Secret of Western Sichuan: Majia Valley October Advanced Autumn Viewing and Summit Guide

🏔️🍂Secret of Western Sichuan: Majia Valley October Advanced Autumn Viewing and Summit Guide (Part 2)🗺️ Majia Valley—A hidden colorful forest secret in Western Sichuan. The first part revealed a family-friendly wooden plank trail for leisure hiking and key scenic spots. This part focuses on the undeveloped wild trail beyond the end of the plank trail, unlocking the ultimate bonus: an expedition to Dawa Yongcuo (Moon Lake) at an altitude of 4,250 meters. 📍Dawa Yongcuo (Moon Lake) Field Exploration 🔸Location: A glacial lake hidden deep in Majia Valley’s mountain peaks. Start from the end of the plank trail at Qumei Cuo Lake shore (swing spot in photo 2), cross the single-plank bridge, then follow the primitive dirt path trodden by footsteps uphill. One-way hike about 1.5 hours; return the same way. 🔸Trail Conditions Warning: • Initial section: Subalpine coniferous forest with vibrant autumn colors reflecting beautifully with the lake; • Middle section: Golden colorful forest dusted with white snow, red shrubs scattered like a fairy tale; • Summit section: Snow-covered path, only wooden signs and prayer flags guide the way, requiring hands and feet to climb, faint footprints visible in the thick snow. ✅Exclusive Experience for Advanced Hikers 🔸Scenic Layers: From lush green fir forests to icy snowfields, seasonal landscapes condensed into one day. On a clear day at the summit, the reflection of snow-capped mountains on the lake is breathtaking (photos 3-13). 🔸Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆ (Suitable for physically fit young people and experienced beginner hikers) • Advantages: No cliff or steep rock faces, relatively safe; • Challenges: Continuous steep ascent (trekking poles essential), slippery descent on mixed snow and mud sections (gloves for protection, gaiters for moisture, spare shoes and socks necessary). ❌Casual Hikers Beware 🔸Summit Reality: Extremely desolate, small lake area, visual impact on rainy or overcast days far less impressive than the colorful forest below (photos 13-16). 🔸Harsh Realities: • Sliding down on your butt, grabbing trees to crawl, frozen pant cuffs, mud-covered shoes... the photographer’s dignity shattered in thick snow; • High altitude sickness caution! If headache or shortness of breath occurs, turn back immediately. 💡Lessons Learned the Hard Way 1️⃣Gear List: Hiking boots (non-slip!), gaiters, gloves, dual trekking poles, windbreaker (large temperature difference at the summit); 2️⃣Time Management: Recommended to start before 9 AM, allow 4 hours round trip; 3️⃣Team Setup: At least two people, carry walkie-talkies and emergency supplies; 4️⃣Environmental Advocacy: No trash bins in undeveloped areas, please bring your own trash bags. 📸Photography Golden Hours 10 AM to 12 PM offers soft light, and the lake’s reflection of snow mountains is most beautiful when there is no wind.