A free spirit shouldn't be confined - Hiking to the Black Lake of Haba

The Black Lake of Haba at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain really surprised and impressed me. Here, you can experience snow mountains, alpine meadows, primeval forests, pastures with cattle and sheep, and streams and lakes all at once. There were almost no people along the way. I experienced heavy rain and fog. In the evening of September 12, I was lucky enough to see the sunset over the mountains. The next day, I saw the sunrise reflected in the lake. It was absolutely stunning! How to get there Drive from Lijiang or Shangri-La to Dela Ranch in Haba Village. Or stay in Haba Village the night before and drive to Dela Ranch in about 20 minutes. Two-day and one-night route (18km, 1000+ elevation gain) Dela Ranch (starting point) - Yangfang Ranch - Lanhua Ping accommodation OR Black Lake accommodation - Black Lake - Dela Ranch (return the same way) Accommodation Lanhua Ping is at an altitude of 3500m, and the Black Lake is at an altitude of 4200m. Choose a campsite based on your own needs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Food preparation The campsite provides one dinner and one breakfast. You need to prepare 2-3 meals for the road: energy bars/gels + chocolate + sausages + marinated eggs + beef sticks + hawthorn cakes + soft candies + 600ml hot water + cola + glucose. Hiking attire Wool quick-drying clothes and pants, fleece clothes and pants, windproof and waterproof clothes and pants, wool socks, high-top hiking shoes, fleece hat, sun hat, hiking sunglasses, raincoat, egg shell mat, trekking poles, large power bank, sunscreen, simple toiletries. Road conditions Due to frequent rain, many roads are muddy and full of puddles. You will also pass streams, stone roads, and cross several hills. Choose waterproof, non-slip, and wear-resistant high-top shoes. Tips May to June is the season to see the rhododendron sea, and October is the season to see the red trees by the lake. Both are suitable for hiking. For beginners, it is not recommended to rush. If you have enough time, you can go to Haba Village to acclimatize first. Then, book a guide and mules for a safe journey. Lanhua Ping is at a lower altitude and has better accommodation conditions. However, if you return to the Black Lake the next day, you will only have a short time to play. The Black Lake is at a higher altitude and is prone to altitude sickness. However, you can see the sunrise and sunset. The sun is hot and the rain is cold. Bring warm clothes for overnight stays in the mountains.