October Gannan: A Divine Destination!

What does Gannan look like in October? It's a breathtaking blend of snow-capped mountains and autumn hues, with clear blue skies stretching endlessly. This 7-day secret travel guide to Gannan will take you deep into the divine backyard—traverse the vastness of the "Little Tibet," and immerse yourself in the beauty of snow mountains, grasslands, ancient temples, and sacred lakes. Encounter golden leaves blanketing the mountains, morning mists enveloping the peaks, and the exclusive autumnal light and shadow. Gaze at glaciers under Cuomei Peak, touch the wild stone forests at Lianbaoyeze—every frame is stunningly beautiful!

📅 6-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Day 1: Lanzhou—Ganga Secret Land—Labrang Monastery
Explore the octagonal city and Baishiya Canyon in the Ganga Secret Land. The cave entrance offers a hidden spot for capturing stunning silhouettes of cliffside temples. Return and arrive at Labrang Monastery. Walk the 3.2-kilometer-long prayer wheel corridor, the world's longest, clockwise with the locals to feel the power of faith.

Day 2: Xiahe—Sangke Grassland—Gahai Lake—Guomang Wetland—Langmu Monastery

Day 3: Langmu Monastery (Gansu Temple)—Maqu Yellow River First Bridge—Awancang Wetland—Ningma Monastery—Jiuzhi/Ngawa
The grasslands of Awancang Wetland are edged with gold, vast and healing.

Day 4: Jiuzhi/Ngawa—Lianbaoyeze—Gemo Monastery—First Bend of the Yellow River—Tangke
Drive directly to the 4,520-meter viewing platform at Lianbaoyeze to experience the wildness of the "demonic stone forest" and the chill of the glaciers up close. Head to the First Bend of the Yellow River to witness the meandering flow of the river.

Day 5: Tangke—Ruoergai Flower Lake—Little Duku Highway (Zasag Scenic Area)—Zagana
In the evening, stay in the Tibetan village of Zagana, watch the smoke rise from the chimneys, the sunset dye the valley red, and marvel at the breathtaking Milky Way at night.

Day 6: Zagana—Retrace Jiangdie Highway—Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—Lanzhou City
In the morning, Zagana is shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. Walk the wooden plank road to capture a panoramic view of the "stone box." The highlight is the 80-kilometer "Jiangdie Highway" scenic section! Non-paved roads are best navigated with an SUV, with snow-capped peaks towering along the way, accompanied by pastures and streams. The Milarepa Buddha Pavilion shines in the morning light, with golden roofs gleaming and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating a perfect atmosphere. Arrive at Hezuo City at an altitude of 2,900 meters to rest and acclimate to the plateau. Don't miss the local specialty hand-grabbed lamb to savor the authentic flavors of Gannan.

🍂 Autumn Color Alert
Best Viewing Period: Early to mid-October
- Zagana Forests: Birch trees turn orange-red, painting the mountains in vibrant hues.
- Awancang Wetland: Grasslands edged with gold, reflecting in the rivers.
- Jiangdie Highway: Snow-capped peaks contrast sharply with the autumn scenery.
- Lianbaoyeze: Stone forests appear even more magical and desolate under the autumn light.

⚠️ Practical Tips
1. Plateau weather is unpredictable; bring windbreakers and down jackets as temperatures in snowy areas can drop to 0°C suddenly.
2. Prevent altitude sickness: Avoid washing your hair or bathing on the first day, and carry glucose solution.
3. Respect local beliefs: Photography is prohibited inside temples, and always walk clockwise when circling temples or prayer wheels.
4. Plan accommodations early! Tibetan-style homestays are in high demand during the National Day holiday. Staying within the Zagana scenic area is more convenient.