The Off-the-Beaten-Path Route 317 in Western Sichuan! Like Summer in a Miyazaki Anime!

9-Day In-Depth Guide to the Ganzi Route 317 Loop (With Money-Saving and Pitfall-Avoiding Tips) Combining local expertise and the latest travel strategies to help you efficiently plan your journey to the secret snowy mountain paradise👇 🌄 Core Itinerary (9-Day Ultimate Route) D1: Chengdu → Kangding → Honghaizi → Xinduqiao Honghaizi: Entrance fee ¥10. The lake is azure on sunny days—arrive in the morning to avoid crowds. Xinduqiao accommodation: At 3,500m altitude, some may experience altitude sickness. Consider staying in lower-altitude Kangding (if time allows, acclimatize here for 1 night). D2: Xinduqiao → Tagong Grassland → Ganzi County Tagong Grassland: A quick stop along the way—no need for in-depth exploration. Ganzi County: The main destination, a town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Stay at Lamu Tibetan Homestay (traditional Tibetan-style rooms with mountain views). D3: Ganzi County → Kasa Lake → King Gesar’s City Kasa Lake: Photogenic on sunny days—skip if overcast (short visit if passing by). King Gesar’s City: Underdeveloped, but the wetlands behind offer reflections of snow mountains. D4: Ganzi County → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso (Xinluhai) Cuotong Emerald Lake: Free, but requires crossing a 4,600m pass. Fog may obscure views—start early. Yulong Lhatso: Entrance ¥100 + shuttle ¥50 (peak season prices inflated). Must-visit in Apr/May/Jun/Nov/Dec; other seasons, substitute with Dangzhen Lake (free). D5: Ganzi County → Manigango → Chola Mountain Viewpoint → Dege Chola Mountain Viewpoint: Free, where colorful roads frame snow peaks—wear bright clothing. Dege Printing Monastery: Entrance ¥50, a must for culture lovers—try traditional woodblock printing. D6: Dege → Ganbai Road (Yarchen Monastery → Lhalung Lake) Ganbai Loop: Navigate to Yarchen Monastery before returning to Ganzi County. Stunning views of Zhuoda Mountain Tunnel Canyon and ancient glacial boulders. Yarchen Monastery: Skip the interior—admire the red houses and Changtai Grassland flower fields from afar. D7: Ganzi County → Dawu → Luhuo Dawu Tibetan Houses: Traditional "Bongkhong" architecture. Stay at Jiarong Courtyard (wooden scent aids sleep). Luhuo: Visit Zongta Grassland (free, wildflowers everywhere). D8: Luhuo → Danba → Shuangqiao Valley, Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiao Valley: Drifting, "Potala Peak" road photos—perfect for relaxation. D9: Shuangqiao Valley → Chengdu Return tip: If time allows, stop at Balang Mountain for sea of clouds, or head straight back to avoid traffic. 🌟 Must-Visit Hidden Gems Cuotong Emerald Lake (free): Alpine triple lakes, untouched landscapes. Bring cash (no signal at the summit). Lhalung Lake Wetland (free): Summer flower fields and mountain reflections—paved roads ideal for camping. Manigango Grassland (free): Pika paradise under Chola Mountain—perfect for camping. Around Ganzi County: Visit Yuke Grassland (free) and Huxiang Mountain Hot Springs (¥20/person, outdoor sulfur pools). ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance & Tips Altitude Sickness Prevention: Stop aerobic exercise 1 week prior. Avoid washing hair/bathing on the first night. Ganzi County is at 3,300m—some hotels offer oxygen (e.g., Hanting ¥300/night with oxygen bar). Transport & Road Conditions: Paved roads throughout—suitable for cars/EVs, but use low gear downhill to prevent brake overheating. Ganzi Gesar Airport offers direct flights (2hr from Chengdu)—ideal for shorter trips (rent a car upon arrival). Cost Reference: Accommodation: County hotels ¥300–400/night (cheaper off-season), Tibetan homestays ¥200/night. Tickets: Yulong Lhatso ¥150 (includes shuttle), most other sites charge ¥20–30 for maintenance. Seasonal Advice: Jun–Aug: Flower-filled grasslands, emerald barley fields—cool summer escape. Sep–Oct: Pristine snow peaks, golden poplar forests—ideal for photography. Nov–Apr: Frozen landscapes—best for hot springs (e.g., Ganzi’s wild outdoor springs). 💡 Trivia & Bonus Experiences Yarchen Monastery hack: Skip the interior—picnic on flower-covered hillsides for panoramic red-house views. Off-peak travel: Ganzi County is crowd-free during May Day/National Day—enjoy solo mountain-lake vistas. Food Recs: Ganzi’s Lamu Tibetan Cuisine: Stone-cooked lamb, butter tea (¥50/person). Dege’s Old-School Tibetan Eats: Tsampa yogurt, air-dried yak meat (¥40/person). Photography Tips: Use telephoto at Chola Mountain Viewpoint to compress road and peaks. Wide-angle at Zhuoda Mountain Tunnel Canyon for dramatic shots.