Western Sichuan mountains

Here are some photos of a trip across western Sichuan, with some spectacular alpine scenery. Siguniangshan (Four Sisters Mountain) National Park lies in the Qionglai mountains. The Shuangqiao valley offers commanding views of the four majestic peaks, alongside pristine forests, meadows, and lakes, showcasing the area's reputation as the Alps of the East. Danba is a county renowned for its traditional Tibetan watchtowers and picturesque villages clinging to steep valley sides.
Yala Snow Mountain is a sacred peak rising to 5820 metres. From the high plateau of Yuzi West (Yuzixi) there are gret views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Gongga.
The focus then shifts to the Jiagenba area and the village of Xiamalong, the gateway to the Air Garden. This elevated meadow, reached by local transport, offers breathtaking, open vistas of rolling hills and wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
The return journey towards Chengdu follows the scenic Provincial Road 434, a less-travelled alternative offering uninterrupted views. A key stop is Honghaizi (Red Sea), a cold mineral lake situated at over 4,100 metres on the Yajiageng Pass, its waters often a vivid turquoise.
Getting around this area with public transportation is complicated or even impossible, becuase certain places are not served by buses or trains. The simplest way to visit these places is to book a tour with a travel operator in Chengdu.