Milk Lake of Yading Nature Reserve in Daocheng County, Garze
Milk Lake (牛奶海), also known as Luorong Cuo (洛绒措), is a stunning ancient glacial lake located in the Yading Nature Reserve (亚丁自然保护区) in Daocheng County (稻城县), Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省). Nestled within a valley surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, the lake’s crystal-clear, vibrant blue waters are complemented by cascading waterfalls, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
The lake is famous for its distinct teardrop shape and its surrounding milky white ring, which gives it the name “Milk Lake.” The surrounding environment features lush meadows, rocky cliffs, and pristine wilderness, creating a natural haven for visitors seeking tranquility and beauty.
Legend of Milk Lake
The Origin of Five-Color Lake
According to local Tibetan legend, long ago, the goddess of longevity among the Five Immortal Sisters of Mount Everest, Zhaxi Zerenma (扎西泽仁玛), visited her aunt, the Goddess of Mount Gongga (贡嘎神女). During her journey, she explored the surrounding snow-capped mountains and came across the beautiful Milk Lake. Enchanted by its beauty, she decided to leave a magical gift. She placed five colorful arrows on the eastern shore of the lake and a sacred treasure vessel on the western shore. At that moment, the lake transformed into a mesmerizing display of colorful hues, giving it the name “Five-Color Lake” (五色海).
The legend continues that Zhaxi Zerenma later fell in love with the Mountain God of Guoda (郭达山神), Jingduoji Lieba (京多吉列巴). Together, they were transformed into golden ducks, frolicking in the lake. On full moon nights, these golden ducks would rise from the water, creating ripples that shimmered with a rainbow of colors. The tale further explains that a greedy foreign missionary once tried to steal the ducks, but in doing so, angered the mountain gods. He was struck by a violent snowstorm and died by the lake.
Best Time to Visit
Milk Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters, and visitors can typically reach it after a strenuous journey. The lake’s floor is covered with intricate net-like patterns created by plants growing in the area. From July to August, the lake’s plants thrive, and sunlight brings out the vibrant colors in the water, making it the ideal time to visit. During this period, the lake is often referred to as the “Seven-Color Lake” due to the mesmerizing hues that appear on the surface.
Location
Milk Lake is located in Daocheng County (稻城县), Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省), within the Yading Nature Reserve (亚丁自然保护区). It is surrounded by the sacred snow-capped peaks of Mount Yangmaiyong (央迈勇), which adds to the area’s mystical atmosphere.
Travel Tips
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Horse Ride from Luorong Pasture: Visitors can rent a horse at Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) to travel to Milk Lake. The ride takes approximately 3 hours.
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Rugged Terrain: The path to Milk Lake is steep and rugged. Some sections require visitors to dismount and walk, which can be physically challenging. A good level of fitness is required.
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High Altitude & Weather Conditions: Milk Lake is situated at 4,500 meters above sea level. The weather is typically cold with strong winds, and visitors should come prepared with warm clothing and gear. The high altitude may also affect some visitors, so it’s important to acclimatize properly before undertaking the journey.
