Crystalline Turquoise Lake, Jiuzhaigou

Executive summary by darmansjah

Jiuzhaigou Valley is a nature reserve and national park located in the north of Sichuan, China.

Jiuzhaigou Valley is part of the Min Mountains on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and stretches over 72,000 hectares (180,000 acres). It is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Its elevation ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 metres (6,600 to 14,800 ft).

Jiuzhaigou Valley was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. It belongs to the category V (Protected Landscape) in the IUCN system of protected area categorization.

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong National parks are another two popular travel attractions in Sichuan. You can easily to access these two places by land and flight. Colorful natural lakes, waterfalls, virgin forests and Tibetan villages, and other places around such as grasslands, nomads, rivers, it really make this area like a fairyland.

Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong- Chengdu, This quick trip offers an easy way to explore breathtaking and mystifying Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong National Parks; so get your camera ready! Get close to the nature's and perhaps catch a rainbow. Fly to Jiuzhaigou for an in depth exploration of beautiful Sichuan and local Tibetans life. Two full days offers you a more relaxing opportunity to soak in the atmosphere. Matched with Huanglong National Park enjoy the countless lakes. This Jiuzhaigou tour mixes a hiking in the isolated Zharu Valley, a quiet corner of the park that few tourists ever visit. Along with a scenic visit in the three main valleys of the park. A 6 day adventure deep into the best scenery of northern Sichuan. Balanced between horse riding in the snow-capped mountains of Songpan, to the magical blue / green lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and the rushing waterfall of Huanglong National Park. Have a pleasant trip to popular Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park, travelling from Chengdu north in a private car along the a very scenic route. Once arrived in Jiuzhaigou explore the lush forest, countless lakes and snow-capped mountains. Drive to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu seeing the fantastic landscapes all along the way. Once you arrive in mystical Jiuzhaigou see the unique turquoise lakes, virgin forest and exotic Tibetan villages. An unforgetable journey awaits. Travel to Northwest Sichuan to enjoy fantastic landscape at every turn! Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Parks show you the miracle of of nature's beauty. A surprise to most is Huahu Lake and exploring the nearby Tibetan villages.

Day 01:Fly to Jiuzhaigou

Upon arrival at Jiuzhaigou, to be met and transfer to Jiuzhaigou, it will takes about 2.5 hours. On the way to Jiuzhaigou, you will view the snow mountains, majestic rivers, tibetan Villages. Overnight at Jiuzhaigou.

Day 2 : Sightseeing in Jiuzhaigou National Park

You will have one full day to spend at JiuZhaiGou National Park with crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, virgin forest, and Tibetan villages to explore. You can take the pollution free sightseeing buses to the top of the valley, then walk down to appreciate the nice scenery along the way. In the evening, you will have the chance to see a local Tibetan-Qiang minority Culture show(Price not included). Overnight at Jiuzhaigou.

Day 3 : Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong Park - Songpan County

After breakfast at your hotel, then drive from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Park(about 3hours), on the road you will view the plateau grasslands with yaks and yak herders. Considering your physical condition, you can either enjoy the tour by foot or cable car(some visitors will feel altitude sickness in this lateau area), Huanglong  is renown for its beautiful calcification lakes. Late afternoon drive to Songpan, here you will meet your Songpan Horse trekking tem. Overnight at Songpan County.

Day 4 : Songpan County -Mounigou Erdaohai horse riding

Today you will have a totally new experience, you will start your horse back riding journey after the food supplies and cooking utensils are loaded on the packhorses by the guides.  You will ride for 4-5hours to ErDaoHai Lake (36 km from Songpan town). The region is famous for having many lakes;  you will see Toudao Lake, Swan Lake and Feicui Lake, and many others. The guide will choose good places to break for lunch and dinner. You will camp overnight near ErDaoHai Lake. 

Day 5 : Munigou Er'daohai - Kuangquanshui horse riding

After breakfast, you will leave ErDaoHai Lake and head for Jadeite Spring (KuangQuanShui). On the way you will pass Rensen (Ginseng) Lake, Flower Lake, Stone Forests, Moon Lake and many other scenic spots. The guide will choose suitable places to break for lunch and dinner. You will camp near Jadeite Spring.

Day 06:  Mounigou Valley-Songpan county

After breakfast,  you will return to Songpan. On the way, you will see Mallard Lake and pass through SanLian and MuNi towns. Upon arrival at Songpan, transfer to Jiu-huang airport for the flight to your next travel destination, end the trip.

Remarks: The horse back riding program can be customized according to your schedule and requirments, below are the most popular programs among the clients.

Two day  to Jadeite Spring (Kuangquanshui) with a vist to local village

Two day  to Munigou Erdaohai Lake

Three day to Munigou Erdaohai Lake and Jadeite Spring(Kuangquanshui)

Three to four day to the Ice mountain (Xuebaoding)

Songpan Horse Trekking Tour Tips: 

A big different temperature between day and night, suggest to bring your warm clothes. 

Horse trekking in the forests and mountainous is a hard job and altitude sickness always comes in this trip. Be sure in a good physical condition. If you get some uncomfortable reaction, please tell the guide immediately.

Kindly treat horses as the local people. Please don't chase or run horses during the trip and move suddenly or shout in front of a horse in case you frighten them and cause accidents. NO FLASH when you take photos with horses. 

Respect the local custom. You will get along with the local residents for several days and you will find the different lifestyles. Let the local people know that they are equally treated. 

Pay attention to enviroment protection. Collect all the rubbish and take it back.