Chonggu Pasture of Yading Nature Reserve in Daocheng County, Garze
Chonggu Pasture, located in Yading Nature Reserve, Daocheng County (稻城县), Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), is a picturesque natural landscape that seems like an artist’s perfect creation. It is primarily made up of grasslands, forests, streams, and Mani piles, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks of Xian Nuo Ri (仙乃日) and Xia Nuo Duo Ji (夏诺多吉). This location provides a stunning display of the grandeur, beauty, and mystical charm of nature. Chonggu Pasture is a prime example of a glacial U-shaped valley (U-shaped valley mouth), which was once a glacial dammed lake. After the collapse of the glacial lake at the foot of Xian Nuo Ri, the terrain we see today was formed.
Geographic Significance
Chonggu Pasture is not only a beautiful natural site but also an essential transit point for various scenic areas in the region. It serves as a key stop when visiting Chonggu Monastery (冲古寺), the foot of Xian Nuo Ri, and traveling to sacred locations such as Sheng Shui Men (圣水门) and Luo Rong Niu Chang (洛绒牛场).
Photos of Chonggu Pasture
A Breathtaking Landscape
The beautiful view of Chonggu Pasture was captured on October 27, 2011, at 10:00 AM. This stunning scene shows the mighty Xian Nuo Ri in the distance, with the Conca Galaxy (贡嘎银河) flowing below.
Sunrise in Yading
On October 27th, I woke up early at 6:30 AM, while the others were still sleeping soundly. The sunrise at Yading is a breathtaking sight, with the sun only appearing at around 7:00 AM. We saw yaks grazing peacefully in the early morning light.
At approximately 7:00 AM, we witnessed the eastern horizon lighting up with a beautiful red glow. By 7:30 AM, the day had brightened, and the peak of Xian Nuo Ri (仙乃日) was bathed in the warm morning light.
Serenity at the Foot of Xian Nuo Ri
The two snow-capped mountains, Xian Nuo Ri and Xia Nuo Duo Ji, are an iconic view in the region. From our accommodation, we had a perfect view of these majestic peaks, with the left peak being Xia Nuo Duo Ji, and the right peak being Xian Nuo Ri.
Accommodation at Xueyu Yaju (雪域雅居)
We stayed at Xueyu Yaju, a cozy guesthouse with a clear view of the snow-capped mountains. The guesthouse, run by our host Baden (巴登), provided a peaceful and comfortable stay. From our room on the third floor, we had a clear view of both Xian Nuo Ri and Xia Nuo Duo Ji, making for a truly memorable experience.
Beautiful Morning Views
As the sun rose, the morning light painted Xian Nuo Ri with a soft white glow, highlighting the mountain’s majestic silhouette. The stunning scenery of the snow-capped peaks surrounded by lush greenery and clear streams truly made us feel like we were in paradise.
Visiting Chonggu Pasture
After breakfast, we headed out around 9:00 AM. The road from Longtongba (龙同坝) to Chonggu Pasture is accessible by electric vehicle, making it a convenient and scenic ride.
Scenic Views of the Pasture
From Chonggu Pasture, the clear streams and lush grasslands were visible. To the southwest, Xian Nuo Ri’s towering peak can be seen, while to the southeast, Xia Nuo Duo Ji rises majestically into the sky.
While it is a small pasture, the abundance of clear, fast-moving streams and the impressive mountain views make it a spectacular location to capture both snow peaks in the same frame. The lighting at different times of the day creates unique photographic opportunities: capturing Xian Nuo Ri to the west in sunlight, and Xia Nuo Duo Ji to the southeast with the soft glow of the sun behind it.
