Milk

1.The Soul of Yading: The Gemini Holy Lakes

2.Deep within the Yading Nature Reserve in the: Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province lies a pair of high-altitude glacial lakes that serve as the spiritual and visual climax of the region: Milk Lake (Niu Nai Hai) and Five-Color Lake (Wu Se Hai). Situated approximately 20 kilometers from Yading Village at an elevation between 4,500 and 4,700 meters, these lakes are revered as the "Gemini Holy Lakes" and the "Bodhisattva's Palette".

3.While Pearl: Sea offers a gentle introduction to Yading, the journey to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake is a test of endurance and faith. They are located at the terminus of the park's long hiking route, nestled directly beneath the imposing snow-capped peak of Mount Yangmaiyong (Manjusri Bodhisattva). For hikers and photographers, reaching these lakes is the ultimate goal of the Yading experience, offering a view often described as "the most beautiful holy lake combination on the blue planet".

4.Milk Lake: The Jade of the Plateau

Milk Lake, sitting at approximately 4,500 meters, is named for the milky-white ring of mineral-rich sediment that circles the edges of its turquoise water. The lake is shaped like a water droplet or a fan, lying quietly in a col beneath the glacier.

The water here is renowned for its purity. On a calm day, the surface is as smooth as silk, reflecting the towering snowy pyramid of Mount Yangmaiyong with crystal clarity. Legend says that the water is the holy milk of the Bodhisattva, capable of washing away sins and nourishing the soul. In winter, the lake freezes into a translucent jade disk, while in summer, it melts into a brilliant, milky blue pool surrounded by alpine wildflowers.

5.Five-Color Lake: The Bodhisattva’s Palette

6.Just a steep climb above Milk: Lake lies the Five-Color Lake at an altitude of roughly 4,600 to 4,700 meters. Though smaller in size, it is visually spectacular. It is a circular lake that sits in a deep depression, appearing like a dark eye of the mountain.

Its name derives from the phenomenon where the water reflects spectral colors—blue, green, purple, gold, and turquoise—under the changing angles of sunlight. It is famous for being a "divine" lake; local folklore suggests that the lake can "reveal the future" to those with a devout heart, and its shifting colors are seen as a manifestation of the five Dhyani Buddhas. Looking down from the high ridge, seeing the Five-Color Lake paired with the Milk Lake below, offers one of the most shocking and memorable panoramas in all of Western Sichuan.

A Pilgrimage of Faith and History

These lakes are not merely scenic spots; they are the heart of the "kora" (circumambulation) route for Tibetan pilgrims. Historically, the area was a forbidden zone accessible only to herdsmen and monks until the 20th century. The American explorer Joseph Rock's expedition in the 1930s brought these hidden gems to the world's attention, helping to inspire the legend of Shangri-La.

Culturally, the lakes are steeped in Tibetan Buddhism. The path to the lakes is adorned with fluttering prayer flags and Mani stone piles left by believers. Pilgrims believe that walking around these lakes or offering prayers here brings immense merit. In the past, it was believed that the epic hero King Gesar once drew strength from drinking the holy water at the foot of Mount Yangmaiyong.

The Hiking Experience

Reaching these lakes requires a strenuous hike starting from Luorong Pasture. The round trip is roughly 10 kilometers and involves a significant elevation gain at high altitude.

• 7.The Route: The trail passes through waterfalls, steep rocky slopes, and alpine meadows.
• 8.The Challenge: The air is thin, and the final ascent is steep, but the reward is a pristine, otherworldly silence and beauty that feels detached from the mortal world.
• 9.The Season: The scenery changes vividly. In autumn (September-October), the surrounding vegetation turns golden yellow, creating a stark contrast with the snow and blue water. In spring and summer (May-June), the area is surrounded by blooming rhododendrons and green pastures.