Entering Zhuomalaco: Beautiful Scenery at 4,100 Meters Above Sea Level

2025.10.18 At the foot of Xianuoduo Sacred Mountain on the Western Sichuan Plateau, there is a secret place that can only be reached by walking; it is Zhuomalaco, also known as Pearl Lake, meaning "the soul lake of the fairy, Tara." Let us step into Zhuomalaco at 4,100 meters above sea level and feel why it has become the purest comfort in the hearts of countless travelers. We take the shuttle bus directly to Zhaguanbeng (3,700 meters), then hike along the loop passing the Living Buddha Pagoda, Chonggu Temple, Xinbao Lake, Zhuomalaco, and Chonggu Meadow. Glacial streams (such as the Holy Water River) flow through the forest, and the distant Xianuoduo snow peak drives us forward. Xianuoduo is the northern peak of the three sacred mountains, representing compassion (the Compassion Line), with an altitude of over 6,000 meters, making it the highest point in Daocheng. Passing through dense forests dominated by fir and pine trees, with moss hanging from the branches, we occasionally encounter monkeys and squirrels foraging and playing, interacting with them adds a wild charm. The spruce and fir trees by Zhuomalaco’s shore remain lush, while poplars, maples, and unknown shrubs blaze like fire, as if the sacred mountain has spilled its palette. The lake water changes from deep to light green depending on the light and angle. The snow peak lies quietly in the lake, with the sky and earth mirrored symmetrically, blurring the line between reality and illusion. Zhuomalaco embraces all living things with a calm posture. It is not only a paradise for photography but also a pure land where the soul dialogues with nature; every step is poetry, every glance a painting. Practical Tips 1. Preparation: Essential items include sunscreen, warm clothing, trekking poles, non-slip shoes, and sunglasses (due to strong snow glare). 2. Compassion Line Hiking: About 5 kilometers round trip, gentle ascent, oxygen concentrator assistance makes it easy. 3. Best Viewing Time: Early morning (before 9 AM), when the lake surface is calm like a mirror and the snow mountain reflection is clear; afternoon, when the colors of the snow mountain and lake are most saturated. 4. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Walk slowly, avoid strenuous exercise. Prepare oxygen tanks or portable oxygen concentrators. 5. Tour Duration: Compassion Line and Wisdom Line require one day; the Challenge Line is at a higher altitude, with a 3 to 5-hour round-trip hike. Due to physical reasons, we left the Wisdom Line and Challenge Line as future aspirations. (Accommodation at Lavande Hotel Hot Spring, Daocheng)