Joseph Rock Trekking Lines to Daocheng Yading

Rock Trails are the most classical trekking routes discovered by an America explorer, Joseph Rock. He once wrote a letter to his friend, “I’d rather die in the marvelous mountains than lie on the bed in the hospital.”

The Background of Josephy Rock Trails

It is said there is an extremely beautiful place hidden in the snow mountains of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is a mysterious kingdom surrounded by sown mountains with glaciers, valleys, forests, meadows, lakes, goldmines and fresh air. This place is the Xanadu- Shambhala . In 1920, Joseph Rock arrived in China. He started his Gongga Ridge adventure tour from Yunnan. He first arrived in Dali, and then went to Lijiang. Later, he kept going north from Luguhu to Muli.

In March, 1928, Joseph Rock set out from Muli , trekked through Daocheng Yading and went deep to Gongga Ridge. After he trekked through Daocheng Yading twice, he published his article and photos in National Geographic Magazine in America.

In April, 1933, James Hilton, a British-American writer, wrote a famous fiction- Lost Horizon based on the article and photos about Joseph Rock’s trekking, especially his adventures in the three holy mountains(Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, Xianuoduoji) of Gongga Ridge. People call the Xanadu described in Lost Horizon as Shangri-La. Meanwhile, there was an upsurge to trace Shangri-La all over the world.

Highlights along Yading Rock Trails

Rock Trails are via Yading, Daocheng and Gongga scenic areas. There are two ancient temples (Chonggu Temple, Gongga Temple) and three holy mountains (Xianuoduoji, 5958m; Yangmaiyong, 5958m; Xiannairi, 6032m). To get to Gongga Mountain, it needs to climb over two Passes (Xianuoduoji Pass, Riwuqie Pass) which are at the altitude of 4800m and go through Moxi Valley and Riwuqie Valley. The scenery is stunning and unremarkable along the way.

The First Rock Trail in Daocheng Yading

When Rock arrived in China, he was deeply attracted by the beautiful sceneries that he had never seen before. The first Rock Trail was Rock’s dream trip. The most beautiful sceneries are along this trail. The main areas he trekked through were called as “Shangri-La” . The routes from Muli to Daochengthat that Joseph trekked before is called as “the first Rock Trail” nowadays. Due to these places are impassable to any vehicle , people can only go through these places by trekking.

Rock trekked to Daocheng twice. The specific route for his first trekking: Muli Down Town- Wild Red Deer Field- Cundong Alpine Lake- Kubadian Temple- Taba Grand Canyon- Muli Temple- Shuiluo- Lanman- Dulu –Baishui River- Xialuo- Caowaqi- Risa- Chonggu Temple- Yading- Daocheng. The specific route for his second trekking: Muli- Dulu- Baishui River- Mancuo- Wakecuo- Xianuoduoji Peak- Zabalang- Quniu’acuozhumu- Yangmaiyong- Xiannairi- Luorong Pasture– Chonggu Temple- Yading- Daocheng

Trekkign Map of the First Rock Trail to Yading

The Second Rock Trail in Daocheng Yading

Gradually, as Rock traveled, he was obsessed in the local Tibetan Buddhism. Then, he started his mysterious tour with curiosity and completed the second Rock Trail. The main places along the second Rock Trail were Buddhist shrines around Xichang. The specific route: Xichang- Muli- Wild Red Deer Field- Kubadian Temple- Taoba Grand Canyon- Muli Temple- Wa’erzhao Temple- Yunlanbao Waterfall- Jiyi Forest- Yazui Pasture- Yazui Nature Reserve- Cundong Alpine Lake- Kangwu Temple- Muli- Xichang. Currently, vehicles can access to the places along this route. Therefore, this route is suitable for travelling by car.

Trekking Map of the Second Rock Trail to Yading

The Third Rock Trail in Daocheng Yading

After trekking through Daocheng twice, Rock discovered Gongga and he traveled here for 7 days. The route he trekked at that time is called the third Rock Trail by now. The specific route: Xichang- Muli- Wild Red Deer Field- Cundong Alpine Lake- Kangwu Temple- Yazui Nature Reserve- Yazui Pasture- 913 Forest Farm- Tian Town- Maidilong Hotspring- Luole Valley- Maidilong Gongga- Wudong Lake- Longdong- Guili- Luobo- Mianning- Xichang

Among the three Rock Trails, the most popular one for trekkers is the first trail from Muli to Daocheng . The sceneries along the way are the most alluring and stunning . But, the trekking way is tough and challenging. The trekking from Muli to Daocheng will take about 7 days. You have to be well-prepared before you start your trekking.

Trekking Map of the Third Rock Trail to Yading

Best Time to Trek along Rock Trails

The best time to trek along Rock Trails is from late May to early June and from September to October . From late May to early June, wild flowers are blossoming all over the meadow. From September to October, the leaves are turning golden and red. The scenery at this time is the most beautiful. From early June to August, it is the rainy season. In winter and early spring, the road will be covered with snow and the temperature will be subzero. The road condition will be too bad for trekking.

Notice:

1. Most places along “Rock Trail” are at high altitude. It is impossible to get high altitude sickness. You have to prepare measures to prevent or alleviate it.
2. There are few shops or restaurants along the trekking way. You have to prepare all the foods for you trekking.
3. Trekking is a tough and difficult activity. It needs a healthy body and much more energy.
4. The climate is changeable. The temperature difference is large. Please take thick and waterproof clothes to keep warm. Tents, sleeping bags, rain gears and sunscreen products are needed.
5. Take some common medicines with you, such as headache medicine, cold medicine, diarrhea medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, motion sickness medicine, etc.
6. In order to save your energy, you can rent some horses to carry your stuff. And hiring a guide is necessary for he is more familiar with the local conditions and has more trekking experience.

If you are interested in it, please contact us. We will offer you more details about Rock Trail.

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