Complete Guide to the Nangjiluo Small Loop Trail

1️⃣ Lake No. 1 (Figure 1) Altitude: 3880m After taking an off-road vehicle from Achidaga Village for nearly two hours, you will arrive at Lake No. 1. Get off the vehicle and start hiking. 2️⃣ Lake No. 2 (Figure 2) Altitude: 3923m Time: Lake No. 1 to Lake No. 2: about 6-10 minutes This section has a gentle slope, a wide path, and a short distance, making it a good warm-up stage. 3️⃣ Lake No. 3 (Figure 3) Altitude: 4029m Time: Lake No. 2 to Lake No. 3: about 20 minutes The slope starts to increase, but the path remains wide. There is a small trail leading down to the shore of Lake No. 3 for photo opportunities. 4️⃣ Lake No. 4 (Figure 4) Altitude: 4100m Time: Lake No. 3 to Lake No. 4: about 30 minutes After Lake No. 3, the slope becomes steeper and the path narrower. After climbing to the top of the slope, you will enter a flat section and reach Lake No. 4. Those who are not physically fit or not acclimated to high-altitude exercise may experience discomfort such as dizziness or tinnitus. If so, slow down or take a break. 5️⃣ Lake No. 5 (Figures 5-7) Altitude: 4200m Time: Lake No. 4 to Lake No. 5: about 25 minutes Cross a small stream and climb a section to reach the most popular Lake No. 5. The Nangjiluo Small Loop Trail ends here. You can take photos at the famous waterfall and explore the area around Lake No. 5 before returning the same way. 6️⃣ Lake No. 6 (Figure 8) Altitude: 4290m Time: Lake No. 5 to Lake No. 6: about 35-40 minutes Lake No. 6 is the highest in altitude and requires crossing a 4333m pass. This section is also known as the "Slope of Despair" due to its steepness, with an ascent of about 130m. 7️⃣ Lake No. 7 (Figure 9) Altitude: 4150m Time: Lake No. 6 to Lake No. 7: about 40-50 minutes After Lake No. 6, it's all downhill. After two long descents, you will reach Lake No. 7 (a small pond along the way is often mistaken for Lake No. 7). This section has a lot of loose rocks and steep slopes, so be careful when descending. 8️⃣ Lake No. 8 (Figures 12-13) Altitude: 3940m Time: Lake No. 7 to Lake No. 8: about 50 minutes After Lake No. 7, the descent is relatively gentle. You will pass through flower fields, waterfalls (Figure 10), wooden bridges (Figure 11), forests, and streams to reach Lake No. 8. 9️⃣ Lake No. 9 (Figure 14) Altitude: 3890m Time: Lake No. 8 to Lake No. 9: about 30 minutes A short ascent into the forest will lead you to an abandoned wooden house. Follow the small path along the stream to reach Lake No. 9. Lake No. 9 is small, with large meadows of flowers around it, but there are many muddy swamps. Be careful where you step to avoid getting stuck in the mud. 🔟 Lake No. 3 (Figure 15) Altitude: 3950m Time: Lake No. 9 to Lake No. 3: about 25 minutes After some gradual ascents, you will return to the shore of Lake No. 3. Follow the small path on the left side of the lake back to the main road and hike to Lake No. 1 to take the vehicle down the mountain. Summary: Small Loop: Lakes No. 1-5, takes about 4-5 hours, with an ascent of about 300m, highest altitude 4200m, total distance about 6.5km. The highlights are Lake No. 3 and Lake No. 5. It is a light hike with low danger and difficulty, featuring many alpine rhododendrons and flower meadows, suitable for photo opportunities. Large Loop: Lakes No. 1-9, takes about 6-7 hours, with an ascent of about 500m, highest altitude 4333m, total distance about 8.5km. The highlights are Lake No. 5, and the forests, meadows, and flower fields around Lakes No. 7, 8, and 9. It requires physical fitness and has some danger. For more information about Yubeng and Nangjiluo, follow us!