Mount Siguniang or Yading

Question

Hi,

I would like to trek to both of these places but if in case, my body only allows me to do one, which of these two is more beautiful in terms of scenery and less difficult to hike up. I'm not an experienced hiker but I really want to visit any of this two for wild nature.

Coming from Chengdu to Mt Siguniang (if in case)then Dangling Danba. After Danba as highly recommended the Xindoqiao and Tagong grassland, which of these two comes after Danba?

If I decide to go to Yading from Tagong, should I pass by Kangding or the bus goes straight to Daocheng?

One of the members here in his blog, highly recommends visiting Yihun Lhatso lake, how far is that from Daocheng to Manigango?

I hope some members here could give a clear route for me. Thanks.

Answer

Both Mount Siguniang (四姑娘山) and Yading Nature Reserve (亚丁风景区) are among the most breathtaking mountain areas in western Sichuan, each with unique scenery and character. Choosing between them depends mainly on your physical condition, time, and comfort with high altitudes.

1. Scenery and Hiking Difficulty Comparison

Mount Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain): Located near Rilong Town in Xiaojin County, about 5–6 hours’ drive from Chengdu. It is often called the “Alps of the East.” The main scenic valleys — Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟), Changping Valley (长坪沟), and Haizi Valley (海子沟) — each offer magnificent alpine landscapes, glaciers, pine forests, and Tibetan villages. Shuangqiao Valley can be visited mainly by sightseeing bus and light walking, making it suitable for less experienced hikers. The other two valleys involve moderate trekking but are not too strenuous if you go slowly.
Yading Nature Reserve (Daocheng Yading): Located much farther south, in Daocheng County, and often called “the last Shangri-La.” The scenery is grander in scale — snow-capped sacred peaks (Chenrezig, Jampelyang, Chanadorje), turquoise lakes (Milk Lake, Five Color Lake), and vast meadows. However, the average elevation exceeds 4,000 meters, and hikes are longer and more demanding. Altitude sickness is a real risk for beginners.

Summary: If you prefer easier hiking and faster access from Chengdu, choose Mount Siguniang. If you want truly high-altitude, dramatic scenery and can handle more physical challenge, Yading is unmatched in beauty.

2. Route from Chengdu to Mount Siguniang and Beyond

From Chengdu → Mount Siguniang (Rilong Town), take a long-distance bus or private car. The drive through Wolong and Balang Mountain takes about 5–6 hours depending on road conditions. After your trek, you can continue toward Danba (丹巴), which is about 4–5 hours away by road.

After Danba, you can head toward the highland grasslands region. Between Danba, Xinduqiao, and Tagong, the correct sequence when traveling westward is:

Danba → Bamei → Tagong → Xinduqiao → Kangding

So, Tagong comes right after Danba, and then Xinduqiao follows before reaching Kangding. Tagong (塔公) is known for its monastery and wide grasslands with a backdrop of Mount Yala, while Xinduqiao (新都桥) is famous among photographers for its golden light and Tibetan villages.

3. Getting from Tagong to Yading

There is no direct bus from Tagong to Daocheng/Yading. You will generally need to pass through Kangding first. From Kangding, most travelers continue south to Litang (理塘), then onward to Daocheng (稻城), and finally to Yading Village.

Tagong → Kangding (by minibus or shared car, about 3 hours)
Kangding → Litang (about 6–7 hours)
Litang → Daocheng (about 4 hours)
Daocheng → Yading (1.5–2 hours)

Be prepared for long travel days on winding mountain roads, but the scenery along the way — high plateaus, yak pastures, and snow peaks — is stunning.

4. About Yihun Lhatso (玉湖/玉龙拉措) near Manigango

Yihun Lhatso is located near Manigango (马尼干戈), in Dege County, far northwest of Garze Prefecture. It is a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by snow mountains, known for its reflection views. However, this area lies on a different route than Yading — it is closer to Ganzi and Dege on the way toward the Tibetan border. The distance from Daocheng to Manigango is roughly 400–450 km, and by road it takes around 8–10 hours under good conditions, so it is quite far to combine easily with a Yading trip unless you have extra days.

5. Suggested Itinerary Options

Option 1 (Easier, classic route): Chengdu → Mount Siguniang → Danba → Tagong → Xinduqiao → Kangding → Return to Chengdu. This covers scenic valleys, Tibetan villages, and grasslands with moderate altitude.
Option 2 (Adventure & high-altitude route): Chengdu → Kangding → Litang → Daocheng → Yading → Return. This offers the most dramatic scenery but requires acclimatization and stamina.
Option 3 (Extended circuit): Combine both areas if time allows — Chengdu → Siguniang → Danba → Tagong → Kangding → Litang → Daocheng → Yading. Requires at least 10–12 days.

6. Final Advice

If you are not used to high altitudes or strenuous hiking, start with Mount Siguniang. You can enjoy alpine scenery with manageable trails and avoid altitude problems. If you feel strong and have time, consider continuing south later to Yading for even grander landscapes. Always travel gradually to acclimatize and stay hydrated at high elevation.

Whichever you choose, both Mount Siguniang and Yading offer unforgettable views of Sichuan’s wild nature and Tibetan culture — it’s simply a matter of comfort level and time available.

Mount Siguniang or Yading

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