → Blue Pine Lake → Batang Sisters Lakes → Maoya Grassland → Yajiang → Return via Zheduo Mountain
Day 1-2: Tibetan Culture & Snow Peaks
Begin in Zhonglu Village, famed for its ancient watchtowers and apricot blossoms (spring only). Trek through Yala Snow Mountain’s glacial valleys (5,200m), where prayer flags crown ice-blue moraine lakes. Camp near Longden Grassland, once a military training ground for King Gesar’s warriors.
Day 3-4: Sacred Waters & Nomadic Lands
At Kasa Lake, spot migratory birds nesting in reeds revered as “Buddha’s Mandala.” Ascend to Cuotong Emerald Lake, a trio of glacial tarns resembling jade beads beneath Chola Mountain. In Yulong Lhatso, hike to the “Jade Dragon Holy Lake” where pilgrims circumambulate its turquoise shores.
Day 5-6: Spiritual Sanctuaries & Azure Gems
Explore Derge’s Tibetan Buddhist printing press (UNESCO Memory of the World). At Baiyu Gato Monastery, meditate in caves adorned with 1,000-year-old murals. Discover Blue Pine Lake, a cobalt alpine pool fed by turquoise-rich mineral springs.
Day 7: Sister Lakes & Highland Return
Witness sunrise at Batang Sisters Lakes—twin glacial reservoirs mirroring snow leopards’ eyes. Traverse Maoya Grassland’s July wildflower blooms before descending to Yajiang. Cross Zheduo Mountain (4,298m), pausing at prayer-flag draped passes for final Himalayan panoramas.
Key Highlights
- 8 Sacred Lakes: From Kasa’s wetlands to Cuotong’s glacial triad
- Cultural Icons: Derge Sutra Printing House, Gato Monastery’s sky caves
- Wildlife: Himalayan blue sheep, black-necked cranes (Kasa Lake), snow leopard zones
- Best Season: May-Oct (avoid Jul-Aug rains)