Western Sichuan Grand Ring Tour
DAY 2
The jade rules for the Year of the Holy Mountain
Welcoming Fairy Lake
○ Sneaker novice
06
Sunday
August 2017
Weather: Cloudy to overcast with occasional sunshine and heavy rain in the afternoon (Nian Baoyuze’s weather is so arrogant)
Highest altitude: 4009 meters
Aba-Nianbaoyuze-Banma
Nian Baoyu Ze
Nianbaoyu is the first snow mountain I encountered during this trip to the Great Ring of Western Sichuan. It is not as isolated as other snow mountains. The surrounding peaks are similar in altitude. The main peak is surrounded by layers of layers, as if the gods used artifacts to carve the rocks. A flourishing snow lotus. The snow-covered glaciers all year round appear and disappear in the mysterious and changing weather, and the numerous strange legends make Nian Baoyu even more mysterious.
People here believe that Nian Baoyu has 3,600 peaks and 360 seas, because it is the great perfection of Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Nestled among the mountains, the Fairy Lake is full of summer breath, and the snowy top of the Shenshan Mountain in the distance (the main peak is 5,369 meters above sea level) overlooks the world through the clouds and mist. The ticket here is 120 yuan, which is definitely worth the money.
Fairy Lake + Fairy Lake
Nianbaoyu is famous for its two lakes, one is Fairy Lake, which is graceful, beautiful, quiet and mysterious; the other is Witch Lake, which is located at the end of Fairy Lake and opposite to it. (Fairies and witches, I wonder if there was a dispute between black and white swans or red and white roses back then?) Visiting this place can be a photography trip for pure tourists (Walking along the scenic plank road and taking pictures) , or it can be a 2-day hiking adventure trip for outdoor enthusiasts (There is a base camp at the end of Yaonv Lake, and you need to bring wind-resistant alpine tents and down sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures of -15°C and other alpine camping and hiking equipment) .
Walking along the plank road is the hiking trail of Fairy Lake. On this side, you can go all the way to the end of Fairy Lake. There is a base camp there where you can set up tents. On the other side is the horse trail. You can rent horses in the parking lot to visit Fairy Lake and Fairy Lake. . The leader of the team, Ximen Xu Xiake, once walked across a bridleway with heavy equipment. On the way, he encountered a thigh-deep swamp. The feeling of stepping into the mud and then pulling out another foot to continue moving forward is something that cannot be passed by those who are not determined and courageous.
Teammates brought their personal equipment and entered the scenic spot. The white smoke when Tibetans prayed drifted on the lake, as if adding a veil to the Fairy Lake.
Fish, yaks, fine sandy beaches
When you first enter the scenic spot, a security guard will come up and ask: Do you have food in your bag? Bringing in is prohibited here. However, we still smuggled food in. Going forward, I saw many Tibetans playing here, carrying large and small bags of snacks to feed the plateau lake fish in Fairy Lake...
There is an iron fence at the end of the plank road with an exit. It is very low and everyone has to bend down to pass. I didn’t understand the function of this at the time. Stop tourists? Obviously not. When we passed the iron fence and saw yaks leisurely grazing beside us, we realized that we were preventing these guys from entering the plank road area to poop anywhere.
The fine sandy beaches and large boulders beside Fairy Lake have become natural resting places for tourists. While resting, looking at the fairyland on earth that is gradually painted with fantasy colors by the light, it is so comfortable!
Facing the quiet lake, looking up at a hole in the blue sky among white clouds, everyone couldn't help but pose and take photos with each other while admiring the beautiful scenery. However, when Xiaobai took out the food bags, he found that they were all bulging and chubby, showing us what plateau low pressure is.
What belongs to the owner + must not be profaned
There are many Mani piles on the banks of Fairy Lake. Such altars made of stones can be seen everywhere. Travel friends who have been to Tibet are probably very familiar with them. Next, our luck was obviously good, the light slowly brightened, and the Fairy Lake was finally dressed up and showing its charm to us.
During the hike, a group of people encountered yaks from time to time on the narrow road. These big men had colorful ropes tied around their necks, indicating that they were owned by their owners. They roam leisurely and are not afraid of people when they see them. Their fur is as long as the ground. They probably won’t get cold even if they lie on the ice sheet in winter.
However, what followed was cow dung everywhere. Along the way, you can often see many artificial flowers stuck on cow dung, and there is always a person holding a long gun or cannon or clicking a cell phone next to him. (Uh, funny bad taste...)
As for the appearance of Demon Girl Lake, only one person in the entire team witnessed it with his own eyes——
Zhao Wumian, the only team member who walked to the side of the Demon Girl Lake. This person's artistic appearance hides the profound skills of a sweeping monk. He usually doesn't show off his mountains and rivers, but he climbed the plateau without taking a breath...
On the way, he encountered a reloaded lone ranger and recorded the scene with his shutter. (It should be noted that his encounter with the Lone Ranger in the wilderness was also touching. Well, the meeting between the two masters...)
What you need to pay special attention to when traveling is: Do not point your fingers at the Holy Mountain. This is very impolite behavior.
I thought that if you can’t point your finger at the Holy Mountain, then the Fairy Lake should also not be desecrated and can only be viewed from a distance. Unexpectedly, on the way back, I saw Tibetan compatriots having fun in the lake. The lake was not deep, about thigh-level, and they were playing in the lake with their shirtless bodies carrying air mattresses.
Assemble and set off
It was a pity not to see Nian Baoyuze who was loved by the sun, but thanks to the blessing of the sacred mountain, it started to rain heavily after all our members gathered to set off.
Leave Nianbao Yuze and stay overnight in Banma County. The altitude of Banma County is between 3200-4850 meters, and the altitude where our accommodation is located is around 4000. At this time, some team members began to experience high-reaction symptoms such as fever and headache, so they adjusted their status by inhaling oxygen, taking medicine, drinking more water and taking a good rest. Looking at the children running and playing on the street, Xiaobai walked slowly in sneakers, constantly telling himself to be calm, calm...