Glacier Secret Realm · Lake Wonder

Changdu City, Bianba County — the glacier lake secret realm of Eastern Tibet, boasting world-class landscapes such as the Three Color Lakes and Xiagongla Pass. A 4-day 3-night itinerary to explore plateau lakes, visit ancient ruins, and feel the unique natural charm of Bianba County.

Three Color Lakes
Plateau Wonder Lake
Xiagongla Pass
Elevation 5,298m
Dazong Ruins
Ancient Castle
40,000
Population
Bianba County Three Color Lakes
Panoramic View of Three Color Lakes, Bianba County
The Three Color Lakes in Bianba County, composed of three independent lakes — black, white, and yellow. They present different colors under sunlight, known as the "Lake Wonder of Eastern Tibet"

Bianba County Four Days Three Nights Glacier Secret Realm Tour

Lake exploration + Ruins visit + Glacier challenge, feel the ultimate scenery of Eastern Tibet

Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Three Color Lakes, Dazong Ruins, Xiagongla Pass, Jinling Glacier
Suitable For
Adventure Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Photography Lovers, Geological Researchers
Per Capita Budget
¥1400-¥2400
01
Lake Wonder
Three Color Secret Realm
Highlights

Full day natural scenery experience

Attractions
Three Color Lakes
The most famous natural wonder of Bianba County, composed of three independent lakes — black, white, and yellow. Due to different mineral compositions at the lake bottom, they present three distinct colors, forming a dreamlike landscape under sunlight.
Puyu Glacial Lakes
A group of glacial lakes surrounding the Three Color Lakes, consisting of dozens of large and small lakes with crystal-clear water, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Best viewing time is in the morning
  • Prepare windproof jacket
  • Protect the lake environment
  • Do not throw objects into the lake
Photography Suggestions
  • Polarizing filter enhances colors
  • Wide-angle lens for panorama
  • Capture lake color changes in different lights
  • Drone use requires application
02
Ruins Exploration
Historical Secret Realm
Highlights

Full day historical and cultural experience

Attractions
Dazong Ruins
Military castle ruins from the Tubo period, built on a steep cliff, preserving city walls, watchtowers, and sacrificial sites. It is an important ruin for studying ancient Eastern Tibetan military history.
Bianba Monastery
A Gelug school monastery founded in the 15th century, once the religious center of the Bianba area. The temple preserves precious Ming Dynasty murals and Buddha statues.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Wear hiking boots
  • Pay attention to safety when climbing ruins
  • Photography prohibited inside monastery
  • Circumambulate clockwise
Cultural Etiquette
  • Respect religious customs
  • Do not touch murals or Buddha statues
  • Keep quiet
  • Remove hat when entering the hall
03
Glacier Challenge
Alpine Secret Realm
Highlights

Full day outdoor adventure

Attractions
Xiagongla Pass
An extreme high-altitude pass at 5,298 meters, an important passage on the central Sichuan-Tibet route. Spectacular glacier landscapes can be seen in summer, and deep snow accumulates in winter.
Jinling Glacier
The most accessible glacier in Bianba County, with the glacier terminus at an elevation of 4,200 meters, allowing close observation of ice towers and crevasses.
Practical Information
Gear Suggestions
  • Anti-slip hiking boots
  • Windproof jacket
  • Trekking poles
  • Oxygen tank
Safety Reminder
  • Prevent altitude sickness
  • Watch for weather changes
  • Do not act alone
  • Follow guide's instructions
04
Ecological Imprint
Farewell to Bianba
Highlights

Half-day ecological experience and return journey

Attractions
Jionglaco National Wetland Park
A plateau wetland ecosystem, home to rare birds such as the black-necked crane. Wildflowers bloom in summer, and the landscape turns golden in autumn.
Bianba County Town
A small plateau town. Visit the Bianba County Natural Museum to learn about local ecological resources and purchase specialty handicrafts.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Allow sufficient time for return journey
  • Pack light souvenirs
  • Check documents and belongings
  • Maintain high-altitude protection

Bianba County Must-Try Foods

Bianba Yogurt

Traditional handmade yogurt, made with naturally fermented plateau yak milk. It has a rich, tangy taste with a golden milk skin formed on the surface.

Air-dried Yak Beef

A traditional Eastern Tibetan food, made by naturally air-drying highland yak beef. The meat is firm and stores well, making it a high-energy portable food.

Butter with Sea Buckthorn Fruit

A plateau specialty dessert, made by steaming sea buckthorn fruit with butter and white sugar. It replenishes qi and blood, and is a premium treat for guests.

Bianba County Travel Tips
Best Season
  • May-Oct: Mild climate, suitable for travel
  • Jul-Aug: Wildflower blooming season, best viewing period
  • Sep-Oct: Charming autumn colors, best for photography
Itinerary Suggestions
  • Day 1: Deep tour of Three Color Lakes
  • Day 2: Visit Dazong Ruins and Bianba Monastery
  • Day 3: Challenge Xiagongla Pass
  • Day 4: Wetland Park and return journey
Important Notes
  • Acclimatize to high-altitude areas
  • Glacier trekking requires a professional guide
  • Protect cultural relics and historical sites
  • Respect local religious customs
Transportation Guide
  • Changdu to Bianba: about 7 hours by car
  • Some road sections require an SUV
  • Difficult passage during rainy season
  • Check road condition information in advance