An Underrated Hiking Treasure | Gurula Lake, Much Less Crowded Than Daocheng Yading!
If you’ve been deterred by the crowds at Daocheng Yading but still crave a hiking trip deeply healed by nature, Gurula Lake is definitely your dream destination! Here, you’ll find stunning scenery comparable to Daocheng Yading, but with far fewer tourists, allowing you to fully enjoy peaceful moments with the mountains and lakes. Without further ado, here’s the guide 👇
📍Location
Gurula Lake is located deep in the mountains of Cuomei County, Shannan City, Tibet, nestled in the embrace of the Chalatugang Snow Mountain, at an altitude of about 4400 - 4900 meters. Its name means “Padmasambhava Lake” in Tibetan, also known as “Heart Lake.” Compared to Daocheng Yading, it’s not very well known yet, but precisely because of this, it retains its original and pure beauty.
🚗Transportation
Self-driving: Starting from Lhasa, it takes about 5 - 6 hours in total. The first half of the road is in good condition, but the latter half includes 20 kilometers of bumpy mountain and cliffside roads after turning from National Highway 219 to village roads. Sedans should proceed with caution; SUVs or off-road vehicles are recommended. However, after entering the village, there are 10 kilometers of cement-paved roads leading to the parking lot, where a 15 yuan sanitation fee is required.
Car rental: If you find self-driving too tiring, you can also choose to rent a car, which allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way without worrying about road conditions.
🧳Preparation
Documents: ID card is essential; if you plan to visit other scenic spots, prepare the relevant documents.
Clothing: The plateau climate is changeable, with “four seasons in one day.” Windproof jackets and lightweight down jackets are must-haves, and quick-dry clothes will keep you dry during hiking. Also, it’s best to bring an emergency survival blanket just in case.
Gear: Non-slip hiking shoes are key to steady walking on rocky slopes and thorny bushes; don’t forget trekking poles to reduce knee pressure and maintain balance on ascents and descents; sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm are essential because the UV rays on the plateau are no joke; headlamps and rain covers are also recommended for sudden rain or low-light conditions.
Supplies & Medicine: Beef jerky, energy bars, and other high-energy foods are great for replenishing strength. Don’t forget a thermos to drink hot water anytime; take Rhodiola 3-5 days in advance to prevent altitude sickness, and prepare cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine for any discomfort.
🚶♀️Hiking Route
From the left side of the viewing platform bridge at the parking lot, you’ll see a pond. After passing the pond, the stone pile with an arrow marks the start of the hike. The entire route is about 2.5 kilometers, ascending from 4400 meters to 4800 meters, with a total climb of 400 meters. It takes about 2 hours to reach the lakeside. Along the way, you’ll pass through shrubs, rocky slopes, and ridgelines. In midsummer, the meadows bloom with purple and yellow wildflowers, which are stunning! However, be careful on the steep rocky paths as they can be slippery; walk slowly and use trekking poles to steady yourself.
📸Photo Spots
Small hill by the lake: Use a drone or a phone’s 0.5 wide-angle lens to capture a panoramic view of Gurula Lake, with the water looking like a sapphire set among snow-capped mountains.
Small mountain pass near the lake: There’s a supply point sign here. Opposite the sign, on the ridgeline in front of the snow mountain, is a perfect spot for photos with the snow mountain. Using a telephoto lens will produce amazing shots.
🍜About Supplies
There is a small shop at the parking lot at the hiking start point where you can buy instant noodles and get free hot water, so no need to worry about hunger. If you want to stay locally, beds cost about 100 yuan per person with simple conditions. You can choose based on your situation.
⚠️Notes
1. Cuomei County is very small with limited hotels. During holidays and peak seasons, be sure to book in advance, or you may not find a room.
2. Mountain roads are rugged with many cliffside sections; avoid driving in the dark as much as possible for safety.
3. Avoid visiting during bad weather like rain or snow, as road conditions become more dangerous.
4. You may encounter wild animals like blue sheep and wild rabbits; admire them from a distance and do not disturb them.
5. Outdoor activities are best done in groups.
6. Be a responsible traveler; do not leave any trash in the wild to keep this pure land pristine.
Gurula Lake is truly a hidden gem, without the crowds of Daocheng Yading but with equally breathtaking scenery. Here, you can hear your heartbeat intertwined with the breath of nature. If you long for a unique and less crowded hiking trip, add Gurula Lake to your travel list💕